Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Lisa Mech
By Cam Dole: Senior Manager of Youth Engagement
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At Mountain Youth, we know that when young people lean into their strengths, they create ripples of impact throughout our community. This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Lisa Mech, a sophomore at Battle Mountain High School, whose determination and drive are inspiring both youth and adults around her.
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Difference Maker: Mariana Rojas
By Jo Pennock, Intervention and Prevention Programs Manager
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For Mariana Rojas, Eagle County isn’t just where she grew up – it’s the community that shaped her, inspired her, and continues to motivate her every day. As a first-generation, bilingual, Mexican American, Mariana brings a unique perspective to her work, bridging cultures and experiences while creating opportunities for youth and families to thrive.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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¡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.
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Mountain Youth would like to learn from the community how they like to receive and process community survey data. Additionally, we are interested in learning how the data is useful and how it impacts the community. Thank you for taking the time to provide us this feedback to inform how we deliver survey results after this next administration.
If you're interested in having a presentation about the importance of these reports and how to get involved with survey administration to data dissemination efforts, please reach out to Hannah Conoley, hconoley@mountainyouth.org
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Mountain Youth desea aprender de la comunidad cómo prefieren recibir y procesar los datos de las encuestas comunitarias. Además, estamos interesados en saber cómo esta información resulta útil y cómo impacta a la comunidad. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo de brindarnos esta retroalimentación que nos ayudará a mejorar la manera en que entregamos los resultados después de la próxima administración de la encuesta.
Si está interesado en recibir una presentación sobre la importancia de estos informes y cómo involucrarse en los esfuerzos desde la administración de la encuesta hasta la difusión de los datos, por favor comuníquese con Hannah Conoley, hconoley@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.
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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.
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Community Education
Educación social
| | Mountain Youth and YouthPower365 are hosting a two-part workshop Safety in Action: You’re Role in Identifying and Preventing Youth Violence. Our presenters will be Kelly Donnelly, M.Ed. and Jae Dee Wood, M.PH from the Colorado Office of School Safety. Part One of this workshop will focus on understanding youth violence, what to look for and what to do. For Part Two we’ll turn our attention towards being a trusted adult, how to talk to you, setting boundaries and community efforts. Join us for this free, interactive workshop and learn what you can do to prevent youth violence in our community. | | | |
Mountain Youth y YouthPower365 están organizando un taller de dos partes Seguridad en acción: Tu papel en la identificación y prevención de la violencia juvenil. Nuestros presentadores serán Kelly Donnelly, M.Ed. Y Jae Dee Wood, M.PH de la Oficina de Seguridad Escolar de Colorado. La primera parte de este taller se centrará en comprender la violencia juvenil, qué buscar y qué hacer. Para la segunda parte, centraremos nuestra atención en ser un adulto de confianza, cómo hablar con los jovenes, establecer límites y esfuerzos comunitarios. Únase a nosotros para este taller interactivo gratuito y aprenda lo que puede hacer para prevenir la violencia juvenil en nuestra comunidad.
| | | 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. | | | |
Caregivers, do you want to help your kids to feel valued and important in your family unit?
Communicate feelings effectively when hurt or angry?
Live drug and alcohol-free lives with purpose?
Make healthy choices based upon your family’s clear standards?
Resist peer pressure with confidence while maintaining friendships?
Join Mountain Youth at Gypsum Rec Center every Tuesday from March 4th to April 5th for the Guiding Good Choices Training.
*Must attend all 5 sessions to complete the course*
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Cuidadores, ¿quieren ayudar a sus hijos a sentirse valorados e importantes en su unidad familiar?
¿Comunicar sentimientos efectivamente cuando está herido o enojado?
¿Vivir una vida libre de drogas y alcohol con un propósito?
¿Tomar decisiones saludables basadas en los estándares claros de su familia?
¿Resistir la presión de sus compañeros con confianza mientras mantiene amistades?
Únase a Mountain Youth en Edwards Early Learning Center todos los miercoles entre el 19 de marzo al 16 de abril para la capacitación Guiding Good Choices.
*Debe asistir a las 5 sesiones para completar el curso*
| | | 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.
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¿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.
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Calendar of Community Events
Calendario de Eventos Comunitarios
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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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Soul Dirt - Ciclismo de montaña con Exploremos
Location: Eagle Bike Park
Date: October 4 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm
¡Gracias por inscribirte para el paseo bicicleta de montaña con Soul Dirt y Exploremos el 4 de octubre a las 10:00 a.m.! Nos vemos en el Eagle Bike Park.
Bicicletas disponibles para alquilar las edades son bienvenidas. ¡Se proporcionará comida y bebida!
Contact info: Shawna Wood - shawna@vvmta.org
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Nonprofit Learning Series: AI isn’t just for tech companies—it’s for changemakers too.
Location: Colorado Mountain College
Date: October 8, 2025 @ 12:30 - 2:30pm
Join us for a hands-on, two-hour workshop designed specifically for nonprofits. Whether you’re new to AI or curious how to actually use it in your day-to-day, this session is for you. Dr. Emily Springer, a global expert in AI for social impact, empowers non-coding professionals to use AI and to do so responsibly.
- Learn the fundamentals of generative AI—and understand how to take action for inclusive, responsible AI use
- Leave with practical AI skills for real nonprofit work: grant writing, newsletters, marketing copy, and more!
- Come with your laptop and complete guided activities with ChatGPT during the session
- Please complete the short pre-workshop survey upon registration to help us tailor the experience to your needs
Contact info: Maren Cerimele - maren@vailvalleypartnership.com
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Pumpkinfest
Location: Edwards Riverwalk Amphitheatre
Date: October 25, 2025 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pumpkins will be for sale for $5 and all proceeds will go back to support Family Learning Center. More details are below from Todd who works at Riverwalk.
Contact info: Whitney Young Keltner - wyoung@flcedwards.org
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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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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! | | Stay Up To Date On Our Work By Following Our Social Media | | |
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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