Where hope takes root.
Our Roots
The story of Mile High WorkShop begins with roots—planted in soil shaped by faith and love for our city. That soil was Mile High Ministries, which started as a small group of church members with a heart for neighbors living on the margins. Over time, they became deeply connected to Denver, listening for God’s guidance, standing alongside those experiencing poverty, and working at the intersection of faith and community development. It was in this environment of love for neighbor and advocacy that Mile High Workshop first took root.
In 2014, two friends, Doug and Keith, made a seed investment to support a new workforce development initiative within Mile High Ministries. That investment launched a vision: a place where residents of Joshua Station could gain skills, rebuild confidence, and experience stability. Andy Magel was hired as the founding Executive Director to lead this mission, translating vision into action and helping build the foundation for what Mile High Workshop would become.
Seasons of Growth
2014–2015 | Joshua Station
Our first home was modest, but full of hope, at the back of Mile High Ministries, Joshua Station. Our first approach to job creation was asking, “What can we make”? That turned into ventures like water delivery, soap making, catering, and dog beds, each offering participants an opportunity to learn, earn, and reclaim confidence in themselves.
2015–2016 | Englewood
We learned that the best approach to creating the greatest number of jobs is through contract production and to become part of the supply chain and began to ask the question, “Who can we partner with”? The WorkShop shifted toward contract manufacturing—kitting, assembly, woodworking, and sewing—while expanding support services for participants.
2016–2021 | Aurora
Sharing space with Bud’s Warehouse, we expanded national contract partnerships and launched our banner bag line thanks to Mission Wear’s donation of sewing machines and customers. In 2019, Mile High WorkShop became its own 501(c)(3), stepping fully into independence.
2021–Present | Denver
Our largest facility yet, 3795 E. Jackson Street, in the Clayton neighborhood, combines robust space for classroom-based learning and training on our production floor. Banner partnerships grew, Everpillow joined our family in 2022, and our program and ESE (employment social enterprise) continues to grow. This space allows us to offer a soft landing while fostering growth, learning, and meaningful contribution.
The Work Ahead
The heart of Mile High WorkShop is people. We are a place where someone’s future comes first, and their past does not define them. From our earliest leaders to our current team, so many have poured time, energy, and care into making this place what it is today.
Looking ahead, we want to grow our community partnerships and make sure we are connecting the dots with other organizations in housing, recovery, and health care. We want to make supports easier to access so no one falls through the cracks.
We’re also focused on giving participants real-world work experience, and a variety of skills through our contract production and repurposed product lines. Most importantly, it’s the people behind our products- participants (Mountaineers), staff, and volunteers —who make the WorkShop what it is.
We will keep showing up, working together, and walking alongside people as they reclaim hope and rebuild their lives.
