Our Mission

The Urban Farm (TUF) strives to provide the opportunity for urban youth to engage and participate in local food and agricultural systems by removing the barriers to entry such as land access, time, location and finances. TUF delivers experiential programs in animal husbandry, organic gardening, environmental education, land conservation, and food security that provide practical and behavioral life skills for youth and young adults. Our aspiration is to foster compassion and resilience in people and inspire them to build sustainable, healthy, and equitable communities.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at TUF

The Urban Farm is committed to welcoming, embracing and celebrating people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientation. We also acknowledge that there remains a long road ahead to achieve true equity for all historically oppressed communities. TUF believes that equity is when race and other social identities can no longer be used to predict life outcomes. Research tells us that when equity is the primary focus, with diversity and inclusion as supportive facets, all segments of communities are improved. This allows individuals who have often been institutionally marginalized and historically disadvantaged to be fully engaged and supported to achieve successful outcomes. Because of this, TUF emphasizes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, EDI, as the order of our efforts, not DEI

Our Values

RESPECT

Respect is the personal characteristic that shows consideration and regard for individuals, animals, the environment, authority, community, and self. Respectful people strive for fairness and equality in all actions and thoughts acknowledging the value and uniqueness of each individual. They follow rules, recognize authority, and positively participate in discussions and decision making.

RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility is the personal characteristic of ability to be accountable for one’s own actions, behaviors, and thought processes. Responsible people determine what is expected, gain knowledge in what must be done, and follow through to completion. They are trustworthy, honest, and independent thinker and support others in being responsible as well.

GRIT

Grit refers to persistence and resiliency. Those with grit finish what they start and persevere in spite of obstacles. They take pleasure in completing tasks, try again and again after failing, and are determined in the face of adversity. They are masters of their emotions, maintain self-control, face challenges and pain with courage, and maintain a positive attitude in all situations.

CARING

Caring is an active display of kindness and concern for the world including individuals, animals, the environment, and the community. Caring people demonstrate empathy through words and actions and express gratitude to others. They have purpose beyond themselves, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and seek the good things in all people.

CURIOSITY

Curiosity refers to taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake. Curious people find many topics fascinating and strive to master many skills. They love to explore and discover and embrace any opportunity to do so. Curious individuals acknowledge that many people have unique knowledge and skills and humbly seek to learn from them.

Land Acknowledgement

The Urban Farm honors and acknowledges that the land on which we reside is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado.

We honor Elders past, present, and future, and those who have stewarded this land throughout generations. We also recognize that government, academic and cultural institutions were founded upon and continue to enact exclusions and erasures of Indigenous Peoples.

May this acknowledgement demonstrate TUF’s commitment to working to dismantle ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities and recognize the current and future contributions of Indigenous communities in Denver.