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YouthZone's Pals Mentoring Program in Glenwood Springs and Aspen is rewarding for everyone involved
ENLARGE
Sarah Woods is a YouthZone case manager for the Pals Mentoring Program and the Aspen office.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS - "Mentors put smiles in hearts," reads the YouthZone webpage for the Pals Mentoring Program, just one of the many youth and family oriented programs the nonprofit provides the community.
It's also something that puts a smile on the face of Sarah Woods, a case manager for the Pals program and the Aspen YouthZone office.
"The best part is working with the kids," Woods said. "Connecting with them and seeing them grow and learn how to take ownership with their success through the program. ... It's also just a great place to work."
Woods oversees the youths' progress through whatever program she decides would benefit them the most for whatever reason they came to YouthZone. Most often she sees youths through the Pitkin County Court. However, it's her work with the mentoring program that really makes her smile.
"Working directly with the mentors I get to see a lot of the changes happen in the kids," Woods said. "To see the trust grow in these kids that may not have been able to trust anyone before is a great thing. It's about showing up for the kids."
It's what YouthZone is about: Showing up for the kids.
It's also something that puts a smile on the face of Sarah Woods, a case manager for the Pals program and the Aspen YouthZone office.
"The best part is working with the kids," Woods said. "Connecting with them and seeing them grow and learn how to take ownership with their success through the program. ... It's also just a great place to work."
Woods oversees the youths' progress through whatever program she decides would benefit them the most for whatever reason they came to YouthZone. Most often she sees youths through the Pitkin County Court. However, it's her work with the mentoring program that really makes her smile.
"Working directly with the mentors I get to see a lot of the changes happen in the kids," Woods said. "To see the trust grow in these kids that may not have been able to trust anyone before is a great thing. It's about showing up for the kids."
It's what YouthZone is about: Showing up for the kids.
Woods has seen mentors grow from the experience, too.
"I've seen a change in the mentors, too," Woods said. "I've also had kids who were in the program that have come back to be mentors."
The cycle continues.
She splits her time in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. She is currently managing about 18 youths through the court sentencing, and another 11 in the mentoring program. It's a busy job with a lot of emotional attachment, but it's a very rewarding position.
"I've seen a change in the mentors, too," Woods said. "I've also had kids who were in the program that have come back to be mentors."
The cycle continues.
She splits her time in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. She is currently managing about 18 youths through the court sentencing, and another 11 in the mentoring program. It's a busy job with a lot of emotional attachment, but it's a very rewarding position.
A chance to help
The Holiday Fund helps raise funds for nonprofit organizations in Garfield County. Over the next few weeks, the Post Independent will be featuring some of these organizations that applied for funds, and the people who work for them. The goal is to raise $20,000 to distribute to these nonprofits. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Post Independent at 2014 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Make checks out to Two Rivers Community Foundation.
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But it's not always that easy.
That's where the Holiday Fund comes in. The Holiday Fund is here to assist organizations like YouthZone in raising money.
"The funds help families that can't afford the whole cost themselves," said public relations coordinator Mary Jean Carnevale.
In that respect, it's the community who's helping the program that helps the community. And from the comments that Woods has heard, she knows firsthand the support the communities valleywide give to YouthZone.
"Just by the referrals we get from the community, we know that the community really trusts us," Woods said. Smile included.
Contact John Gardner: 384-9114jgardner@postindependent.com
Post Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO
That's where the Holiday Fund comes in. The Holiday Fund is here to assist organizations like YouthZone in raising money.
"The funds help families that can't afford the whole cost themselves," said public relations coordinator Mary Jean Carnevale.
In that respect, it's the community who's helping the program that helps the community. And from the comments that Woods has heard, she knows firsthand the support the communities valleywide give to YouthZone.
"Just by the referrals we get from the community, we know that the community really trusts us," Woods said. Smile included.
Contact John Gardner: 384-9114jgardner@postindependent.com
Post Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO
Holiday Fund
What it does: YouthZone is the community's youth service. In 30 years of assisting youth and families, more than 29,000 young people have walked through the doors of YouthZone. Each youth receives a comprehensive, individualized plan to give him/her direction in becoming a responsible, contributing member of society. YouthZone has 22 programs in the areas of assessment, coaching/counseling, home-based support, parent education, mentoring, groups, community justice and court services.
Where will the funds go: The funds are used as scholarships for youth who are unable to pay total service fees. This assures that no youth is turned away from services due to monetary need. Who will benefit? Youth, families, the community. YouthZone outcome evaluation has proven that youth who participate in YouthZone programs leave with a significant reduction in illegal substance use and delinquent behavior while having a significant increase in positive decision making, positive social skills and increased self-perception. In addition, 76 percent of juvenile offenders that participate in YouthZone court programs will not re-offend as a juvenile. Importance to the community? "I think it's most important for the community in that it's a place for people to come where they can get the tools to open the doors they need in their lives," said Sarah Woods, YouthZone case manager for the Pals Mentoring Program and Aspen YouthZone office. "It's a huge part of the community from Aspen to Parachute, it's not just the kids who have come here through the courts." |
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