I first connected with Unity Denver in July 2024 through the weekly Al-Anon meeting hosted here. I had a complicated relationship with religion and church from my upbringing, so I was specifically looking for an Al-Anon group that wasn’t meeting in a traditional church. Since Unity Denver described itself as a spiritual center, it felt like a place I could try. When I arrived for my first meeting, I cried. I was scared to walk into a church for the first time in years, but seeing the small Pride flag on the door gave me the courage to walk in.

After several month of attending Al-Anon, I walked out of a meeting and heard someone call, “Coach Melissa!” It as Liz, whose daughter Charlotte I had coached during two seasons of girls rugby. Liz took the time to tell me more about Unity Denver, gave me a tour, and listened as I shared some of my experiences with church and religion. One stop on that tour was the bookstore. Seeing crystals and oracle decks in a church was something I had never experienced before, and it sparked my curiosity. I realized Unity Denver was different from any spiritual community I had known.

My girlfriend Val and I attended our first Unity Denver event during the Dreaming the Dream workshops. At the time, I wasn’t quite ready to commit to “going to church” again, so attending a workshop felt like a comfortable first step. Eventually, I started attending services, though they were emotional at first. There was a lot of healing, a lot of tears, and a lot of unpacking old religious trauma.

In early 2025, the teens returned from Legacy Rally and shared stories and videos during service. Their joy and excitement were contagious. Watching them reminded me of some of the positive experiences I had as a kid in youth groups. Then Heidi jokingly said from the stage, “If any adult wants to ride in a van full of teens for 13 hours, come talk to me?” I immediately turned to Val and said, “That’s what I want to do.” I realized I wanted to help create the kinds of affirming experiences for young people that I wish more of us had growing up. I went on a summer camping trip with the teens in 2025, and officially became a Y.O.U. sponsor that fall. Spending time with the teens each Sunday has become one of the highlights of my week, and I’m excited to attend my first Rally soon.

Over time, my involvement at Unity Denver continued to grow. I help organize the CommUnity Service Group with Johanna, where we currently prepare a monthly meal for HAND (Housekeys Action Network Denver), which supports people who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. I also assist with marketing and communications for various Unity Denver events and initiatives.

In December 2025, I launched Rooted & Flow, a completely volunteer-led food pantry hosted at Unity Denver. What started as a simple idea has grown into a weekly program the provides no-cost groceries to approximately 30-40 families each week, while also supporting our nonprofit partner HAND.

I came to Unity Denver searching for community. People I could learn from, people who would challenge me to grow, and people who would love me unconditionally while I figured out who I am and what I believe. What I found was so much more than I expected. Unity Denver has been a place of healing, belonging, service, and connection. Volunteering gives me an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me, and I am deeply grateful for everyone who has been part of my journey here.