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 […]
Continue ReadingWalking the Line Between Social Distance and Isolation
Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator Recently I noticed myself forcing my gaze from the floor back into the eyes of a peer for the third time in a single conversation. “How strange,” I thought to myself, “Why is this so hard?” I’ve been a natural communicator since childhood, nearly everyone in my life knows me as a social […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone Creates First LGBTQ+ Safe Space for Local Teens
Rami El Gharib Restorative Justice Coordinator YouthZone Restorative Justice program has received a $25,000 micro-grant from the Colorado Restorative Justice Coordinating Council. This grant will be used to fund the valley’s first youth LGBTQ+ safe space, known as The Space. Having lived in Lebanon as an openly gay teen, I know the importance of a […]
Continue ReadingYouthZone Celebrates Administrative Staff
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 […]
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