Temps Are Cooling Down, But Mountain Youth is Heating Up This Fall!

Volume 5 | Issue 11

CO GIVES DAY: THE DAY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

"Easily the best day to give."

What if there was a day that as Coloradans, we got to celebrate the impact of coming together and lifting up our local communities? A day that we joined arm in arm with our neighbors, jumped into the pool of positivity together, and set forth a wave of generosity to ripple out across the state?

Well luckily for all of us, there is such a day, and it's called Colorado Gives Day. And on this special occasion, information about Colorado nonprofits are organized in one place, making it easy to find something you're passionate about.

Giving is great but giving together is even better. Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 5 and it's easily the best day to give. Mountain Youth is participating, and we invite you to join us in starting a wave of generosity. Early Giving begins November 1. Donate anytime between November 1 and Colorado Gives Day on December 5 and your gift will be matched by generous sponsors as well as receive part of an Incentive Fund, all made possible by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. Mountain Youth may even win a cash prize to help us ensure that all youth in our community thrive. Last year was a huge success as more than 100,000 donors came together to support 3,400 local nonprofits, raising $53 million to help our communities thrive. Let's discover how much good we can create together. Thanks for your support of Mountain Youth and for being part of Colorado Gives Day.

Mark your calendars:

Colorado Gives Day is December 5, 2023
Early Giving Opens November 1
All donations made between November 1 - December 5 qualify for prizes and incentives

Watch the 2023 CO Gives Day video HERE to learn more!

Click HERE to Give!

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT | STEVEN HERRERA GURROLA

“How could you not love this place” Steven said as he recalled the overall beauty of the Eagle Valley.

Steven Herrera Gurrola is just 14 years old, but has been making impacts and impressions throughout the Eagle Valley community his whole life. Steven’s heart is visible to those who are lucky enough to know him, and his hard work ethic should be envied by everyone. Steven has been and influential leader in Valley’s Voice and this year we are excited to have him serving as a Youth Advisor with Mountain Youth. Snowboarding, soccer, school, and supporting his community are some of Steven’s hobbies. Read on to learn more about Steven!

“How could you not love this place” Steven said as he recalled the overall beauty of the Eagle Valley. He lived in Edwards for a short time, but now calls Gypsum home. He’s appreciated the experience, sharing it helped him learn and understand more about different communities and know more about his local corridor. He thanks and calls his parents his largest role models- as they have worked so hard to get their family to where they are today. He enjoys calling the valley home and sharing it with his parents, three sisters, grandma and cousin Bryan. Relatable to many, he recalls camping in the desert with his family as some of the most amazing memories from the last year. “Appreciating time and slowing down are important to connecting and getting to know the people around you” Steven shared.

Aspiring to be an aerospace engineer, Steven knows his career path and is driven to reach that goal. He enjoys reading (sci-fi specifically), and calls “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut” one of his favorites. This nonfiction novel speaks to a driven mindset and being hardworking, but this isn’t the only place Steven has built these talents. His mom, dad, and other family elders have inspired and mentored him, along with his soccer coach Jim Glendining. Steven has played soccer his whole life and is a goalkeeper for Battle Mountain, and other local clubs. Steven and Coach Jim’s son (1 year younger) have grown up together playing soccer, and challenging each other. When talking about competition, Steven’s mindset is driven and focused; he’s excited to keep getting better and continue supporting his team. His favorite recent memory is making an incredible save against EVHS, where he surprised himself and his teammates and showed his tested skills.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Youth Spotlight Here

DIFFERENCE MAKER | JODIE METZ

Be unapologetically you, help others, move your body, ask for help, find your joy, spend time in the embrace of nature, be the nice kid, value honesty, and when life gets hard, turn up the music and dance like no one is watching!

Our Eagle River Valley community comprises some extraordinary people, and Mrs. Jodie Metz is one of those community members! If you’ve had an opportunity to learn from her in the classroom, at an afterschool program, or at Grace Fellowship Church, you are one of the lucky ones!

Jodie has fond memories of growing up in the small city of Superior, Wisconsin, situated along the shores of the beautiful Lake Superior. Although Jodie hasn’t lived in Superior since she graduated high school, she visits often to spend time with her family, who still live there. Shortly after graduation, Jodie moved to Colorado and attended Colorado State University, obtaining her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies. Recently, Jodie earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been on an incredible journey as an elementary school teacher for two decades. Currently, Jodie is a Special Education teacher at Brush Creek Elementary School, where she has the honor of supporting Kindergarten through 5th grade students. She and her family moved to Eagle 12 years ago, and they love being able to call this special place home. They enjoy all that mountain living has to offer, from skiing together in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer.

When asked what influenced Jodie to become a teacher, she shared that teaching wasn't always in her life plan. However, her compass unfailingly pointed toward working with kids and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Jodie started her journey working with at-risk adolescents in a residential treatment facility and later managed a tutoring center. The path to public education unfolded, and she found her calling as a teacher. The joy of watching her students grow and learn continues to fuel her passion for teaching. Above all, Jodie's work is driven by a deep desire to ensure every student feels seen and valued. Building genuine connections with students is always her top priority. It is essential to Jodie that every child knows they have someone in their corner, someone cheering them on, and someone who believes in them.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Difference Maker Here

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Join Mountain Youth at Gypsum Recreation to connect with your community and learn to play the great game of pickleball! Did you know that regular aerobic exercise, like playing pickleball, can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms? Not only does regular exercise improve your mood but there are additional benefits when you move in synchrony with someone else too. Take the time you deserve to support your mental and physical health by playing pickleball with friends, family, and your community.

As always, these events are free to everyone, with dinner, childcare and interpretation provided. Please join us with your family to learn, connect, engage and grow as a community. If you have any questions or ideas on topics or speakers you would like to hear from, please contact Stevi Bratschie, Community Education Manager at sbratschie@mountainyouth.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions or ideas on topics or speakers you would like to hear from, please contact Stevi Bratschie, Community Education Manager at sbratschie@mountainyouth.org. We look forward to seeing you!

Move Chat Connect Information

Eat Chat Connect Information

COMMUNITIES THAT CARE

“The coalition has been working hard during October! We held a fun-filled Youth Recruit & Reward meeting focused on identifying trusted adults in our community and learned about logic models! Last week, the coalition got together for our Community Board meeting and voted in some big changes, one of which is a new name: Mountain Youth Communities That Care Coalition! The highlight of our Community Board meeting was the huge youth turnout- thank you to all the students that came and voiced your opinion!

Are you interested in learning more or joining our prevention coalition? Join us at our next Community Board meeting on 11/29 from 5:30-8pm at Mountain Youth's Eagle office. We will focus on our new strategy and brainstorm community outreach ideas. A delicious dinner will be provided!

Questions about Communities That Care? Please contact Hannah Conoley, hconoley@mountainyouth.org

VALLEY'S VOICE

“Dia De Los Muertos” a Community Celebration!

We are partnering up with My Future Pathways this year to host our very first, “Dia De Los Muertos” a community celebration!

Saturday | November 4

12pm-5pm

At the Gypsum Youth Center

3293 Cooley Mesa RD, Gypsum, CO 81637

Potluck - Movie - Games - Karaoke - Pumpkin Carving - Scavenger Hunt - Music - Prizes - Lotería and more! If you would like to sign up for the potluck Day of the Dead click here!

—————————————————

Nos estamos asociando con My Future Pathways este año para organizar nuestro primer "Dia De Los Muertos", una celebración comunitaria!

Sábado | 4 de noviembre

12pm-5pm

En el Gypsum Youth Center

3293 Cooley Mesa RD, Gypsum, CO 81637

Potluck - Movie - Games - Karaoke - Pumpkin Carving - Scavenger Hunt - Music - Premios - Lotería y más! Si quieres inscribirte en el Día de los Muertos, clic en el enlace aqui!

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Cameron Dole, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at cdole@mountainyouth.org

Updated Resource Directory Out Now!

Finally! All of Eagle County’s resources are together in one place. Let us help you find a dentist, learn where to get WIC benefits, find a summer camp or join an LGBTQ+ meeting. This resource ensures local residents, providers and those new to the community have the information necessary to be supported in various aspects of their lives. Requests for hard copies can be sent to Michelle Stecher: mstecher@mountainyouth.org

Visit the Online Directory HERE!

November Calendar of Events

Contact info:

info@eagleclimbing.com

970-328-0893

School’s Out Climbing Camp

Parents and kids LOVE our day camps, so get signed up ASAP! Climbing Camps at Eagle Climbing + Fitness are a fun filled adventure for kids ages 5-12, which includes climbing, slacklining, Ninja style obstacle courses, games, fun and lots of learning new skills!