SEPTEMBER 2024 ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Gala Invite - Chief Deputy Kevin Duffy
Seven Year Anniversary
The Aspen Effect reached its 7-year anniversary today, September 26th! The seed of The Aspen Effect was planted when founder Jerry Van Leuven created a program called Ranch Hand Leadership Academy in 2017. Youth that were hired to maintain horse trails in the summer were mentored by Jerry to work hard outside, connect with each other, and become true leaders.
Within a few years, the demand for this program and for other youth supported services in Douglas County became apparent. Jerry recruited other adults to become volunteer mentors and board members. Soon, like the connective root system of an aspen grove, many wonderful people came together to create The Aspen Effect! Since this all began with the awesome youth of Ranch Hand Leadership Academy, here are some great photos of them, some of who are now in college, military, church missions or starting their careers and families! (Click each picture to expand.)
