YouthZone Builds Brighter Futures in Partnership with Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
By Ali Naaseh-Shahry, Deputy Development Director at YouthZone
Read the Article on the Post Independent website HERE.
We are thrilled to share some heartwarming news with our community. In a beautiful act of generosity, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park have teamed up with YouthZone to support youth mental health. From mid-May through December 31, when you purchase tickets to these local destinations, you’ll see a donation option to support YouthZone, with each business matching donations up to $5,000. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to making a positive difference and supporting our youth and families from Aspen to Parachute.
This partnership is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a beacon of hope and community solidarity. By adding a donation option on their ticket sales pages, these local businesses are helping to raise awareness and support for our local youth’s mental health. Heather Austin, Sales and Marketing Director at Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park shared, “We chose YouthZone because of their exceptional commitment to addressing mental health issues and their proactive approach in our community. We believe that by supporting YouthZone, we are investing in a healthier, more resilient future for our youth.”
At YouthZone, we witness the incredible transformations that occur when young people receive the support they need. We provide comprehensive mental health services through six dedicated professionals specializing in trauma, family therapy, and LGBTQ therapy. Our pre-existing contracts with these providers mean that our clients can access services immediately, without the delays and hurdles of insurance or out-of-pocket costs. We even have an on-call therapist available for drop-in sessions in Rifle, ensuring that help is always there when it’s needed most.
The impact of our work is profound. Many of our clients experience significant positive changes in their lives. For example, 28% of YouthZone clients report a reduction in their use of violent anger management strategies, while 21% feel better about themselves more frequently. Even more encouraging, 92% do not re-offend while participating in our programs, and 35% show improvement in areas such as drug and alcohol use, trauma, family, school, and community engagement, optimism, and problem-solving skills. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of our services in promoting mental health, reducing violence, and fostering a sense of well-being among our youth.
When you buy tickets to Iron Mountain Hot Springs or Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, you have the opportunity to make a real difference. Every dollar you donate will be matched, doubling your impact. This initiative runs through the end of 2024, giving everyone plenty of time to contribute to this vital cause. Your donations will directly support YouthZone’s mental health services, ensuring that young people receive the help they need without delay. By participating in this campaign, you’re not just enjoying these iconic locations—you’re helping foster mental health and resilience in our youth.
As we look ahead, this partnership stands as a symbol of hope and unity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families, giving them the tools and support they need to thrive. We invite you to join us on this journey. Visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, make a donation, and help us light the path to a brighter, healthier future for our youth. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all young individuals in our community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a positive impact.
YouthZone is a nonprofit that prioritizes family support for parents, guardians, families, and adolescents. Our services, available from Aspen to Parachute, include parent counseling, education, family resources, and comprehensive assessment and advocacy to foster healthy relationships among youth, families, and communities. For more information and to access our support, visit youthzone.com or call 970-945-9300.
Ali Naaseh-Shahry is a Colorado native who holds degrees in international public policy from the University of Colorado (BA) and University College London (MSc). He moved to western Colorado in 2015 to teach six-and-under ski school at the Aspen Skiing Company. Ali has taught a wide variety of academic and experiential subjects to people of all ages. Most recently, he worked as a special education teacher with the Roaring Fork School District, where he used data-driven decision making to improve his delivery of specialized instruction. Ali enjoys lift-access powder skiing, raft-access fly fishing, and spending time with his cats.