By Airen Goodman Program and Outreach Coordinator A collaborative approach with community partners provides effective opportunities for early intervention with youth in our region. As YouthZone’s new Program and Outreach Coordinator, my goal is to create and implement new ideas through these collaborations to identify gaps for each client. Utilizing each partner’s strengths and expertise […]
Continue ReadingRestorative questions help deepen relationship with a child
By Mary Bess Bolling Restorative Justice Coordinator I was at work when I received the call from a school administrator that my daughter had bitten a boy on the playground. My kid bit someone!? I rocketed down the rabbit hole in my mind: Who was this boy? Was it self-defense? Will my daughter grow up […]
Continue ReadingStudents sought for new YouthZone advisory council
By Magdalena Palomares Youth Representative, YouthZone Board of Directors As a youth-facing organization, YouthZone prioritizes the voices of our region’s youth. For the last two years, I have held a spot on YouthZone’s Board of Directors as one of a succession of high school students. In a new role as Youth Advisory Council Chair, I will […]
Continue ReadingLocal collaboration key to providing a network of youth support
By Stefanie Maurice Grants and Data Manager YouthZone’s recent efforts to strengthen collaboration with a strong network of community partners to share resources and funding will mean increased and positive outcomes for youth, families and communities. Increasing access and decreasing barriers through these partnerships provides a broader network of support at an earlier stage to […]
Continue ReadingArt Apprenticeship: Deconstructing The Self-Portrait
Art Apprenticeship: Deconstructing The Self-Portrait With YouthZone & Anderson Ranch Arts Center Students 8th Grade through 12th Grade Register by Sept. 30 for an Art Apprenticeship with Anderson Ranch Arts Center and YouthZone. Participants will be awarded $200 for their artistic contribution! In this art apprenticeship with Anderson Ranch Arts Center and YouthZone create […]
Continue ReadingCourtney Dunn returns to YouthZone as new Trauma and Youth Specialist
Sometimes a journey with YouthZone can turn into a lifetime with YouthZone. At least, that’s the story for YouthZone’s Trauma and Youth Specialist Courtney Dunn. Courtney’s journey with YouthZone began shortly after she indulged in alcoholic beverages before a school dance at 16 years old. This introduction to our organization became an internship in 2011 […]
Continue ReadingYouth embrace self-identity when building their value system
By Tina Olson Senior Therapist and Clinical Supervisor Teenagers are known to be experimenters. When they were young children, their structure likely came from the family’s value system. But as they grow into adolescents, young people start exploring on their own by looking outside the family to try on other values. At YouthZone, our staff […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone’s 2020 $20,000 Challenge to provide youth services
YouthZone is committed to providing the same level of services to our youth from Aspen to Parachute, but we are experiencing unparalleled losses in funding with the Covid-19 impact on the economy. We are reaching out to our community to help us make up some of the immediate shortfall. Like so many non-profits, the pandemic […]
Continue ReadingYouth learn to connect with nature to reduce stress
By Katie Westcott, Mary Bess Bolling and Carol Wolff Advice From A Tree: “Stand Tall and Proud. Sink your roots into the Earth. Be content with your natural beauty. Drink plenty of water. Enjoy the view.*” When working with young clients, YouthZone’s advocates and counselors focus on methods of restoration for the adolescent, their families, […]
Continue ReadingRacial Justice: A statement from YouthZone’s Board of Directors and Staff
All of us at YouthZone are outraged by the incidents of racism we have witnessed over the past two weeks. The senseless killing of George Floyd has provoked an outpouring of fear, hurt and rage across our nation. And rightly so. His murder was not due to a racist individual acting badly, but rather it was […]
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