Volume 7 | Issue 3

Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker

Youth Spotlight: Nina Williams


By Hannah Conoley: Community Mobilizer



Nina Williams has spent her high school years saying “yes” to new experiences, and that spirit of curiosity has shaped her into a powerful young leader in Eagle County. As a senior, she wears many hats: Varsity Dance Team captain, TEDx youth speaker, participant in The Cycle Effect and Mountain Youth Communities That Care Coalition member.



Difference Maker: Rocío Martínez Alvarado



By Monica Torres: Prevention and Community Outreach Specialist

Rocío Martínez Alvarado was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, a place surrounded by nopales and bougainvillea where her deep connection with nature began. She shares that it was there where “a seed of lifelong devotion to the living medicine of the earth was planted” within her.

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

Community Surveys

Encuestas comunitarias

Parents and caregivers of the Eagle River Valley are invited to participate in this survey administered by Mountain Youth, in conjunction with the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey for 6th-12th grade youth. We feel it is important that these two surveys occur simultaneously to foster conversation with your child(ren) about these important topics.


Filling out this survey should take about 15-20 minutes. The collected data is anonymous and the results will be analyzed by Mountain Youth and Communities That Care. Our short-term goal is to provide parent perceptions and neighborhood behaviors to our community with the long-term goal of improving overall health outcomes.


Please take this survey once, even if you have more than one child. All questions are optional, if there's a question you don't feel like answering or doesn't apply, feel free to move on to the next. Some of the questions may be difficult or triggering. We have provided a list of resources at the end of the survey and encourage you to reach out should you want to talk to anyone or access support.


It is important to note that we define "youth" as anyone 25 or younger, aligning with the state definition.



As a thank you for filling out this survey, at the end, you will be able to indicate the school or local nonprofit you would like to receive a portion of the incentive fund.








Padres y cuidadores del Valle de Eagle están invitados a participar en esta encuesta administrada por Mountain Youth, en conjunto con la Encuesta Healthy Kids Colorado para jóvenes de 6to a 12 grado. Creemos que es importante que estas dos encuestas ocurran simultáneamente para tener la conversación con su(s) hijo(s) sobre estos temas importantes.


Para completar esta encuesta debe tomar 15-20 minutos. Los datos recogidos son anónimos y los resultados serán analizados por Mountain Youth y Communities that Care. Nuestro objetivo a corto plazo es proporcionar a los padres percepciones y comportamientos de nuestra comunidad con el objetivo a largo plazo de mejorar los resultados generales de salud.

 

Por favor tome esta encuesta una vez, incluso si tiene más de un hijo. Todas las preguntas son opcionales, si hay una pregunta que no tiene ganas de responder o no aplica, siéntase libre de pasar a la siguiente. Algunas de las preguntas pueden ser difíciles al contestar, pero hemos proporcionado una lista de recursos al final de la encuesta y los animamos a que se pongan en contacto si quieres hablar con alguien o acceder a soporte.

 

Es importante señalar que definimos "juventud" como cualquier persona de 25 años o menos, alineándose con la definición estatal.

 

Como agradecimiento por rellenar esta encuesta, al final podrás indicar la escuela o la organización local sin ánimo de lucro que deseas recibir una parte del fondo de incentivos.

Mountain Youth is asking young adults between the ages of 18-30 years who live in the Eagle River Valley* part of Eagle County or consider this area their permanent residence to share their opinions about substance use, wellness, mental health, and other related topics. Mountain Youth's mission is to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible. This survey is completely anonymous and will be used to help inform community efforts to better serve young adults. It should only take up to a maximum of 15 minutes of your time. Some of the questions may be difficult or triggering. We have provided a list of resources at the end of the survey and encourage you to reach out should you want to talk to anyone or access support.

*The Eagle River Valley of Eagle County is inclusive of the Towns and unincorporated areas of Avon, Bond, Cordillera, Eagle, EagleVail, Edwards, Dotsero, Gypsum, McCoy, Minturn, Red Cliff, Sweetwater (CO River Road), Vail, and Wolcott.



¡Gracias por participar en esta encuesta! Mountain Youth está pidiendo a las personas entre 18 y 30 años que viven en el valle Eagle River* parte del condado de Eagle o que consideran esta área su residencia permanente que compartan sus opiniones sobre el uso de sustancias, el bienestar, la salud mental y otros temas relacionados. La misión de Mountain Youth es mejorar continua y colaborativamente las vidas de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible. Esta encuesta es completamente anónima y se utilizará para ayudar a informar los esfuerzos de prevención en su comunidad. Sólo le llevará un máximo de 15 minutos de su tiempo. Algunas de las preguntas pueden ser difíciles. Hemos proporcionado una lista de recursos al final de la encuesta y lo alentamos a comunicarse si desea hablar con alguien o obtener apoyo.


*El valle del Eagle River del condado de Eagle incluye las ciudades y áreas no incorporadas de Avon, Bond, Cordillera, Eagle, EagleVail, Edwards, Dotsero, Gypsum, McCoy, Minturn, Red Cliff, Sweetwater (CO River Road), Vail y Wolcott.

Announcements

Anuncios

Mountain Youth, in partnership with Vail Health, is offering scholarships to help Eagle County youth pay for their driver's education course! If you're eager to get your license don't let costs hold you back--apply today and take the next step toward freedom and opportunity!



Mountain Youth, en asociación con Vail Health, está ofreciendo becas para ayudar a los jóvenes del Condado de Eagle a pagar por su curso de educación de conductores! Si usted está entusiasmado por obtener su licencia no deje que los costos lo detengan - aplicar hoy y dar el siguiente paso hacia la libertad y la oportunidad!

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

Community Education

Educación social

¿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.

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!


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.


¡Esperamos verte allí!

Whether you’re here to make friends, find your other half, or expand your professional circle—this space is for you.

Dive into crafts, games, networking, and group activities, all in a chill, no-pressure vibe.

Please RSVP!

Ya sea que estés aquí para hacer amigos, encontrar tu otra mitad o expandir tu círculo profesional, este espacio es para ti.

Sumérgete en manualidades, juegos, redes y actividades grupales, todo en un ambiente relajado y sin presión.

Por favor RSVP!

Narcan is a safe and easy to use over-the-counter medication that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. This training prepares you to identify an overdose and administer Narcan when needed, as well as risk factors related to prescription, recreational and illicit substances.

Narcan es un medicamento de venta libre, seguro y fácil de usar, que contrarresta los efectos potencialmente mortales de una sobredosis de opioides. Esta capacitación te prepara para identificar una sobredosis y administrar Narcan cuando sea necesario, así como para comprender los factores de riesgo relacionados con sustancias recetadas, recreativas e ilícitas.

In a world of social media filters and conflicting health advice, helping your teen feel secure in their own skin can feel like an uphill battle. Join us for an empowering session where we shift the focus from "dieting" to "nourishing," giving you the tools to foster a positive body image and a joyful relationship with exercise. You’ll walk away with the "protective awareness" to spot early red flags of disordered eating, along with practical strategies to turn your home into a sanctuary for self-esteem and emotional resilience. 

 


En un mundo de filtros de redes sociales y consejos de salud contradictorios, ayudar a su hijo adolescente a sentirse seguro en su propia piel puede sentirse como una batalla cuesta arriba. Acompáñanos  en una sesión de empoderamiento en la que cambiamos el enfoque de "hacer dieta" a "nutrir", dándole las herramientas para fomentar una imagen corporal positiva y una relación alegre con el ejercicio.  Usted se marchará con la "conciencia protectora" para detectar las primeras banderas rojas de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria , junto con estrategias prácticas para convertir su hogar en un santuario para la autoestima y la resiliencia emocional.

Mountain Youth se complace en ofrecer Pilates GRATIS todos los miércoles de marzo de 6:00 a 7:00 pm en Gypsum Rec Center. Las clases serán ofrecidas por nuestra instructora local, Lauren Bumgarner. ¡Únete a nosotros para noches de ejercicio y conexión!

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.

Ready to break free from nicotine? Dimensions helps you build real skills, set your own goals, and get the support you need to quit for good. The next session for high schoolers starts February 4th and runs through February 18th.


¿Listo para liberarse de la nicotina? Dimensions te ayuda a desarrollar habilidades reales, establecer tus propias metas y obtener el apoyo que necesitas para dejar de fumar para siempre. La próxima sesión para estudiantes de secundaria comienza el 4 de febrero y se extiende hasta el 18 de febrero.

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

Vail Valley RIDE Summer MTB Camps

Location: Eagle, CO

Date: Registration opens February 2, Camps start June 1


Another summer of RIDE begins soon.

Vail Valley RIDE half-day and full-day camp registration opens February 2nd.

Camps serve kids ages 5–11, with our RIDE Mentorship Program available for ages 12–14.

Half-day camps focus on mountain biking skills and confidence on the trail.

Full-day camps include two days of climbing at Eagle Climbing + Fitness and two days of art with Dewey Dabbles, alongside time on the bike.

Where kids grow confidence, connection, and courage through the joy of riding bikes.

Interested in the RIDE Mentorship Program?

Send us an email to learn more. 


Contact info: ride@vailvalleyride.com

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

Partner Spotlight

The Faeder Collaborative is a boutique consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations to help them plan for what’s next—together. Founded by Allison Faeder, the firm specializes in working with boards of directors to create inclusive strategic plans that reflect diverse perspectives and build real buy-in. Allison is known for designing thoughtful, engaging planning processes that help groups tackle big questions, align around shared priorities, and leave the room feeling energized and clear about where they’re headed.



Allison is a facilitator, community connector, and proud mom to Zelly (8) and Griz (6)! She believes the best plans are built when people feel comfortable, heard, and maybe even laugh a little along the way. Based in Eagle County, she brings a deep appreciation for community, collaboration, and the realities families and organizations navigate every day. In addition to running The Faeder Collaborative, Allison serves as Board Chair of The Youth Closet and Toy Chest and as a lead trainer with The Conflict Center—bringing the same warmth, curiosity, and people-first approach to every space she’s in.

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:

February 19, 2026 for Mountain Youth Presents: Fentanyl, The Silent Killer with Maggie Seldeen


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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