Lori Mueller Executive Director “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” H.P. Lovecraft At times we look forward to different opportunities on our horizon and...
Continue ReadingIs Policy or COVID-19 to Blame for Rising Truancy Cases?
Claire Hemme Communications Coordinator In the last year schools have seen a dizzying number of obstacles that have destroyed any sense of normalcy for students and teachers alike. Last spring’s pandemic wave left schools scrambling to find solutions to make online learning possible. Because of this, many teachers...
Continue ReadingChannel 9 News Word of Thanks Huge Success for Local Nonprofits
YouthZone is humbled with gratitude for the 1,870 donations that came from the Channel 9 News Word of Thanks feature with Kyle Clark. Lori Mueller said, “This kind of support is what empowers us to continue working with kids and families. Each donation helps us...
Continue ReadingYouthZone’s Commitment to Equity Reshapes Conversations
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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