MHYC Masthead
Mile High Youth Corps
October 2009
Latest News
Corpsmembers to Restore Hayman Fire Area
Donors Make the Difference
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YouthBuild Graduate 
Congrats, YouthBuild Grads
MHYC celebrated the accomplishments of 22 Corpsmembers at the 2009 YouthBuild Graduation in mid-September. "Today is a proud day for all of us," said YouthBuild graduate Mellissa A. "We have broken barriers and stereotypes that have destroyed our communities." The YouthBuild Program helps young people develop construction skills, obtain a GED and engage in leadership development, civic engagement and job readiness activities. At the ceremony, 18 Corpsmembers were recognized for earning a GED and almost the entire group earned an AmeriCorps Education Award. To date, over half of the 2009 YouthBuild graduates have job or education placements. "I came to MHYC lost and confused with no hope," said YouthBuild graduate Justine T. "I'm leaving with visions of success and the power to make the best for my son and I."
 
MHYC Energy Conservation Program 
Fall Energy Update from T.J.
The summer is over and we are right back at retrofitting multi-family buildings (for energy conservation). We're installing light bulbs, changing sink aerators, testing refrigerators and checking toilets for leaks...
 
To read more of T.J. and other Corpsmembers' blog entries, visit The Corps Conversation here.
 
Whole Foods logo 
Support MHYC at Whole Foods
On Friday, November 13, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Whole Foods Market Tamarac presents "A Taste of the Holidays," an all-store tasting of their best holiday dishes. 100% of the event proceeds will return to MHYC programs. Sample multiple holiday dishes, each paired with a complimentary wine or beer taste and enjoy live music. Buy a $10 ticket the day of at the store's customer service desk.  
 
Whole Foods 
Tamarac
7400 E. Hampden Denver, CO 80231
303.488.2000

 
 
Preparing for Winter?
As the weather gets colder and heating bills start to rise, what changes are you implementing to conserve energy? Share your best tips or photos with the Corps and we'll include them in an upcoming eNewsletter. Send your suggestions to
annab@mhyc.net.
Upcoming Events
10/24/09 Make a Difference Day, MHYC Service Project
11/13/09 MHYC/Whole Foods Benefit Night, "A Taste of the Holidays"
11/13/09 MHYC Offices Closed for Veterans Day
11/26 - 11/27/09 MHYC Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
12/11/09 MHYC Graduation Ceremony
**For more info on events listed above, visit our online events calendar.
 Hayman Restoration Partnership
MHYC to Rehabilitate Devastation from Colorado's Largest Wildfire 
 
Mile High Youth Corps is excited to partner with Vail Resorts, the National Forest Foundation and the US Forest Service on "Treasured Landscapes: The Hayman Restoration Partnership." Announced by US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in late September, the partnership will restore the forest health and water quality to the area of Colorado's largest and most devastating wildfire, located approximately 70 miles southwest of Denver. The Corps anticipates having crews work on this project next summer, doing fire restoration including erosion control, planting of native species and sawyer work.
 
"The Hayman Restoration Project exemplifies our new vision of collaborative conservation, management and restoration of our nation's forests," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. "Through private-public partnerships like this one, we can make our forests more resilient to climate changes, protect water resources and improve forest health while creating jobs and generating rural wealth through recreation and tourism."  
 
For 20 days in June of 2002, the Hayman fire burned a total of 137,760 acres in the Pike National Forest, destroying structures, obliterating natural wildlife habitat and damaging recreation sites, trails and roads. "This type of public-private partnership is extraordinary and to have MHYC youth take part in this legacy project builds the next generation of stewards," said Dr. Kelly Causey, the executive director of the Corps.

 
Donors Make the Difference
 
Thank you to the following individuals, businesses and foundations who contributed to Mile High Youth Corps during the third quarter of 2009. Their generous contributions helped support our fall programs, allowing 41 young adults the opportunity to improve their lives while earning a paycheck and preparing for the future. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of youth and our community!
 
Chuck Andrus and Karen Stran
Mark and Michelle Armstrong
Malcom Aylett
Bikerpelli Sports
Anna Black
Peter and Janet Black
Ken and Lynette Brink
Shannon and Chris Chafin
Spencer Clark-Landman and Leah Franklin
Lillian and Jason Cook
Sharon Cornelius
Cross H. Foundation
Molly Cuffe
Katie and Matt Denman
Cory and Erin Frazier
Beth Ganz
Susan Gingrich
Kim Herbert
Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation
Keith Klesner
Fred and Judi Kugeler
Cathy Marcelli
Kyle Martin
Allan Matsuo
William G. McGowan Charitable Fund
Meiel Mendoza
Michelle Mullenax
Donna Munip and Keat Tan
PCL Construction Services
Tom Ratty
Kim Roberts
Angela Robinson
Christina Schleicher
Fritz Schumann
Dr. Fred and Dee Schumann
Eric Sondermann
Jessica Taylor
Mary Taylor
Georgia Tracy
Shanda Vangas
WealthTouch



2009 Summer of Service 
MHYC Summer of Service: A Great Success 
The 2009 Summer of Service Program at Mile High Youth Corps had many accomplishments. Check out a few:
  • 89% Corpsmember retention rate
  • 92% of the Corpsmembers earned an AmeriCorps Education Award, ranging from $1,000 to $1,250
  • 98% of Corpsmembers reported that MHYC had a positive impact on their lives and futures. 
Corpsmember Feedback
"I was excited to come to work everyday." Katherine H.  
"I was proud to be with a group that helps the community." Devon S.
"I learned how to overcome difficult tasks and situations." Jack H.  
"I am more interested in the environment and feel like it is now my responsibility to learn more." Adele C.
"I had a great time this summer making friends and working hard. The Corps taught me to be responsible." Jacob S.  
Lt. Gov. Addresses MHYC Corpsmembers  
Lt. Gov. Promotes Outdoor Initiative at Hike for Youth 
Colorado Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien attended Mile High Youth Corps Hike for Youth and 10K Trail Run on Saturday, September 12 to promote her initiative in connecting Colorado's youth to the outdoors. "Connecting kids to the outdoors shouldn't be trivialized," said O'Brien, as she addressed Corpsmembers, volunteers and event participants at the after-hike party. "Hiking and being outside makes kids healthier, more independent and ready to learn." Approximately 150 people braved the cold weather to support the event, which raised over $4,500 for the Corps. "We were thrilled to have the Lieutenant Governor attend Hike for Youth," said MHYC Executive Director Dr. Kelly Causey. "Her advocacy of youth issues and her focus on getting young people active in the outdoors aligns directly with our mission."