Katie Westcott’s post college travel triggered a desire to work with kids, but in a structured environment where she felt she’d be able to do the most good. As a Youth Advocate II at YouthZone, Katie combines her expertise and experience with compassion. She works with youth as a mentor and coach so she can […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone’s Restorative Justice Coordinator receives state-level appointment
The Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justice Practices (CCRJP) appointed YouthZone’s Karen Barbee as their Education Representative at October’s quarterly meeting. Karen brings to this seat her experience as the Restorative Justice Coordinator at YouthZone, as well as 21 years of teaching in public schools, fulfilling the role of a Colorado State Appointed Mediator, and being […]
Continue ReadingSupporting nonprofits with year-end giving elevates our communities
Robin Tolan Development Director, YouthZone “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill When we donate to charity, it helps eliminate hardships that are a result of social problems. But philanthropy allows you to reduce or repair the social problems that cause a need for […]
Continue ReadingRestorative justice offers youth growth and healing through tiered system
By Karen Barbee Restorative Justice Coordinator Restorative justice is a response to harm caused by a person’s action. To be an essential partner with youth and their families, YouthZone offers restorative justice as one of the services to restore hope and a view of what is possible. Albert Einstein said, “All that is valuable in […]
Continue ReadingLaura’s Story: Moving Past the Stigma of Trauma and Mental Illness
Most of the time, trauma and mental illness are not in the scope of everyone’s daily lives. People often don’t understand the impacts of either of these on people’s lives, nor do they think it can happen in their family. But at some point, the painful reality is that everyone will either experience these directly […]
Continue ReadingTies to YouthZone come back years later with Rifle fitness gym
By Paula Stepp Billy Williams had a rough start in life. He was passed back and forth between parents who were struggling with their own problems and addictions. It wasn’t until his grandmother brought him and his sister to Palm Springs that his childhood gained some stability, and then his aunt and uncle invited […]
Continue ReadingHealthy families lead to capable kids
By Lori Mueller YouthZone Executive Director Family-centered homes allow youth to build both self-esteem and respect for others. In our zeal to raise healthy, active kids, the family sometimes gets left behind. As parents motivated by love, we all have best intentions for raising our kids. We love our kids, we support them, provide for […]
Continue ReadingPhone addictions hurt teens’ human connections
By Syreena Hamby I believe the biggest struggle for teens today is telephones. Although they are very helpful in many situations, cell phones are ultimately destroying the very foundation of humanity. Everywhere I go, I see people just staring at the screen, not even slightly aware of what’s going on around them. I […]
Continue ReadingSet clear family policies to deter youth substance abuse
By Lori Mueller Executive Director, YouthZone At YouthZone, parents tell us they are at a loss about what to do when their kids begin to vape. Whether it is flavored oils, tobacco or marijuana, vaping has reached epidemic proportions with our local youth. Several communities have taken the lead in changing policies, which is a […]
Continue ReadingSummer YouthZone programs provide opportunities for growth and connection
By Airen Goodman CYDC Coordinator, 9th Judicial District YouthZone provides supervised community service opportunities for youth that are required to complete public services hours by the court. Community service is not viewed as a punishment by YouthZone. It is the right thing to do. It is an opportunity for youth to contribute in a positive […]
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