Community Highlights: Meet Devon Lenderink of Covered Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Lenderink.

Hi Devon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always felt that my purpose in life was to serve – to give back to others, create a stronger world, build community and spread kindness and compassion. As Development Director at Covered Colorado, I get to utilize my talents daily to help give survivors of sex-trafficking get the support they need to heal and become self-sufficient.

Survivors of sex trafficking are so often overlooked in our community. Even the topic of sex-trafficking for the vast majority of people can be uncomfortable – to say the least. I am so encouraged when I meet companies, churches and individuals who want to learn more – to take that first step in to being uncomfortable. As they learn more about sex-trafficking and how it’s happening in their communities. The common initial response is shock, then immediately followed by, “How can I help?”

Talking to supporters, donors, and community members everyday to educate and invite them to join us in this important work gives me joy. We all get to be a part of each survivor’s journey as she does the really hard work preparing for her next step forward. The work that we do at Covered Colorado is restorative and empowering. Our safe homes provide safety and comfort, the counseling sessions provide healing and strengthens voices, and case management encourages future planning and long-term goals. Every survivor’s life matters.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is always filled with up and downs. If you are not facing challenges along the way, you aren’t pushing yourself. Someone once told me that “if you are the biggest fish in your pond, you have to find a new pond.” In my role, I am always being challenged and growing – making new donor connections, planning events, overseeing campaigns, grant writing and spreading awareness. If I am not challenged everyday, I’m not doing my job right. The end goal is always to make sure our comprehensive program and services are funded so we can continue to stay focused on our mission – to empower each sex trafficking survivor toward healing and self-sufficiency.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Covered Colorado?
At Covered Colorado, our comprehensive program is designed to meet survivors where they are, providing a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and empowerment-based approach to healing and self-sufficiency. Utilizing evidence-based practices, we equip and support each survivor with the tools necessary for long-term stability.

The first phase of our program begins at Lighthouse, offering survivors a safe and structured short-term stabilization living environment where they can stay for up to 30 days. During this critical period, we prioritize medical care, mental health support, safety planning, and individualized case management to address immediate needs. Our team works closely with each survivor to assess their situation, connect them with essential resources, and develop a personalized plan for their next steps—whether that involves transitioning into our longer-term residential program, reconnecting with safe family members, or pursuing other pathways to stability.

For survivors ready to take the next step, Covered House provides a structured living environment where they can stay for up to two years. This phase focuses on long-term healing and skill development, offering life skills training, individual therapy from licensed counselors, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), group psychoeducational classes, a job readiness program, and community-building opportunities. Our case management team provides ongoing support to help survivors establish financial independence, develop healthy relationships, and build a strong foundation for a successful future.

For survivors preparing to rebuild their lives, the Care and Education Center offers a dynamic hub designed to foster growth, connection, and confidence. Here, our multidisciplinary team walks alongside each survivor, ensuring they gain the practical tools, emotional resilience, and supportive network they need to step into long‑term independence and success.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always very observant and quick to humor. My heart was always on my sleeve and I felt compelled to spread kindness and laughter. Whenever I saw others hurting, my heart immediately felt tight and I hurt with them.

Not much has changed growing up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coveredcolorado.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coveredcolorado/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coveredcolorado/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covered-colorado