Third Way Center

Founded in 1970

Hildegard Messenbaugh, MD, a noted Denver psychiatrist at the University of Colorado Medical Center, was approached by concerned members of the community about the growing number of adolescents living on the streets.

Within the Denver Community

Many of these young people fled turbulent and traumatic family situations, had trouble with the law, or had recently left other institutional settings. With Dr. Messenbaugh’s guidance and the support of the Denver community, an alternative to homelessness for troubled youth was formed.

Third Way Center Helps

This third way grew from one shelter for troubled teens to a continuum of services, offering a path to healing and wholeness that we are today. For nearly half a century, Third Way Center has helped transform the lives of thousands of teens, empowering them to build better future lives for themselves.