Volume 7 | Issue 3

Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker

Youth Spotlight: Anet Estrada


By Monica Torres: Prevention & Community Outreach Specialist

Anet, a 10th-grade student at Battle Mountain High School, is a young woman whose determination reflects her desire to make her dreams come true and build a better future for herself and her family. She lives with her parents, who emigrated from Mexico, as well as with her siblings, forming a home filled with support, hard work, and shared goals.






Difference Maker: Mauricio "Mo" Bolivar



By Nick Krishnan: Marketing & Events Manager

Serving the community is about more than providing resources to those in need, it’s also about building relationships and connecting with community members.  Few people embody this principle more than Mauricio “Mo” Bolivar, the Community Resource Coordinator for Building Futures at Habitat.  Having spent the majority of his career working in the hospitality industry, Mo has been able to develop his natural people skills in a way that allows him to relate to the community and approach his work with empathy.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Send their name and contact info to Nick at nkrishnan@mountainyouth.org

Announcements

Anuncios

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.


As a part of this award, Executive Director Michelle Hartel and Marketing and Event Manager Nick Krishnan were invited to join Erik Williams on The Partnership Podcast to discuss the work Mountain Youth has done over the past summer, our plans for the upcoming school year and what the future holds for our organization.

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.


Como parte de este premio, la Directora Ejecutiva Michelle Hartel y el Gerente de Marketing y Eventos Nick Krishnan fueron invitados a unirse a Erik Williams en el Podcast de la Asociación para hablar sobre el trabajo que la Juventud de Montaña ha hecho durante el verano pasado, nuestros planes para el próximo año escolar y lo que el futuro depara nuestra organización.




In partnership with Vail Health and AAA, Mountain Youth is providing scholarships to teens who wish to complete a driver’s education course prior to testing for their permit.

Junto a Vail Health y AAA, Mountain Youth ofrece becas a adolescentes que quieran realizar un curso de educación vial antes de tomar el examen para su permiso de conducir.

Forging Connections 2025 was a success! We had a wonderful evening at the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse, celebrating three of Eagle County’s youth leaders and connecting with community members, all while raising awareness and support for the programs Mountain Youth provides.


Our keynote speaker, Doug Dvorak, inspired us with stories of overcoming adversity in his life through a positive outlook and a strong support system.


This memorable night was possible thanks to generous support of Discover Vail, Vail Health, The Faeder Collaborative, RA Nelson, Alpine Bank and the Hood Insurance Agency!

¡Forging Connections 2025 fue un éxito! Tuvimos una noche maravillosa en el Vail Golf y Nordic Clubhouse, celebrando a tres de los líderes juveniles del Condado de Eagle y conectándonos con miembros de la comunidad, todo mientras aumentamos la conciencia y el apoyo para los programas que ofrece Mountain Youth.


Nuestro orador principal, Doug Dvorak, nos inspiró con historias de superación de la adversidad en su vida a través de una perspectiva positiva y un sólido sistema de apoyo.



¡Esta noche memorable fue posible gracias al generoso apoyo de Discover Vail, Vail Health, The Faeder Collaborative, RA Nelson, Alpine Bank y Hood Insurance Agency!

We're Hiring! Under the direction of the Intervention and Prevention Programs Manager, this position supports the organization's mission by implementing one, some, or all prevention and intervention programs on behalf of Mountain Youth.


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. 


¡Estamos contratando! 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.


Valley's Voice


To join Valley's Voice contact Cam at cdole@mountainyouth.org

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

Healthy Kids Colorado Survey

Mountain Youth, in partnership with local schools, is gearing up for the next administration of the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey—and we need your help! This biennial survey is the largest collection of youth behavioral and health data in our valley, reaching thousands of middle and high school students across Eagle County. The data collected helps schools, nonprofits, and agencies better understand youth needs and strengths, secure critical funding, and shape policies that support young people.

 

We’re looking for volunteers to help proctor the survey in classrooms for 1–2 hours per day between January 6–16, 2026. Orientation and details will be provided as the dates approach. By volunteering, you’ll play a direct role in helping our community gather vital information to improve youth health and well-being.

Mountain Youth, en asociación con las escuelas locales, se está preparando para la próxima administración de la Encuesta Healthy Kids Colorado, ¡y necesitamos su ayuda! Esta encuesta bienal es la colección más grande de datos de comportamiento y salud de los jóvenes en nuestro valle, llegando a miles de estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria en todo el condado de Eagle. Los datos recopilados ayudan a las escuelas, las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y las agencias a comprender mejor las necesidades y fortalezas de los jóvenes, asegurar fondos críticos y dar forma a políticas que apoyan a los jóvenes.


Estamos buscando voluntarios para ayudar a supervisar la encuesta en las aulas durante 1-2 horas al día entre el 6 y el 16 de enero de 2026. Se proporcionarán orientación y detalles a medida que se acerquen las fechas. Al ofrecerte como voluntario, desempeñarás un papel directo en ayudar a nuestra comunidad a recopilar información vital para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de los jóvenes.

Community Education

Educación social

Do you have a teenager who is ready to get their driver’s license? This can be an exciting, but also nerve-racking time for parents. If you have questions about the requirements and restrictions for graduated driver’s licenses, how to get a license or how to best set and discuss expectations with your young driver, join Mountain Youth for our Young Driver Education Event on December 2nd at 5:30pm at Eagle Valley High School.

¿Tiene un adolescente que está listo para obtener su licencia de conducir? Esto puede ser un momento emocionante, pero también nervioso para los padres. Si tiene preguntas acerca de los requisitos y restricciones para las licencias de conducir graduadas, cómo obtener una licencia o cómo establecer y discutir mejor las expectativas con su joven conductor, únase a Mountain Youth para nuestro evento de Educación de Conductores Jóvenes el 2 de diciembre a las 5:30 pm en Eagle Valley High School.

Come join us for a free evening of bowling @ the Back Bowl! No need to be present the whole time, we'll have 6 lanes for 2 hours. Please RSVP below!

Únase a nosotros para una noche gratuita de bolos: ¡el Back Bowl! No es necesario estar presente todo el tiempo, tendremos 6 carriles durante 2 horas. ¡Por favor, confirme su asistencia a continuación!

Holiday Party from Valley's Voice Middle School, everyone welcome! Gingerbread House contest, Holiday Trivia, and more! Cocoa bar, cookie decorating & sugar galore.

Fiesta navideña del instituto Valley's Voice, ¡todos bienvenidos! ¡Concurso de casas de jengibre, trivialidades navideñas y mucho más! Barra de cacao, decoración de galletas y un montón de azúcar.

Free yoga, free dinner, come create community! For young adults only, part of the MOYA event series.

¡Yoga gratis, cena gratis, ven a crear comunidad! Solo para jóvenes adultos, parte de la serie de eventos MOYA.

This monthly meeting is an opportunity for graduates of Mountain Youth's family skills building and parenting classes to connect with other parents and caregivers, and have a guided conversation on topics such as healthy communication, boundaries, discipline, and more!


Stress from the holiday season can be overwhelming sometimes, which is why December's meeting will focus on healthy coping mechanisms.


We hope to see you there!



Esta reunión mensual es una oportunidad para que los graduados de los cursos de desarrollo de habilidades familiares y crianza de Mountain Youth se conecten con otros padres y cuidadores, y tengan una conversación guiada sobre temas como comunicación saludable, límites, disciplina y más.


El estrés de la temporada navideña puede ser abrumador a veces, por eso la reunión de diciembre se centrará en estrategias de afrontamiento saludables.


¡Esperamos verte allí!


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.

Are you or someone you know worried about your teenager vaping or using alcohol or drugs? If so, Prime for Life is for you.

Prime for Life is for the curious, the concerned, and those making high-risk choices. Approximately three out of every ten people in the United States make alcohol and/or drug choices that research shows are high risk. They experience the most problems, and this experience is tailored for them. This group includes, but is not limited to, people with a legal or policy violation on the road (impaired driving offenders), on the job, or at school.

Sessions will be held on Wednesday from November 5 through December 10, there will not be a session on November 26 due to fall break.

Referrals can be made for students in grades 8-12 living in Eagle County. Students must attend all 5 sessions.


¿A usted o a alguien que conoce le preocupa que su hijo adolescente vapee o consuma alcohol o drogas? Si es así, Prime for Life es para ti.

Prime for Life es para los curiosos, los preocupados y aquellos que toman decisiones de alto riesgo. Aproximadamente tres de cada diez personas en los Estados Unidos toman decisiones sobre el alcohol y/o las drogas que la investigación muestra que son de alto riesgo. Ellos experimentan la mayoría de los problemas, y esta experiencia está diseñada para ellos. Este grupo incluye, pero no se limita a, las personas con una violación legal o de la política en la carretera (delincuentes de conducción con discapacidad), en el trabajo o en la escuela.

Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo el miércoles del 5 de noviembre al 10 de diciembre, no habrá una sesión el 26 de noviembre debido a las vacaciones de otoño.

Se pueden hacer referencias para estudiantes en los grados 8-12 que viven en el condado de Eagle. Los estudiantes deben asistir a las 5 sesiones.

Calendar of Community Events

Calendario de Eventos Comunitarios


Eating Disorder Peer Support Group

Location: 48 E Beaver Creek Blvd, Suite 210, Avon, CO or Google Meet

Date: Wednesdays @ 5:30 - 6:30pm


A safe and open space for anyone who has been impacted by an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body dysmorphia. This space is also open to anyone who is supporting someone who has been impacted. Connect with peers who have shared lived experience. 


Contact info: Alex Kandalaft - alex@bodykindvail.org

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

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

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

Partner Spotlight

Vail Après is more than eating nachos in your ski boots and live music. Après is everything that happens after your day on or off the mountain. Discover Vail has a full lineup of fun, family-friendly programming for the entire community. We welcome you to join us for free art projects at the Colorado Snowsports Museum, Silent Discos in the streets, explore the mini holiday village of Kringle Crossing, get pictures with Santa, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

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:

December 2, 2025 for Eat Chat Connect: Young Driver Education


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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