Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Mountain Youth Young Adults
By Hannah Conoley, Community Mobilizer
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In the heart of Eagle River Valley, a vibrant new program is helping young adults find connection, creativity, and community. MOYA—short for Mountain Youth Young Adults—is a Mountain Youth initiative designed for individuals ages 18 to 30 who are seeking meaningful ways to engage with their community. MOYA is designed to empower young adults to get involved, explore their passions, and make a positive impact on their community.
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Difference Maker: Gerry Lopez
By Nick Krishnan, Marketing and Events Manager
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“Take care of the people, and the people will take care of you”, Gerry Lopez of My Future Pathways, is a community leader that truly epitomizes this saying. Gerry’s family moved to Eagle County from Zacatecas, Mexico when he was six years old, and like many people in the valley, his parents had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. While his parents were at work, they would often rely on teachers, librarians, after school programs, coaches and so much more to take care of Gerry.
| | We’re incredibly proud to share that Mountain Youth was announced as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year at the 22nd annual Success Awards host by the Vail Valley Partnership. Receiving this award is an honor that reinforces our dedication to our mission to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible. We'd like to thank our dedicated staff, volunteers and the youth and families that we work with in the community, without all of them this achievement wouldn't have been possible. | | | Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de compartir que Mountain Youth fue anunciada como la organización sin fines de lucro del año 2025 en la 22ª edición anual de los Premios Éxito de la Asociación Vail Valley. Recibir este premio es un honor que refuerza nuestra dedicación a nuestra misión de mejorar continuamente y colaborativamente las vidas de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible. Nos gustaría agradecer a nuestro dedicado personal, voluntarios y a los jóvenes y familias con los que trabajamos en la comunidad, sin todos ellos este logro no habría sido posible. | | | |
Mountain Youth is excited to announce our inaugural Forging Connections fundraiser to be held on October 23rd at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse nestled among the beautiful backdrop of the Gore Range.
At Mountain Youth, 2025 is all about community and connection, and what better way to honor that than by recognizing exceptional youth leaders driving positive community change. And 100% of event proceeds will help sustain Mountain Youth’s critical youth and family programs.
We are grateful to have Doug Dvorak joining us as our keynote speaker for this event. Doug is a professional speaker who leans on his personal and professional experiences to engage and motivate his audience by shining a positive light on adverse circumstances.
Executive Chef John Zavoral will provide guests with a spectacular meal paired with refreshing craft mocktails—what more could you ask for!
Join us for an unforgettable night of laughter, storytelling, and support for our youth.
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Mountain Youth se complace en anunciar nuestra recaudación de fondos inaugural Forging Connections que se llevará a cabo el 23 de octubre en el Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse ubicado entre el hermoso telón de fondo de la gama Gore.
En Mountain Youth, 2025 tiene que ver con la comunidad y la conexión, y qué mejor manera de honrarlo que reconociendo a líderes juveniles excepcionales que impulsan un cambio positivo en la comunidad. Y el 100% de las ganancias del evento ayudarán a sostener los programas críticos para jóvenes y familias de Mountain Youth.
Estamos agradecidos de que Doug Dvorak se una a nosotros como nuestro orador principal para este evento. Doug es un orador profesional que se apoya en sus experiencias personales y profesionales para involucrar y motivar a su audiencia al arrojar una luz positiva sobre las circunstancias adversas.
El chef ejecutivo John Zavoral ofrecerá a los invitados una comida espectacular combinada con refrescantes cócteles sin alcohol artesanales, ¡qué más se puede pedir!
Únase a nosotros para una noche inolvidable de risas, narración de cuentos y apoyo para nuestros jóvenes.
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Under the direction of the Intervention and Prevention Programs Manager, this position supports the organization's mission by implementing prevention and/or intervention programs with youth and families in the Eagle River Valley.
The Programs Facilitator position requires a high level of professionalism, strong multi-tasking skills, strong classroom management and facilitation skills, ability to connect with and engage people of all ages, and flexibility. Bilingual English/ Spanish language speaking and multicultural preferred. Experience working with youth, families, and diverse populations in an educational setting with a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices strongly preferred. Ability to facilitate multiple programs is strongly preferred
The Programs Facilitator will be required to perform position duties outside of normal working hours. Travel to meetings or trainings throughout the county, state, and out of the state may be required. It is important that the candidate can conduct themselves in the most courteous and professional manner.
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Bajo la dirección del/la Gerente de Programas de Prevención e Intervención, esta posición permite contribuir al impacto positivo de la organización, facilitando programas diseñados para acompañar a jóvenes y familias en el Valle de Eagle River.
El puesto de Facilitador(a) de Programas exige un alto grado de profesionalismo, capacidad para gestionar múltiples tareas simultáneamente, habilidades sólidas en conducción de grupos y facilitación en aula, aptitud para establecer vínculos y motivar a personas de distintas edades, además de una actitud flexible. Es preferible que sea una persona bilingüe (inglés/español) y con sensibilidad multicultural.
Se valora altamente la experiencia trabajando con jóvenes, familias y poblaciones diversas en entornos educativos, con compromiso hacia prácticas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión. Se prefiere habilidad para facilitar múltiples programas.
La persona facilitadora deberá realizar tareas fuera del horario laboral habitual. Puede requerirse viajar dentro del condado, del estado o fuera del estado para reuniones o capacitaciones. Es importante que el/la candidato/a se conduzca de manera cortés y profesional.
| | | If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Cam Dole, Senior Manager of Youth Engagement at cdole@mountainyouth.org | | | Si tiene alguna pregunta o quiere obtener más información, comuníquese con Cam Dole, Gerente Senior de Participación Juvenil en cdole@mountainyouth.org | | | The Safe Driving Steering Committee's inaugural S.H.I.F.T. event welcomed over 60 students from throughout Eagle County to have some summer fun and learn about crash prevention, DUI consequences, GDL education, substance use awareness and mental health resources! Our panelists spoke to the students about their personal experiences surrounding mental health, substance use and distracted driving. We had some awesome booths, including High Rockies Harm Reduction & SpeakUpReachOut. The students got to play flag football and kickball against nurses and social workers from Vail Health, officers from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and Vail P.D., EMT’s and fire fighters from Eagle River Fire, Summit Fire and Central Mountains RETAC. Five lucky winners received Driver’s Ed scholarships and one student even won a mountain bike donated by Vail Resorts! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! | | | El evento inaugural del Comité Directivo de Conducción Segura dio la bienvenida a más de 60 estudiantes de todo el Condado de Eagle para divertirse un poco de verano y aprender sobre prevención de accidentes, consecuencias de DUI, educación GDL, concientización sobre el uso de sustancias y recursos de salud mental! Nuestros panelistas hablaron con los estudiantes sobre sus experiencias personales en torno a la salud mental, el uso de sustancias y la conducción distraída. Tuvimos algunos stands increíbles, incluidos High Rockies Harm Reduction y SpeakUpReachOut. Los estudiantes pudieron jugar al fútbol de bandera y kickball contra enfermeras y trabajadores sociales de Vail Health, oficiales de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Eagle y Vail P.D., EMT y bomberos de Eagle River Fire, Summit Fire y Central Mountains RETAC. ¡Cinco afortunados ganadores recibieron becas de educación vial y un estudiante incluso ganó una bicicleta de montaña donada por Vail Resorts! ¡Esperamos volver a verlos a todos el próximo año! | | | |
Community Education
Educación social
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Aprenda qué es el vapeo de nicotina, los hechos y riesgos, y acabe con los mitos comunes. Esta sesión brindará a las familias herramientas y orientación para apoyar a los jóvenes y recursos de prevención y apoyo para dejar de fumar.
Valeria Ayala Alonso es una profesional bilingüe de salud pública con una doble función enfocada en la prevención de la nicotina y el tabaco en el Campus Médico Anschutz de la Universidad de Colorado. Trabaja como administradora del programa en un estudio piloto del programa YES-CAN! para la prevención del vapeo de nicotina en jóvenes, un programa escolar centrado en el liderazgo y el empoderamiento juvenil. También se desempeña como Asociada Sénior de Investigación Profesional para el Grupo de Epidemiología Comunitaria y Evaluación de Programas (CEPEG) en la Unidad de Investigación de Encuestas, que realiza encuestas estatales sobre actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con la nicotina y el tabaco entre los residentes de Colorado. Tiene una Maestría en Salud Pública con mención en Epidemiología por el Campus Médico Anschutz de la Universidad de Colorado. Valeria Ayala Alonso cree que las familias merecen una información más clara y herramientas prácticas para una vida más saludable y segura.
| | | This interactive training introduces parents, caregivers, and community members to the core principles of Positive Youth Development—a strengths-based approach that empowers young people to thrive. Participants will explore how to build supportive relationships, foster youth voice, and create environments that promote confidence, connection, and resilience. | | | Esta capacitación interactiva introduce a los padres, cuidadores y miembros de la comunidad a los principios básicos del Desarrollo Positivo de la Juventud, un enfoque basado en fortalezas que empodera a los jóvenes para prosperar. Los participantes explorarán cómo construir relaciones de apoyo, fomentar la voz de los jóvenes y crear entornos que promuevan la confianza, la conexión y la resiliencia. | | | Are you a coach, recreation staff, teacher, youth group leader, after-school provider, parent or work with youth and families? This FREE training is for you! Learn to spot impairment and support safe & healthy community spaces. | | | ¿Es usted un entrenador, personal de recreación, maestro, líder de grupo juvenil, proveedor después de la escuela, ¿padres o trabajo con jóvenes y familias? ¡Este entrenamiento GRATUITO es para ti! Aprenda a detectar deficiencias y apoyar espacios comunitarios seguros y saludables. | | | Join us for the We Hear U program—a supportive, engaging class designed to help families strengthen their skills in setting boundaries, improving communication, and using natural consequences effectively. With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to gain tools and confidence for a smoother, more connected season with your kids. | | Únase a nosotros para el programa We Heart U, una clase de apoyo y atractiva diseñada para ayudar a las familias a fortalecer sus habilidades para establecer límites, mejorar la comunicación y usar las consecuencias naturales de manera efectiva. Con el verano a la vuelta de la esquina, es el momento perfecto para ganar herramientas y confianza para una temporada más suave y conectada con sus hijos. | | |
Calendar of Community Events
Calendario de Eventos Comunitarios
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Colorado Grand
Location: Lionshead, Vail Village
Date: September 12 @ 2:00 - 5:00pm
The VVCF is proud to be named a recipient of funds from this extraordinary event as it celebrates its 36th year. Join us at the finish line in Lionshead Village, Vail, Colorado - Friday, September 12, from 2 pm - 5 pm. The Colorado Grand® is an annual charity tour for 1960 and earlier sports and race cars of distinction; approximately 85 vintage cars are driven in this relaxed, non-competitive event, covering 1,000 miles through the Rockies in five days.
Vail Concours
Location: Vail Village
Date: September 12 - 14 @ 9:00am - 2:30pm
The Vail Concours is a three day, annual, automotive event hosted in Vail. Since 2009, the Vail Concours draws a diverse group of automotive enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada. Entries range from contemporary supercars and sports cars to vintage collector cars and motorcycles. More than a car show, the Vail Concours offers two days of driving and social events leading up to the concours. The Vail Automotive Classic Team has been a huge supporter of the VVCF for many years now and invites friends of the VVCF to showcase a car or enjoy the show.
SteamMaster Golf Tournament
Location: Sonnenalp Golf Club
Date: October 1 @ 10:00am
The 18th Annual SteamMaster Golf Tournament returns at 10am for a Scramble Tee Off at Sonnenelp Golf Club in Edwards, CO! This event will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, and Eagle County Emergency Responders Fund. To register a team, donate a silent auction item, or sponsor the event, please contact Raj Manickam at 970-904-2409 or raj@steammaster.com.
Bowling for Boobs
Location: Deca + Bol
Date: October 8 @ 5:00 - 9:00pm
Join the Vail Valley Charitable Fund and its subgroup the Vail Breast Cancer Group on October 8th for Bowling for Boobs. This vibrant fundraising event combines friendly competition, delicious bites and beverages, and community to support our screening mammogram program, which assists uninsured locals. Participants form bowling teams, and spectators enjoy an exciting atmosphere of camaraderie and a silent auction.
Contact info: brooke@vvcf.org
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Movies in the Mountains
Location: Vail Public Library, 292 W Meadow Dr, Vail, CO
Date: September 28 @ 4:00 - 8:00pm - Karate Kid Legend & Lilo & Stitch
Located in the “Back Yard” of the Vail Library, bring your blankets, snacks and friends to enjoy this movie! We’ll supply the popcorn.
Don’t worry, the screen we have will still display the movie in the light of the evening.
The “Back Yard” can be accessed through the main entrance of the library or just walk along the path to Lionshead right by the library and you’ll come to the yard there.
Contact info: Jeremy Gross - JGross@vail.gov
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Outdoor Gear Library
Location: Gypsum Rec Center and Edwards Field House
Date: Wednesdays & Thursdays @ 5:30 - 7:30pm
Our Outdoor Gear Library is back and ready to help you gear up for your next adventure. This membership-based community resource offers Eagle County residents access to a diverse range of outdoor equipment, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy the outdoors. The library is open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gypsum Rec Center and on Thursdays at the Edwards Field House.
Contact info: zrodriguez@mountainrec.org
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Nonprofit Learning Series - The Donor's Journey: Strategies for Engagement
Location: Colorado Mountain College
Date: September 10, 2025 @ 1:00 - 2:30pm
Although Courage Money: A Guide to Becoming a Venture Philanthropist was written for philanthropists who want to take their giving to the next level, there's a lot of information that applies to nonprofits leaders eager to better understand the mindset of their prospects. Of course every donor is different, but in Courage Money, Carrie Morgridge breaks down the process of how the Morgridge Family Foundation and others apply their passions, skills, and values to deciding what sectors and what projects to support. Nonprofits can learn how to organize a great site visit, how to follow up, how to think about framing their approaches, how to demonstrate their impact, and most importantly, how to build lasting relationships that will have the greatest long-term impact.
Contact info: Maren Cerimele - maren@vailvalleypartnership.com
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Fall Reading Buddies
Location: Eagle Public Library
Date: Last Sunday of each month, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The Reading Buddies program pairs "Big Buddy" teen volunteers with K-4th graders for an hour of one-on-one shared reading, once a week for 6 weeks. In addition to reading, buddies play literacy games and explore the library.
Contact info: Rachel Liebman - rachel@evld.org
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Queer Climbing Night
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: Last Sunday of each month, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Find and build community at Eagle Climbing + Fitness. Queer Climbing Night is a social and fun gathering on the last Sunday of each month from 5-7pm. This is an inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ identifying/curious individuals (and allies too!). ALL abilities welcome.
Contact info: info@eagleclimbing.com
970-328-0893
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The 25/26 Buddy Werner League Season
Location: Beaver Creek
Date: December 2025 - March 2026
The Buddy Werner League (BWL) is a program that offers 2nd-8th graders the opportunity to enhance their love of skiing through recreational alpine ski racing. Its mission is to inspire young skiers to love the sport while building character and strong skiing skills. The program focuses on having fun, building skiing skills, and teaching important life lessons, with the ultimate goal of creating a love of skiing that lasts a lifetime.
Contact info: Laura Merlihan, Program Director - bwl.vailbc@gmail.com
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Job Opportunities
Las oportunidades de empleo
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Driving Instructor
Location: Vail Valley Unbound
In & Out Driving school is looking for a part-time driving instructor! Interested in helping teens and adults learn to drive safely? The ideal candidate is at least 21 years old, has a current drivers license, can pass a background check and is interested in working with teens. Bonus points for someone who is bilingual and has teaching experience. The pay rate is $25-$35/hour depending on qualifications.
To apply: email resume to iodspappy@gmail.com
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Reading Support Guide
Location: Vail Valley Unbound
Vail Valley Unbound is seeking a part-time Reading Support Guide to provide individualized reading and literacy support to young learners. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about working with children, understands the foundations of early reading development, and is excited to support learners as they grow into confident, lifelong readers.
To apply: email cover letter and resume to cassie@vailvalleyunbound.org
| | Want to join the team in helping youth and families thrive? Start today by filling out our volunteer form! | | ¿Quiere unirse a nuesro equipo para ayudar a los jóvenes y las familias a prosperar? ¡Empiece hoy completando nuestro formulario de registro de voluntario! | | |
Next Opportunity:
September 18, 2025 for Eat Chat Connect: Positive Youth Development
Contact Nick at nkrishnan@mountainyouth.org with questions!
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Mountain Youth works to make the community we live in a stronger, more vibrant place for youth and families through education, advocacy, and connections.
Learn more at www.mountainyouth.org.
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