YOUTHZONE NEWS
November 2017
In This Issue
Much to be Thankful for this Year!

It's hard to believe we are closing in on the end of another year!  We have so much to be thankful for, including the amazing community in which we live, work, and provide guidance and support to many young people and their families. 
 
With your support, we raised more than $156,000 during this year's YouthZone Ascent.  Our teams worked hard to not only raise funds for YouthZone, but also become involved with some pretty amazing service projects that made an impact on both our volunteering youth and the community.
 
We continue to be grateful for everyone involved with YouthZone.  Our donors, volunteers, colleagues ... but most importantly, our youth who become a part of our family and recognize the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead for them.
 
From all of us at YouthZone, we wish you all a healthy, happy, and safe Thanksgiving!
Welcome Alex Williard!
 

YouthZone is pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Alex Williard.  Alex recently joined our organization through the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program.  Since 1965, over 220,000 VISTA members have served in all 50 states and the U.S. Territories.  Conceived by President Kennedy as a domestic counterpart the Peace Corps, VISTA provides non-profits with dedicated workers who serve full time for one-year terms.  Alex will be assisting YouthZone as our Communications Coordinator, helping educate the community and our partners about YouthZone and our programs.
 
As a young person, Alex thought his lifelong calling was to enter medicine, following the footsteps of his parents.  After entering Ohio State as a pre-med student, he found that the medical field was not something he felt passionate about.  During the time that he took a semester off from college, Alex became more involved in art and creative processes.  He returned to school and received a degree in studio art, which has allowed him to express himself through sharing stories in an impactful way.
 
We're excited to have Alex here and are looking forward to seeing how he can help YouthZone's communication endeavors grow.
Colorado Department of Human Services Training

YouthZone employees recently took advantage of training through the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services.
 
Executive Director Lori Mueller and Clinical Supervisor Kerry Cheney both presented at the conference.  Lori presented on leadership styles and how leaders can help develop leaders on their team.   Kerry presented on nine ways to stimulate the Vagus nerve, helping those who are surrounded by personal or vicarious memories of trauma.  Other staff members at YouthZone attended the training, which featured a number of training sessions beneficial for professionals working with Youth.
Colorado Gives Day - Tues., Dec. 5!

Please support YouthZone during Colorado Gives Day!

Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving.  By supporting YouthZone with a donation online at ColoradoGives.org, your donation will be boosted by the $1 Million Incentive Fund and will count toward more funding for YouthZone!

If you won't be in front of a computer on December 5 - never fear!  You can schedule your payment in advance!

Please remember Youthzone on Decmber 5!
Elks Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, December 9  - 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Elks Lodge in West Glenwood Springs

Shop and enjoy some yummy treats and soups!  Lots of crafts and fun with new friends.  

Proceeds to benefit YouthZone!

Thank You to Our Recent Donors!

Aspen Community Foundation - $20,000 per year for the next two years!
Bacon Family Foundation - $5,000
Bruce Dixson Fund (Under WCCF) - $10,000
Karl Eitel, El Pomar -  $4,000
Laurie Michaels - $20,000
Rifle Community Foundation - $5,000
Upcoming 2017 YouthZone Substance Abuse Classes

Glenwood Springs - December 27, 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Aspen - November 29, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.