Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator Every organization needs a “glue” to hold the staff together to keep things running smoothly. For some, this can be programs or spreadsheets, but here at YouthZone it’s our administrative staff, Linda Green and Mary Bess Bolling. These women work tirelessly every day to keep our staff and clients working […]
Continue ReadingFundraising During a Pandemic: What it Means for a Non-profit
Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator YouthZone holds its annual Ascent fundraiser to gather enough funding to keep its services available for youth and families. We are grateful to be a part of a community that understands the challenges presented by state and local restrictions to gather in large groups this year, and we thank those who […]
Continue ReadingYouth Find Restoration Through the Art of Conflict Resolution
Airen Goodman CYDC/Senate Bill 94 Coordinator Conflict is a normal part of life, an everyday challenge, and an opportunity to learn to express yourself and create change. The other day I asked one of my kids I work with at YouthZone, “When you think of the word conflict, what comes to mind?’” “Losing control,” […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone’s Past Reaches Out
Lori Mueller Executive Director In early September, Colorado Governor, Jarid Polis declared Sept. 6 through Sept. 12 Youth Awareness Week. The week featured daily activities to celebrate and honor youth with professional development and engagement opportunities. In his proclamation, the governor stated, “Youth are our future leaders and regardless if they are within an institutional […]
Continue ReadingAmericorps VISTA Claire Hemme Lands At YouthZone
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 job had become exhausting and fruitless. She was introduced to Americorps by a friend and applied to some VISTA programs […]
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 film details the death of my childhood friend, who was murdered by her boyfriend at […]
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 our youth responsible by providing young people the tools to succeed. Once a year, local […]
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 Ascent Event is featuring a virtual youth film festival showcasing the complexities of today’s world […]
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 new position. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Rami came to the United States in […]
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, we have a duty as parents and role models to take an active role in ending racism. YouthZone believes that silence is […]
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