Navigation of Community Resources, Mentoring, Tutoring, Substance Use Prevention and Youth Leadership.

Summer 2016

Aurora Youth Options - Aurora Mental Health Center Physical Address: 1298 Peoria St. Aurora, CO 80011 (entrance on the South side garden level)

Mailing Address: 11059 E. Bethany Drive, Suite 200, Aurora, CO 80014 P: 303.617.2660 | F: 303.617.2669 | ayo@aumhc.org | www.aurorayouthoptions.org

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Aurora Youth Options (AYO) works with middle and high school-aged youth and their families to navigate, connect and provide positive individualized resources to help youth thrive.

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AYO’s Rockstar Volunteer: Making a Difference Across the Board

As AYO comes to the end of the fiscal year, we often spend time reminiscing about amazing volunteers that have been involved throughout the year. The time spent, the enormous dedication to youth, and motivation to stay consistent are all traits that are admirable in vol-unteers time and time again. This year AYO would like to highlight Jen-nifer DeWolf as a rockstar volunteer! Jennifer has been a part of multi-ple AYO programs since 2011 as a mentor, a lead in the Summer Am-bassador Program, and as a weekly tutor for youth in the Homework Help and Tutoring Program. When asking Jennifer about some of the highlights she’s had while volunteering with AYO, she said that she’s really enjoyed the Mentor Program’s Summer Campout Event in 2011 and also the Annual Ropes Course Event that she

and her mentee participated in last year. As Jennifer reached her one year mark with her last mentee, she shared some of her thoughts about mentor-ing: “I’ve been a part of AYO’s program for a long time and even though my relationship with the youth I’ve been matched with has been difficult at times, I’ve really enjoyed it and I feel like it’s been a worthwhile experi-ence that’s helped me grow in a positive way.” Jennifer has mastered the art of consistency, knowing that youth everywhere need a positive outlet and someone that can help them realize and reach their goals. She’s helped bridge the knowledge barrier for youth in AYO’s program that are in need of additional resources, help with their homework, or simply someone to talk to. Thank you Jennifer for making such a difference being a part of AYO!

Volunteer Mentors Needed!

Did you know that 9 million kids in America grow up without a mentor to offer them real life guidance and sup-port? Studies have shown that overall, youth participating in mentoring relationships experience positive academic re-turns through more consistent attendance, better attitudes toward school, and increased likelihood of going on to a higher education. Other benefits of mentoring include: a decrease in depressive symptoms, limited frequency of substance use, and significant changes in youth’s perceptions of parental relationships. (The Mentoring Effect) Every year, AYO’s mentor program seeks out 30 volunteers in the community who are passionate about mentoring a youth in need. AYO’s one-to-one community-based mentor program is focused on supporting youth to be successful, to live up to their full potential, and thrive. All inter-ested AYO mentors go through an application process which includes: the actual application, a one-on-one interview with a mentor specialist, and a complete background check with references. AYO then spends time seek-ing out and matching mentors and youth with similar personality traits and interests. All mentors must be at least 19 years of age. We ask our mentors for a two year commitment to mentor a 6th-10th grade youth in the Aurora community. Mentors are required to meet up at least 2 times a month with their mentee on a schedule that works best for both individuals. We also ask that mentors engage their mentee in a Life Skills conversation once a month to generate deeper conversation. AYO provides a suggested topic and resources monthly that you can use, but you have the freedom to adjust the conversation to the needs of your mentee. Your AYO mentor specialist will also reach out to you regularly for feed-back and support to help your relationship thrive! Initial and on-going training is provided. Throughout the year, AYO offers events for mentors and matches to help support success and deeper relation-ships. These events include monthly Mentor Socials, where we invite all mentors and those interested in becoming a mentor to join us at a location around town for free appetizers and match support. Mentor Socials take place on the first

Thursday of every month, and they are meant for current mentors to gather and share successes and challenges with each other. This is also a time uti-lized for current or interested mentors to ask AYO staff members any ques-tions and gain further support. In addition, the AYO program offers mentors resources for youth life skills development, referrals to pro-social activities and services within the community, as well as periodic mentor and/or match events throughout the year. Every year AYO hosts a full-day extended event for mentors and mentees to attend as a way to bond and build skills together as a match. This year, AYO’s Extended Event will take place at the West Pines Training Facility ropes course in Wheat Ridge! This event challenges both physical skills and teamwork abilities through high and low ropes course, team building activi-ties, and other games! It is also a great way to get to know other matches and gain extra support from staff. It will take place on Saturday, September 10th from 9am-4pm and is free to all matches who attend! Any caring adult can mentor a young person! You do not need to be

“cool” or “exciting” or anything but yourself. What youth really need is some-one who is willing to give them a little bit of their time. They need someone who will be themselves and work at developing the relationship. They need your help to imagine the future and their place in it. And most importantly, they need someone who is going to consistently be there to support and guide them. The only mentor who fails is the one who does not show up. Interested in becoming a mentor? Contact Mack Abernathy at macken-zieabernathy@aumhc.org or 303-923-6399 for more details. Also, don’t forget to “Like” or “Follow” our Facebook Page, Instagram, and Twitter accounts! Upcoming Mentor Socials: July 7th Punch Bowl (65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203) 5:30-7pm August 4th Sam’s No 3 (2580 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014) 5:30-7pm September 1st Darcy’s (4955 S Ulster St #103, Denver, CO 80237) 5:30-7pm October 6th North County (94 Rampart Way, Denver, CO 80230) 5:30-7pm November 3rd Punch Bowl (65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203) 5:30-7pm December 1st Sam’s No 3 (2580 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014) 5:30-7pm

PACT attended the 2nd annual Colorado Prevention Symposium

AYO’s PACT (Prevention Awareness through Core Training) staff attended the 2016 Colorado Providers Association 2nd annual Colorado Prevention Symposium June 15 and 16 in Golden, CO. This years theme was “Confronting Colo-rado’s Opioid Addiction Crisis”. Day 1 of the event invited speakers to describe the extent of Colorado’s epidemic, ex-amine demographics of heroin and prescription drug addiction and discuss treatment options and potential policy solu-tions. Day 2 brought together prevention providers from all over Colorado to explore key issues in substance abuse and addiction, prevention strategies, prevention with special populations and prevention advocacy. It gave valuable insight to prevention efforts happening through out the state as well as the changing laws around marijuana use in Colorado. What can we do to create awareness? AYO strives to educate young people with facts about the potential dangers of substances and teach skills to help young people avoid misuse and addiction. As a community, we can support public education initiatives to foster awareness of drug related policies.

A Summer Time Rhyme By: Riana Mitchell

It’s that time of year! The summer is here!

AYO has the “Happenings”, to make your path clear. Do you like Boxing? Do you like Crafting?

So you like swimming? So you like rafting?

You name it! We’ll connect you! Your summer, should reflect you!

AYO wants you to succeed. So give us call! But until it’s received,

Here are some key resources, in case you’re of need!

A few Summer Camps The Salvation Army is offer ing an “All sports Camp” June 25th-July 30th, 2016 where youth will learn the fundamen-tals of various sports. Ages 10-17. Cost $35.00. For more information call 303.364.1965. Aurora Recreation is offer ing “Youth Adventure Quest”. These one day adventures include Paint Ball, Rafting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, and more! For more information you can call 303.326.8709. Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a wonderful place of discovery for children to connect with nature and be healthy. They are open 9-4pm Wednesday-Sunday. Visitors can enjoy Scavenger Hunts, Fishing, Photography, Hiking and more! For more information you can call 303.289.0930. A few places for FREE Meals Free Summer Meals to all kids 18 and under plus some fun activities! No registration or sign up needed. Meals must be eaten on sight. Here are a few places you can go to for meals; Del Mar Park @ 12000 E. 6th Ave May 31-August 5 Lunch 10:30-11:30am Snack 3:50-4:30pm Parklane Park @ 13003 E. 30th. Ave May 31-August 5 Lunch 12:30-1:30pm Snack 3:50-4:30pm A few places for Tutoring ESL classes, on Tuesday and Thursday for youth 6th-12th grade. 9-11am. For 8 weeks. @9801 E. Colfax Ave. Suite 200. $10 for full 8 weeks! Call 720.975.0147 with questions. Tutoring for kids in combination with a spor ts exercising program on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3:30pm @9801 E. Colfax Ave. Suite 200. Call 720.975.0147 with questions. Volunteer Interest? Aurora Recreation is looking for volunteers 16 and older to act as zombies for their Zombie Camp. Please contact Kristen Allen at Kmallen@auroragov.org or 303.326.8709 if you are interested. Aurora Recreation is also looking for volunteers for the Summer Food Program to lead free activities and games, help with meal service, and create a fun community. If you are interested, please contact Rachel Phillips at 303.326.8705 or rphillip@auroragov.org. Aurora Concert Series- June 16 to July 28, Thursdays 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Events/AuroraSummerConcerts/index.htm Aurora’s FREE evening summer concert series, is held in various Aurora parks. Select from a wide variety of music from pop to big band swing. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase dinner from an on-site food vendor, receive a free bal-loon, and join the fun. For weather cancellations, call 303-344-1500 after 3 p.m. the day of the concert. Aurora Sounds of Southlands- Thursdays June 16- August 11 at 6pm http://www.shopsouthlands.com Join us for a night of free entertainment with the Sounds of Southlands Concert Series held in Town Square from 6:00pm – 8:00pm! Bring a blanket, bring your pet…and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes! Southlands Town Square 6155 S. Main Street, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road Aurora, CO 80015 August 20- Aurora Global Fest 1:00pm to 7:00pm https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Events/GlobalFest/index.htm Aurora Municipal Center- 15151 E. Alameda Parkway Celebrating Aurora’s International Community

Fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expression abound at Global Fest in Aurora presented by the City of Aurora. Inspire your taste buds with flavors from around the world! Lace up your shoes, you'll explore cultures at this global village then tap your toes to the beat at our two entertainment stages! Be enchanted by cultural dance, global mu-sical entertainers. Come thirsty! The World Beer Market will offer five different beverages with brewing techniques and flavors from around the world. All beers are globally inspired...and locally made.

Homework, Help and Tutoring star ts back up August 17, 2016. HHT will take place every Wednesday

from 4:00-6:00pm in the Community Room at Aurora Strong Resilience Center, 1298 Peoria St Aurora, CO 80011.

Mentor Program Extended Event Ropes Course September 10, 2016, Saturday 9am-4pm at West Pines Training Center 3400 N Lutheran Pkwy, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Mentor a Youth Nominate a Youth Tutor a Youth

AYO Youth Receive CCA Scholarship

June 24, 2016 four AYO youth attended YAASPA’s (Young

Aspiring Americans for Social Political Activism) Social Sciences

Institute, ensuring them a two year scholarship to Community College

of Aurora after they graduate high school!

YAAPSA is an educational organization serving the needs of

students in the areas of academic and career self efficacy, civic en-

gagement, civic literacy and racial identity development. The Social

Sciences Institute supports high school youth in navigating their so-

cial science academic and career development. All four of these youth

have been in or are currently a part of AYO’s mentor program.

(Scholarship recipients pictured with Janiece Mackey, Co-Founder/

Executive Director of YAASPA)