Catherine Goraj: RSAPP AmeriCorps member serving Montezuma County

    

     Catherine Goraj is getting things done and making a difference for  youth in Montezuma County.

     Catherine brings a youthful presence and a fresh perspective to the RSAPP AmeriCorps team. As a recent college graduate and a transplant from South Dakota, she fits the AmeriCorps member steroetype. Catherine knew that she wanted to be an AmeriCorps member in order to serve her nation and be a part of something big. She chose Southwest Colorado not only so she could hike and bike in spectacular places, but also because she is interested in the societal challenges in this region. She loves the connections and networking that her position offers, and like most AmeriCorps members, finds it really difficult to make ends meet on an AmeriCorps Living Allowance. Her budgetting skills are getting a workout!

    During the school year, Catherine serves as a mentor in the Check and Connect program at Cortez Middle School. Check and Connect is an evidence-based program designed to keep kids in school. Catherine serves a caseload of students, reviewing their grades and attendence, helping them  problem-solve and being a supportive, caring adult presence in their lives. She also serves with the Positive Youth Advocates group at CMS, and has created an informal Girls Group.

     This summer Catherine is serving with the summer school program in Towaoc, which provides a fun and structured program for Ute Mountain Ute elementary school children. She also implements prevention activities with Southwest Conservation Corps' Community Crews, and will be contributing to Southwest Connect, a new regional information clearinghouse.

      With an undergraduate degree in Social Work, and a Master's degree on the horizon, Catherine is charting a deliberate course towards a career in Social Work. She loves Southwest Colorado, and we are very fortunate that she  plans to stick around and continue serving youth, families and communities in our region.

The letter which will be sent to downtown event organizers.

       Durango loves a street party, and there are more than 100 downtown events scheduled for 2011. The Celebrating Community Norms task force is working with the City of Durango to promote positive, supportive environments for youth and families at all of these downtown events.

       RSAPP AmeriCorps member Nicole Schnee has been coordinating with Amita Nathwani of Healthy Lifestyles La Plata to draft a letter that will be sent to all event coordinators. It encourages event coordinators to train staff and volunteers in preventing overconsumption of alcohol, checking identification before serving alcohol, and also promotes local healthy food, recycling and conservation. 

      Celebrating Community Norms is a project of the San Juan Basin Health Department. For more information, contact Nicole Schnee 

RSAPP's founding Board of Directors: President Mary Jo Rakowski. Treasurer Chuck McAfee, and Vice President/Secretary Kay Daves. Absent: Eileen Wasserbach.

 Ever since the idea of RSAPP was cooked up on a bike ride in 2006, we have been growing and changing to meet the needs of substance abuse prevention organizations in Southwest Colorado. RSAPP is taking the next logical step in its organizational development, and forming an independant non-profit organization with 501(C)3 status. Four of RSAPP's Steering Committee members have committed to serve as the first four Directors on RSAPP's Board: Mary Jo Rakowski, Chuck McAfee, Kay Daves and Eileen Wasserbach. RSAPP is in good hands!

Alternative Activities: Summer Activities in Dove Creek 

     Youth who have opportunities for pro-social involvement with their peers, family and community are less likely to abuse substances. Kristy Chadd, RSAPP's AmeriCorps member with STUD in Dove Creek, saw a need in her community, and has responded by creating some popular (and really fun!) programs.

     The new Summer Activities Program for Youth is a low-cost program that provides structured activities three afternoons per week, all summer long. Kristy has put together a full schedule, with community volunteers 

leading youth in outdoor adventures, cooking,  community service and more.  As many as 39 youth and 15 volunteers have shown up for Summer Activity fun. Kristy's collaboration with Dove Creek's Recreation Department has made this program possible.      

     Kristy and the STUD (Students Taking action against Underage Drinking) group responded to  a community survey that showed an overwhelming request for family-friendly, alcohol-free activities by creating monthly Family Fun nights. Approximately 60 people show up each month, and activities have included game night, bingo, and free outdoor movies. Thanks to Kristy and STUD, Dove Creek has got it going on! For more information, contact Kristy Chadd

 

Thanks,  

Cathy Cowles

RSAPP Program Coordinator

cathy@rsapp.org