Former news anchor, Deborah Takahara, shares how the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is providing mentors for teens at The Aspen Effect. Listen to the stories of youth whose lives are being changed by these volunteers. (3:27)

Learn about a young woman in Douglas County, who struggles with so many difficult challenges, that found a way to heal by connecting to animals on a ranch. (2:05)

Listen to a story of hope from a parent who has looked for mental health solutions for her youth and found the answer in The Aspen Effect. (4:06)

Chief Kevin Duffy explains how The Aspen Effect is a home-grown program that meets the mental health needs of the youth in our community with a solution that reflects the outdoor/animal/ranch essence of what Douglas County is all about. (1:38)

There are many tender stories that come from our work with youth at The Aspen Effect. Watch how connection with a horse, a mentor and a strength-based approach brings healing and the ability to move forward. (3:46)

Sometimes animals can teach us more about people than people! Listen to the wisdom that was gained from a “moment” with a mini horse. (2:02)

Listen to one parent’s reaction to her daughter’s participation in Mini Horse Leadership Camp. (1:04)

Click to see the pathway we created for youth in 2022. If you just want to see the stories, skip to 1:50. (8:10)