“Colorado Declares State of Emergency for Youth Mental Health.”
JENA HAUSMANN, CEO, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO ON MAY 25, 2021
EVIDENCE-BASED WORK
We believe that every youth will be strengthened by authentically connecting with people, animals and land. The lack of connection to an adult who will listen is one of the top risk factors cited in the Colorado Attorney General’s Report on Youth Suicide. Mentoring has been shown to be one of the most important factors for improving youth self-esteem, resilience and positive mental health. studies have linked mentoring to a variety of positive mental health improvements: social-emotional development benefits, improvements in youth perceptions of parental relationships, and better prospects for achieving success in their adult life. Our work with youth not only connects them to caring, adult mentors, we also connect them with animals who accept them exactly as they are. As part of being on a ranch, these youth connect to the outdoors. They put their phones away, breathe the country air and learn to be present! Click below to access research behind the work we do with youth!
Rooted in Youth Resilience.
Take some time to listen to some stories that paint a picture of The Aspen Effect’s incredible potential to impact the lives of our youth.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ANIMAL LOVERS VOLUNTEER CLUB
The Animal Lovers Volunteer Club gives youth in our community an opportunity to be around goats and mini horses in a farm setting. Each youth will put in some hard work and bond with a trusted adult mentor who enjoys having fun, engaging in real conversation, and doing creative things.
MINI HORSE RESILIENCE CAMP
During the summer, we offer several 3-hr Mini Horse Resilience Camps. During each session, youth will be taught hands-on leadership principles by mini horses. Every experience will be debriefed with activities and discussions that relate to their own leadership, important relationships and life lessons.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
Our teen advisory board form all over Douglas County, CO, bridges other teens to life-saving mental health resources and raises awareness about the realities of teen suicide in our community. They serve as a resource for adults who mentor and support youth and are focused on making a positive impact in Douglas County.
RANCH HAND SERVICE CREW
The Aspen Effect offers a unique volunteer service program for high school students in Douglas County who are looking for ways to earn required community service hours for graduation. This experience includes serving at various community organizations, learning financial life skills and eating lunch!