By Staff Claire Hemme’s journey to YouthZone began with an unplanned raft guiding position. After graduating from West Virginia University in the midst of the Covid-19 shutdown, Claire wasn’t sure how she would find a job. As the pandemic raged on, callbacks became fewer and fewer. Searching for a...
Continue Reading2020 Ascent Filmmaker Biographies
Belle Ebner: My name is Belle Ebner and I’m from Vail, Colorado. I am studying Journalism in school, and hope to gain some real-life experience here as well as learn all about my future occupation in school. Mya’s World: This...
Continue ReadingYouthZone’s annual fundraiser to share local youth films during virtual film fest
Carol Wolff Development Director Our communities have recognized YouthZone as a pillar in positive youth development and advocacy for 44 years. Serving adolescents and parents from Aspen to Parachute, YouthZone strives to keep our communities safe, our families strong and...
Continue ReadingAscent 2020 Film Maker Hannah Pike: Mentoring through COVID-19
Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator For the past five years, the YouthZone Ascent fundraiser has showcased local youth talent on the stage. The rising threat of COVID-19 this spring meant that it was time to get creative. This year, the 2020...
Continue ReadingRami El Gharib Eagerly Continues Restorative Justice Work with YouthZone
Restorative Justice Coordinator Rami El Gharib seeks opportunities to blend the vulnerable population of our diverse communities into a safe space through his new role with YouthZone. Community building and conflict resolution are what interest Rami the most in his...
Continue ReadingYouthZone helps parents address racism with their kids
Lori Mueller Executive Director As a parent in today’s society it can be difficult to navigate through a topic as complex as racism, and if you are part of a white family, you may not even feel directly impacted by it. Remaining silent and ignoring these issues can perpetuates their existence. Today, more than ever before,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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