Taylor Schultz
Where Are You From, What Brought You to Denver and Why Open UP?
I was born and raised near Kalamazoo, MI and attended Wheaton College for my undergraduate degree. While there, I majored in Cultural Anthropology and grew a passion to see justice and equity take form in our cities.
After graduating, I spent a year as a mentor to teens in Kansas City, MO and then moved to Denver to join CrossPurpose’s Center for Urban Leadership. I wanted to learn more about non-profit management, understand the complex and interconnected issues facing urban areas and learn to creatively work together to solve tough problems.
While working as a case-manager through the Fellowship program, I saw a deep need for a sustainable and dignified solution to the affordable housing crisis that Denver and our country, are currently facing.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to seeing a simple idea spur great transformation: in ourselves, property owners, homeowners, home-seekers and ultimately, in our communities and country.
Kayla VandenBosch
Where Are You From, What Brought You to Denver and Why Open Up?
I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Calvin College to earn undergraduate degrees in International Development Studies and Spanish with a minor in Urban Studies. I spent two semesters off-campus studying Spanish in Peru and working as a research intern for World Renew in Cambodia.
Throughout my time at Calvin, I discovered my own passion for bringing the concepts of community development and New Urbanism together to make neighborhoods and cities healthier, happier, more sustainable, and more welcoming for everyone.
I am part of the incoming cohort for a two-year Fellowship with CrossPurpose in Denver and will be joining Taylor to work full-time for Open Up. Open Up is just one piece of the puzzle, but it brings unique perspectives and solutions to the table to powerfully impact Colorado communities.
What are you looking forward to?
I can’t wait to join the conversation about affordable housing in Denver and see how our programs unfold and positively affect our Denver neighbors.
Doug Frueh
Doug came to Colorado in 1987 straight out of college at North Dakota State University (home of NFL quarterback, Carson Wentz) to further his education. Since his move to the Denver-metro area, he has been involved in the helping fields. Doug has an undergraduate degree in business, a Master of Divinity degree and a Masters of Arts degree in counseling. Doug has pastored at a number of churches, worked at an educational institution and now works as the executive director for Open up.
Why Open Up?
Doug believes in the power of relationship and mutuality. Relationships have the power to change lives, especially when we recognize experiences that are common to all people. Sharing all of life, our joys, sorrows, struggles, successes, knowledge and resources allows us to engage one another. We can empathize and encourage each other when life becomes difficult; we can celebrate the good in life when it is going well. When we develop significant relationships, we share in all that it means to be human. We do not walk alone.
What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to growing the awareness of Open Up and increasing its impact in the community. I’m looking forward to developing the relationships necessary to accomplish this work.
Interests: Officiating High School basketball, photography, basic auto mechanics, golf, traveling, and finance
Favorite books: Blue Like Jazz and Life of the Beloved
Favorite Movie: Dead Poets Society