|
Sleep More, Worry Less |
|
As our teens mature, we tend to want to tighten up the reins rather than let them out. In reality, if we allow our teens to begin to set their own boundaries regarding curfew, we give them the opportunity to learn many valuable life lessons. In a few years they will be making all their own decisions so why not let them practice while they have the safety net of loving parents?try allowing your teen to choose their curfew. Before you shout, "She's crazy," allow me to explain...
Read on...
|
Funding
Update |
Thank you to The Racing Mules who donated $3000 for YouthZone's Pals Mentoring program this month!
The Racing Mules is a golf group 92 members strong, and since its inception in 2003 the group has given more than $50,000 to non-profit organizations in the Roaring Fork Valley.
|
|
Debbie's Dialogue |
|
Wow, this is a great website from the state! It has info on percentages of kids using alcohol, having sex, talking about suicide...all the way to wearing seat belts and eating carrots! I shared it recently with our staff and thought you might find it of interest as well. (A warning: don't hit "print; it's a massive document!)
Next month I'll share some of the successes we're seeing in the state with our SB94 kids; these are some of the toughest kids in the system and their cases often end in tragedy. You'll like these stories of resiliency and triumph.
'Til then...
|
|
|
Welcome to YouthZone's new E-Newsletter! We always look forward to connecting with people about what we do, whether in the office, the school, or on the  street, or even at the ol' fishin' hole (as you see in the photo, right, taken at a recent Pals event at the Zilm home in Glenwood Springs!). We love to tell you about our new programs, people and, particularly, we love to share our success. Thanks for giving us another avenue to share with you all that is happening in this valley to help communities raise great kids! |
|
Positive Youth Development
 YouthZone has been nominated to represent Colorado in a nationwide study. The Coalition of Juvenile Justice (CJJ) is seeking input from youth organizations from each state regarding positive youth development, and Colorado has selected us to represent the state! Developing positive young people is something we know a thing or two about; we've been committed to kids and families for more than 30 years so we are thrilled to have a voice in this important work.
As we stated in our nomination: "Through individualized services, YouthZone staff help young people build resiliency by learning how to use their strengths and assets to create positive life experiences." Click here to read our nomination summary and learn more about YouthZone strategies. |
|
Spotlight on the Community
Each month we want to let you know about some some wonderful organizations doing great work for kids... The Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers (RFFRC) connect students who are having difficulty in school due to health, family or social issues with community resources. Resources might include food & clothing assistance, physicians, dentists, eye care & mental health services, tutoring, recreation & enrichment activities, parenting classes, child care, after school activities, and financial assistance as needed. The Centers assist students and their families by providing transportation and translation, obtaining funding for services if needed, and helping plan for possible future needs. RFFRC also offer parenting classes, and health education in schools and the community. You can also use your local RFFRC to access YouthZone's school-based programs.
You can find a RFFRC office in Basalt, Carbondale or Glenwood Springs. For a list of services and upcoming classes, visit the RFFRC on the web! |
|
YZ Happenings Here's a closer look at some of the people and places keeping YouthZone busy this fall:
Five YZ employees recently attended a Restorative Justice training in Boulder. This unique form of mediation provides an opportunity for youthful offenders to face and apologize to their victims, while trained staff members serve as an unbiased third party. Restorative Justice has a 92% success rate and we're proud to be part of such an important community asset.
YouthZone's Pals mentoring program is now in its 30th year matching adults and teens with young Pals. There are now 48 Pals matches from Carbondale to Parachute, including eight Roaring Fork High School students who joined last month. Share your life, be a Pal mentor!
YZ case managers Sarah Woods Kelly and Jenna Roe particpated in a day of support at Bridges High School after the recent suicide of a Bridges graduate. This collaborative effort with Bridges and other agencies helped more than 100 students deal with the loss. Sarah and Jenna, who coordinate YZ's Girls' Circle and Boys' Council programs, facilitated a healing workshop for students on healthy relationships.
YouthZone was invited earlier this month to facilitate discussion-based activities with a dynamic group of students from CRMS on an overnight climbing trip to Unaweep, renowned climbing destination near Grand Junction, CO. This expedition is the first in an ongoing series of trips co-facilitated by YouthZone and CRMS staff. The trips are designed to build leadership, develop character and discuss tough questions facing local teens.
7th and 8th grade girls at Riverside Elementary are enjoying their first YouthZone Girls' Circle! Facilitated by Jennifer Keener and Nancy MacGregor from our Rifle office, the girls are learning about trust, friendships, and personal growth. |
|
|
That's all for now...Thanks for reading our new E-Newsletter! If you have ideas or information to share, please contact us.
Most of all, thank you for your continued support of YouthZone. Your involvement and support in the lives of kids is making a difference.
www.YouthZone.com
970-945-9300
Lori Mueller, Program Director
|
|
|
