It takes one person to make an impact on the future of a child.

Dear ,

Thank you for your ongoing support this year! The Buddy Program served over 650 youth in 2011, marking the organization as the Roaring Fork Valley's leader in breadth, magnitude and quality of services for youth.

With your support, the Buddy Program has been able to meet the needs of even more youth who are referred to the program, surpassing the benchmarks of previous years...

• Provided guidance and inspiration for 654 youth in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield Counties.
• Granted over 140 scholarships for afterschool activities, to keep youth involved during the critical 3 to 5pm time period.
• Began training our Big Buddies on a proven curriculum to help their Little Buddies learn about and prepare for college, especially those that are 1st generation college attendees.
• Provided continuing education scholarships to help 13 youth attend college.
• Licensed the curriculum for Lemonade Day, a national program developed to instill financial literacy and the spirit of entrepreneurship by teaching youth how to start own, and operate their own business - a lemonade stand. Joined 4 other human service agencies to create a complete parenting program in Pitkin County that will effectively engage and educate families, helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Invited to join state-wide effort to increase access to education on healthy and safe relationships by implementing sustainable programming to prevent unintended pregnancy and unnecessary violence.
• Expanded Experiential Programming, now serving over 160 youth in Monthly Life Skills sessions and follow up lunches on school grounds in Aspen, Basalt, and Carbondale.
• Expanded Peer-to-Peer programs in Carbondale.

And the results are in! Based on professional evaluations of our programs, Buddy Program participants have increased self-esteem and ability to make positive decisions, as well as strengthened communication skills, increased attendance and attitude toward school and relationships with peers, adults and family.

With the growing number of youth in need, your support of the Buddy Program is more vital than ever! Please give today and invest in the future of a child.

Benefit the Buddy Program in FENDI Style

The Buddy Programs wants to thank FENDI for their ongoing support of our local youth. Generously, 20% of the proceeds from FENDI's Aspen sales from December 21-26 will benefit the Buddy Program! On Thursday, December 22nd from 2pm to 4pm, FENDI will be offering champagne and holiday cheer for all who visit their Aspen boutique. FENDI has lots of gift ideas (starting at just $40) for everyone. Please stop by to say hello and support our mentoring programs: FENDI -- 208 South Mill Street, Aspen.