The Aspen Effect

10/14/2026

🐴 Good conversations. Meaningful connections. Stronger communities. 💚

We loved welcoming Douglas County Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle and his kids to Happy Dog Ranch yesterday!

Community partnerships play a big role in helping youth and families thrive. When we come together, we can build awareness, strengthen connections, and create a more resilient Douglas County - Government.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share how The Aspen Effect is helping youth and families build resilience and for partners who care about making youth mental health a community priority. 💚

Learn more at theaspeneffect.org.

10/10/2026

🌎 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY | OCTOBER 10

Mental health matters. Connection matters. And prevention starts long before a crisis.

At The Aspen Effect, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, supported and connected.

Through mentorship, meaningful relationships and the healing power of nature and animals, we help youth build resilience, strengthen connections and navigate life’s challenges.

💚 Because when young people feel connected, they’re better equipped to thrive.
Connection is everything. Connection is prevention.

Learn more about how we’re building resilient, connected families at www.theaspeneffect.org.

10/07/2026

What can animals teach us about resilience? 🐴💚

A LOT.

Last night, we welcomed a local youth group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Happy Dog Ranch for a Ranch Resilience Tour.

Youth:
🌿 Practiced grounding techniques
🙈 Took on four blindfolded challenges
🐴 Learned from the animals about choosing resilience over avoidance
💬 Taught their adult leaders about youth mental health and the importance of acceptance and listening

Sometimes, the best way to learn about resilience is to experience it.

Learn more about Ranch Resilience Tours: https://theaspeneffect.org/ranch-resilience-tour

10/06/2026

Join The Aspen Effect for this one-of-a-kind FREE Fall Festival at the place we call home, Happy Dog Ranch!

It is not only a sanctuary for the horses and other animals who live there, but it provides an ideal healing environment for the youth we work with to feel grounded, connected, protected and nurtured.

🍂🐴 Fall Festival is almost here! 🐴🍂

Mark your calendars for October 11th from 11 AM–3 PM and join us at Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch!

Enjoy carriage rides, animal interactions, face painting, and more! And the best part—it’s FREE! ❤️

Bring your family, friends and neighbors and come enjoy a fall afternoon with us!

📍 3640 N State Hwy 67, Sedalia, CO

Help us spread the word! Please share this post and invite your friends and family. We’d love to see lots of familiar faces—and new ones—at the ranch! 🍁

Donations are always welcome to help care for the 100+ rescued animals who call HDR home.

10/01/2026

Yesterday, The Aspen Effect’s Jerry Van Leuven was honored to join an incredible group of panelists for “Courageous Conversations: Well-being of Our Youth,” a live town hall hosted by the Douglas County - Government Commissioners.

One theme came up again and again: connection.

Connection is at the heart of The Aspen Effect’s mission to build resilient, connected families and prevent youth mental health crises and harmful behaviors – at home and in our community.

🎥 Watch portions of the town hall below.

Learn more: https://theaspeneffect.org/

09/30/2026

Parents need connection, too. ❤️

We’re wired for it.

Connection with other adults.
Connection with our kids.
Connection that reminds us: you don’t have to do this alone.

And when parents feel connected, they’re better equipped to stay connected to their kids.

🎥 VIDEO 8

Connection is everything. Connection is prevention.

Learn more: theaspeneffect.org/allhealth-network



SAMHSA AllHealth Network, Counseling & Psychiatry

09/29/2026

The Aspen Effect’s Jerry Van Leuven is looking forward to joining the panel for this important conversation!

Would you recognize the warning signs if a young person in your life was struggling with their mental well-being? Would you know what to do next?

Join Douglas County for “Courageous Conversations: Well-being of Our Youth,” a Live Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Local experts will share practical guidance to help parents, caregivers, educators, coaches and other trusted adults:

• Recognize concerning changes in behavior
• Start important conversations about mental health and su***de
• Prepare for a mental health emergency
• Create a family crisis plan
• Connect young people with help

Participate online, by phone or in person at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

Learn more and find participation details: https://www.douglasco.gov/how-can-you-support-a-young-persons-well-being-learn-about-the-challenges-facing-our-youth-and-what-you-can-do-during-a-live-town-hall-at-6-p-m-on-wednesday-sept-30/

09/27/2026

🎉 9 YEARS. 700+ YOUTH. 1 BIG MISSION. 💚

Today, The Aspen Effect celebrates 9 years of building resilient, connected families by preventing youth mental health crises and harmful behaviors – at home and in our community.

Since 2017:
✨ 700+ youth served
✨ 1,000 youth on track by the end of 2026
✨ 100% of parents report improvement through our mentoring program

Nine years of connection.
Nine years of impact.
And we’re just getting started. 🌱

Help us celebrate! Share our mission and help us reach even more youth and families: https://theaspeneffect.org/

09/24/2026

Do YOU know how to help a young person who is struggling with mental health challenges?

Join our partners at Douglas County - Government on Sept. 30 as they share practical ways to have those "courageous conversations"!

Parents, caregivers, educators, coaches and other trusted adults: Would you know how to help if a young person were struggling with their mental well-being?

Join Douglas County for “Courageous Conversations: Well-being of Our Youth,” a Live Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

A panel of local experts will discuss the challenges facing youth and share practical ways to recognize warning signs, start important conversations, prepare for a mental health emergency and connect young people with help.

You can participate online, by phone or in person at the Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

Learn more: https://www.douglasco.gov/how-can-you-support-a-young-persons-well-being-learn-about-the-challenges-facing-our-youth-and-what-you-can-do-during-a-live-town-hall-at-6-p-m-on-wednesday-sept-30/

09/22/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Just 2 DAYS UNPLUGGED IN NATURE can help your body slow down, regulate, and reconnect.

For young people, learning to unplug, be present, and connect with the natural world can be an important part of building resilience and preventing su***de.

🎥 VIDEO 7

Watch to learn why nature + connection matter.

Connection is everything. Connection is prevention.

Learn more: theaspeneffect.org/allhealth-network



SAMHSA AllHealth Network, Counseling & Psychiatry