May 2024 Edition
Every Moment Matters…is the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week, something our country started celebrating each April since 1974. We owe a debt of gratitude to all the many volunteers who have contributed their time and compassion to the work we do with youth in Douglas County. Read the stories below to see a glimpse of just how much every moment matters at The Aspen Effect!
Jerry Van Leuven, Founder & Executive Director
Vote for us as Castle Rock, CO’s Best of the Best Nonprofit for 2024.
PARTNERING WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY RESOURCE OFFICERS
On April 26, our Teen Advisory Board presented to 40 Douglas County Student Resource Officers (SROs) after polling 254 high school students to give SROs important feedback. Biggest takeaways…
Overall student perspective of SROs is positive and there is room to improve.
Students want to become more acquainted with their SRO with more face-time in a classroom setting.
There is a significant student desire for SROs to utilize therapy/support animals in school.
SERVING THE CASTLE ROCK MUSEUM
Teens from different high schools around Douglas County sign up to give service each month in our Ranch Hand Service Crew. In April, they worked laying mulch at the Castle Rock Museum during sudden winter storm warning weather in Castle Rock.
Jean Spahr, a volunteer at the museum, said, “I was so happy to get to know some of our local youth. They did a wonderful job.”
WHAT HAPPENS AT A MENTOR MEETUP?
In our Animal Lovers Volunteer Club, mentors and youth mentees meet up for an hour every week for 10 weeks. During their time together, they find ways to serve the ranch owners and animals. This mentor and mentee decided to serve George and Maxine, the two lovable barn cats at The Mane Mission Ranch. A lockable cat door was visualized, constructed and installed. While the service project is pretty cool, the real magic is evident in the lasting friendship built as these two work together!
NEW MINI HORSE LEADERSHIP CAMP
We are offering eight new, 3-hour Mini Horse Leadership Camps this summer. Only six kids per camp. Enrollment is open and slots are going fast, so click this link and sign up now to reserve this special experience for your child!
