Welcoming New Faces to YouthZone – Meet Pete, Lupe, and Naomi
At YouthZone, our mission is to provide comprehensive assessment and advocacy to inspire healthy relationships between youth, families, and communities. Our vision, “Hopeful Youth, Strong Families, and Safe Communities,” drives everything we do. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce three exceptional new members of our team who embody these values and bring an incredible wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles: Pete Durrance, Lupe Loya, and Naomi Pena.
Pete Durrance joins YouthZone as a Youth Advocate, bringing a unique blend of experiences from the music and entertainment industry, as well as his work with cultural and political icons. Pete is not new to YouthZone—he is a proud YouthZone graduate, having firsthand experience with the transformative power of support, accountability, and advocacy. His diverse background and personal journey of overcoming challenges give him a profound understanding of the complexities that families involved with YouthZone face.
Pete’s role in Restorative Justice programs and Youth Mentorship is deeply impactful. His firsthand experience fuels his commitment to guiding others towards a brighter future, embodying the hope and strength that YouthZone aims to instill. Pete’s multifaceted expertise and genuine empathy make him a remarkable asset to Team YouthZone, as he continues to inspire and empower the youth and families in our community.
We’re excited to welcome Lupe Loya as a new Youth Advocate. Lupe is a passionate educator and behavioral specialist who recently relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley community. She started her career as an early education teacher, where she spent two years nurturing young minds. Following this, she transitioned to a behavioral specialist role in the AN Program, and later, contributed to the SSN Program. Lupe’s dedication to understanding and enhancing diverse learning needs is evident in her choice of reading material—books on neuroplasticity—highlighting her belief in the brain’s capacity for growth and change.
Lupe’s varied experiences and her commitment to education are instrumental in her role at YouthZone. She is eager to bring her unique perspective and skills to support and advocate for our youth, fostering the healthy relationships and strong families that YouthZone envisions.
Naomi Pena joins YouthZone as our new Administrative and Data Assistant. A devoted advocate and a familiar face in the Roaring Fork and Grand River Valley communities, Naomi’s career and passion have been significantly shaped by a personal experience that led her to focus on helping others. Naomi has already made impactful contributions through her internship at YouthZone and her work with the Department of Human Services. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services, further solidifying her commitment to community advocacy and support.
Naomi’s role involves maintaining the crucial administrative and data management aspects of YouthZone. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills ensure that our operations run smoothly, enabling our team to deliver more effective support and advocacy. Beyond her professional endeavors, Naomi enjoys perfecting her nail art and makeup skills and cherishes time spent with her family and dog.
Moving Forward Together
The addition of Pete Durrance, Lupe Loya, and Naomi Pena to our team symbolizes YouthZone’s ongoing commitment to our mission and vision. These new team members bring unique perspectives, valuable experiences, and immense dedication to supporting our community’s youth and families. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are confident that Pete, Lupe, and Naomi will play integral roles in enriching our services and fostering a community where hopeful youth, strong families, and safe communities thrive.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Pete, Lupe, and Naomi to the YouthZone family. Together, we will continue to inspire healthy relationships and build a brighter future for all.
Join YouthZone in Making a Difference
In search of a career that’s both fulfilling and impactful? Consider embarking on a professional journey with YouthZone! At YouthZone, our mission is to enhance the lives of our clients by fostering personal growth and achievement, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex challenges faced by today’s youth.
Our comprehensive services include youth asset surveys, parental guidance programs, individual and family counseling, restorative justice initiatives, court programs, and a variety of educational workshops. Becoming a part of YouthZone means joining more than just a workplace; it’s an opportunity to engage in a transformational movement.
We value our team members and offer a range of benefits designed to support a balanced and healthy lifestyle, including a flexible work schedule, three hours of weekly exercise time, a robust retirement plan, and a health insurance-focused wellness stipend. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity and welcome applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster justice and equality through a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to positively impacting lives and shaping futures. Explore YouthZone’s Career Opportunities today!