YouthZone

09/02/2026

Thank you, Glenwood Springs High School Class of 1996!

A reunion is a celebration of where you’ve been, the memories you’ve made, and the people who shared those years with you. But the GSHS Class of 1996 chose to make their 30-year reunion about something even bigger. ❤️

After their reunion, the class generously donated their remaining funds to YouthZone, a beautiful way to celebrate their legacy by investing in the youth and families of the community they call home.

We are incredibly grateful and honored to be the recipient of such a thoughtful gift. Your generosity will help YouthZone continue providing hope, support, advocacy, and opportunities to young people and families throughout our region.

Thank you, Class of 1996, for giving back, paying it forward, and making a lasting difference right here in our community. We are so grateful for your kindness and your belief in the potential of every young person we serve.

From all of us at YouthZone—thank you! ❤️

08/28/2026

https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/youthzone-column-putting-families-ahead-of-systems-leading-effective-collaborations-in-rural-communities/

“At YouthZone, we believe that behavior is often a communicator of a deeper need,” Executive Director Jami Hayes said. “Without taking the time to sit with youth and families, listen to their experiences and understand...

08/21/2026

As bear activity increases, YouthZone remains diligent keeping our dumpster locked up tight in Glenwood!

But, it was no match for our hungry four legged friends.

Thanks to Mountain Waste for your swift response. At least for the weekend it’s safe and sound.

We’re getting rid of the dumpster on Monday and moving to bear proof cans for trash and recycling! We’ll be keeping our food waste inside to put out only on compost pick up days.

EverGreen ZeroWaste

08/14/2026

We wish our very own Ali Naaseh-Shahry the very best on his next adventure! Ali has served YouthZone as our Development Director for three years! Ali’s service has generated revenue and relationships that will have a lasting impact!

08/14/2026

The New Castle Chamber is excited to host its 1st annual pickleball tournament! Play for a purpose while enjoying a day of friendly competition and community fun! All proceeds benefit the Chamber Ambassadors Scholarship Fund, supporting local graduating high school seniors.

Saturday, September 26 at 9:00am. Bear Dance Park, New Castle! Register online using barcode on the flyer. New Castle Chamber of Commerce

08/10/2026

What a great couple of evenings! ❤️

A huge THANK YOU to all of our incredible community partners who came out to our Community Partnership BBQs in Rifle and Glenwood Springs! We loved having the opportunity to bring people together, share a meal, and show just how much we appreciate the partnerships that help YouthZone support kids, youth, and families in our communities.

We’re so grateful for the collaboration, connection, and commitment you bring to this work. We’re better together! ❤️

07/24/2026

Giving back is one of the many ways YouthZone invests in the communities that give so much to us. 💚

This week, two YouthZone staff members and youth volunteers came together for a community cleanup behind City Market in Rifle. Working side by side, we collected bags of trash and even rescued two shopping carts that had been carelessly tossed into the creek!

We’re proud of the hard work everyone put in to help care for our community. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference.

A special thank you to City Market in Rifle for generously helping dispose of all the trash we collected. We truly appreciate your partnership and support!

07/20/2026

Helping Parents Stay Connected to Their Teens

At YouthZone, we know that strong families help build resilient young people. As the school year begins, it’s common for communication with preteens and teens to become more challenging. That’s why we’re excited to share this free community resource designed to help parents strengthen their connection with their kids.

Free Parent Talk: When Your Teen Goes Quiet or Gets Snarky: Reconnecting Before the School Year Buries You

Join Dr. Cleo Andersen-Green, a local child and family specialist in the Roaring Fork Valley with a doctorate in psychology, for an engaging and practical presentation that explores why teens tend to pull away or push back—and what parents can do to reconnect.

You’ll leave with:

* A better understanding of teen behavior
* Four research-backed communication tools
* Practical strategies you can start using at home right away

Event Details

Wednesday, August 26
5:30 p.m.
Carbondale Library

Tuesday, September 1
5:30 p.m.
Basalt Library

This event is free and open to parents and caregivers of preteens and teens. There is no sales pitch—just practical, evidence-based guidance to help families head into the school year feeling more connected and confident.

Register here:
https://www.theacademyoflastinglove.com/teentalk-2026

We love sharing opportunities that support the well-being of youth and families in our community. We hope you’ll join us for this valuable conversation!

07/01/2026

We want to give a huge shoutout to Native Waste Solutions, LLC and owner Shawn Parsons! 👏
Shawn continues to show up for YouthZone, and this time he donated a roll-off dumpster at our Rifle location…completely free of charge. Every time we thank him, he humbly says he’s just happy to give back to the youth and doesn’t need the recognition.

Well, we think generosity like that deserves to be celebrated. 💙 Thank you, Shawn, for your continued support and for helping us create a better space for the youth and families we serve.

If you own a business or have a trade and would like to give back to our community, we’d love to connect with you! Reach out to Erin Greenwald at 970-618-4749 to learn how you can make a difference.

06/29/2026

YouthZone is proud to be part of the statewide effort to prevent gun violence in Colorado.

Last month, our Program Director, Airen Goodman, and Restorative Justice Coordinator, Pete Durrance, traveled to Denver to attend the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention Annual Convening.

As part of our five-year, $500,000 grant to help prevent gun violence in Western Colorado, they shared YouthZone’s work, highlighted our impact, discussed challenges, and connected with organizations from across the state to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Together, we’re building safer communities by supporting youth, strengthening families, and investing in prevention.

💙 Hopeful Youth. Strong Families. Safe Communities.