Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator Eq·ui·ty: the quality of being fair and impartial. The age of good enough has come to an end meaning equity, diversity and inclusion are quickly becoming the focus of most conversations at YouthZone. In recognition of Black History Month, we want to share some of our conscious efforts to build equity in our work. Our toolbox includes informative literature to guide discussions, client and staff input, and the professional guidance of anti-racist practitioner Jordan Curry Carter. YouthZone knows […]
Continue ReadingBlanca Lara Partners With YouthZone to Enrich Her Studies
Blanca Lara has joined us from Metropolitan State University to intern with YouthZone while she finishes up her last year of studying on her way to becoming a Licensed Social Worker. She chose this nonprofit to enrich her education because she believes in our mission to help youth and families. Blanca is only a few weeks into this role and has already begun helping […]
Continue ReadingCMC Student Bianca Comes to YZ to Gain Experience
YouthZone recently gained a new member of the team. Bianca Godina will be temporarily fulfilling the Administrative Assistant position. Bianca’s decision to work with YouthZone is largely influenced by her goal to obtain a master’s degree in psychology. Bianca is at Colorado Mountain College pursuing a dual major Associates of Arts and an Associates of Arts with a concentration in communication. She believes that her work with our […]
Continue ReadingDismantling the School-To-Prison Pipeline
Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator When schools disproportionally punish children of color, they are creating a connection to the punitive system that does not always end with a diploma. The early introduction to the juvenile justice system for black and brown students has created the School-To-Prison-Pipeline (STPP). This nationwide problem removes children from the school environment and puts them at lifelong risk. Zero Tolerance Policies, high suspension rates and […]
Continue ReadingChanges in Youth Behavior Could Signal Psychological Trauma
Courtney Dunn, MSW Trauma and Youth Specialist No one likes to be told their child may be exhibiting behaviors that result from psychological trauma. These are hard topics of discussion, but depression, stress and anxiety drastically affect a large number of our youth. YouthZone saw an increased need for therapy and substance intervention in 2020 when youth and parents experienced stress and psychological trauma as […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone is Offering Free 1-Hour Parent Consults
Trying to juggle work, changing school schedules, increased stress and mental health needs of your teens on top of handling daily family routines is becoming more difficult by the day. If you don’t know what to do next, you are not alone. YouthZone is now offering free one-hour parent consultations to parents who need guidance and support. For […]
Continue ReadingRestorative Justice Across Cultures Repairs Harm and Creates Community
Rami El Gharib Restorative Justice Coordinator Lebanon, with its history of war and armed conflict, is the same country that I call home. Several Lebanese communities were left fractured in the brutal civil war from 1975 to 1990. If you look at these places now though, it is as if a war had never happened. […]
Continue ReadingAnderson Ranch Artists Create Banner to Share YouthZone’s story
YouthZone was one of five local nonprofits selected to work with Anderson Ranch this August on a public arts initiative supported by the City of Aspen. Members of the artistic staff at Anderson Ranch worked with each nonprofit to bring visibility to their missions through artistic collaborations. The created artworks were reproduced as outdoor-scaled banners […]
Continue ReadingSay Hello to New Grants and Data Manager Stephanie Maurice
YouthZone recently welcomed Stefanie Maurice as the new Grants and Data Manager. Stefanie has a background in both health care administration and writing, and her attention to detail and her preexisting knowledge of privacy and accuracy have helped her settle into this position. Stefanie also has a good understanding of the nonprofit sector because many health care facilities function as a nonprofit. She is familiar with […]
Continue ReadingHelp YouthZone Celebrate Colorado Gives Day!
Carol Wolff Development Director Giving is one of the most gratifying feelings in the world, and better yet, one of the simplest. Gifts aren’t always material; sometimes they are simple acts of human kindness or supporting a cause that is important to you. Philanthropy is described as “the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good […]
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