In Denver’s far northeast neighborhoods, the Struggle of Love Foundation has become a beacon of stability, support, and transformation for those facing life’s hardest moments. In 2000 LaKisha and Joel Hodge created Struggle of Love. After facing homelessness themselves, the Hodges made it their mission to fill critical service gaps in their community. “We just wanted to give back,” LaKisha Hodge said. “We knew what it felt like to struggle and we wanted others to know they weren’t alone.”
What started as small outreach events has grown into a multi-faceted nonprofit providing everything from daily food distribution and mental health services to youth mentorship and gun violence prevention. At the core of the foundation’s approach is a commitment to meeting people where they are — with love, respect, and real resources.
The foundation's Sacks Of Love Food Pantry now operates out of two locations in Denver and Aurora, serving hundreds of families each day. What began with help from a single donor has expanded into a full-scale operation in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies. “It’s not just about food,” Hodge said. “It’s about dignity, connection, and making sure people feel seen.”
Struggle of Love also provides free mental health counseling — a rare offering in many underserved communities. Each client receives 10 free sessions, with sliding-scale options available afterward. Culturally relevant care is a priority. “We wanted to reduce the stigma and offer therapists who look like the community,” Hodge said.
The foundation's youth programs are equally expansive. Through its mentorship and sports wellness initiatives, young people receive leadership development, academic support, and life coaching. The Soldiers of Love basketball team was one of their early programs which integrates athletic training with tutoring, ensuring that character growth matches physical ability.
“Sports bring them in,” said Hodge. “But what keeps them is the love, the structure, and the opportunities we’re able to offer.”
Struggle of Love also plays a pivotal role in Denver’s response to gun violence. Its violence interruption team partners with local law enforcement, responding to shootings, mediating conflicts, and offering support to both victims and perpetrators. Team members, many with lived experience, serve as trusted voices in crisis.
“We’re there immediately,” Hodge said. “We offer grief counseling, help prevent retaliation, and make sure families don’t feel forgotten.”
The foundation also engages the public through education efforts — distributing gun locks at local gun shows and advocating for responsible firearm storage.
Beyond services, Struggle of Love creates a culture of connection. Whether through its popular summer camp, workforce training programs, or community circles, the foundation builds relationships rooted in care.
“We teach people to affirm their own goodness,” Hodge said. “To be proud of themselves, even if the world hasn’t been kind.”
At its core, Struggle of Love is more than a nonprofit. It’s a community movement powered by empathy and determination.
Hodge said finally “When they find us, they find a family.”
To find out more about Struggle of Love Foundation, visit their website.
