Navigation of Community Resources, Mentoring, Homework Help, Tutoring, Youth and Family Leadership

Winter 2015

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 Aurora Central Library Homework Help: 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

MLK Jr. Library Homework Help: 9898 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010 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.

Mentoring Works! – Stories from our matches

Billie Joe and her mentee Alexis have been have been matched since April 2014. “AYO matched us up perfectly!” says Billie Joe. “We have been really enjoying each other and having a great time coming up with activities to do together. A few that stand out are working on a vision board for my mentee, where we would find ourselves naturally talking about so many things she wants to do in her life. It was a excellent ice-breaker and helped me find out many cool things about her, her friends and family.” Billie Jo and Alexis also put together a small book club, using the sharing and discussion to explore thoughts about the story and conversation about the participating mentees’ lives. “I realized I didn’t have to be a pro at book clubs to have it be a success and we all had so much fun in our discussion. We liked it so much that we decided to pick

another book to discuss.” Thanks, Billie Jo, for being an amazingly creative mentor!

Derek and Arturo have been meeting since the summer exploring the Aurora community through action and high places, including football, playing video games, rock climbing and having lunch together. One of their earlier adventures was AYO’s ropes course challenge in September for mentors and mentees. Their interactions modeled for others the positive exchanges possible between a good team. “I involve him in my life as though he were my little brother,” explains Derek. “I only have little sisters so I enjoy talking with Arturo who is really open about what is going on in his life. I never would have guessed how this relationship would play out. I mean that in a good way, because Arturo wanted a mentor, he was looking for someone to look up to. For me, the joy of mentoring is building and guiding a younger person to do the right thing and to grow successfully.” Thanks, Derek, for opening up your life to a “little brother”, with whom you play, talk and influence!

The AYO mentor program provides youth with real opportunities

for self-discovery and personal growth. If you are interested in

attending the January 29, 2015 Friendraiser, please RSVP to

ayo@aurorayouthoptions.org or 303-617-2660. If you would like more information, please call or email Linda

Fuller (303-617-2614) at lindafuller@aumhc.org or check out our website at www.aurorayouthoptions.com.

Build a Sustainable Community, Mentor a Youth!

Colorado Juvenile Council Award Recipients Colorado Juvenile Council (CJC) is dedicated to providing opportunities, connections and resources that support excellence in the juvenile justice system. Over the years, CJC has evolved to include virtually every agency that works alongside the juvenile justice system in Colorado. November 14, 2014, CJC presented a conference: “Recreational Marijuana: What does it Mean for You, The Juvenile System and Kids?” Presentations included:

Retail MJ Demystified Effects of Retail MJ on System Agencies and How they are Dealing Retailer Confidential: Store Owners & Attorneys Discuss Medical vs. MJ Retail, Edibles, the Regulations

and How They’re Dealing with Youth CJC Annual Awards Presentation

During the Awards Presentation, AYO received recognition with two awards. Marlon Oliva received CJC Youth of the Year for his abilities and strong determination to overcome decisions he made at a younger age. Marlon has turned his life around becoming a positive role model. He works with Aurora Gang Resistance (A-GRIP), encouraging younger kids to make appropriate choices. He is working hard to repay previous restitution. Vicki Scott was awarded CJC Supervisor of the Year for supporting the AYO team members to truly be innovative in their individualized client interactions.

We are so proud of you both – keep up the great work!

Aurora Youth Options is now on Facebook. Please click here and like our page!

JANUARY IS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH – PLAN TO ATTEND AYO’S FRIENDRAISER JANUARY 29, 2015

Did you know that 1 in 3 youth do not have a formal or informal mentor growing up (National Mentoring Partnership, 2014)? Mentors facilitate self-development, self-respect and self-appreciation by lending a listening ear and offering gentle guidance. Mentors can help turn a negative situation into a life lesson, exploring all the variables involved without judgment. If you’re looking for a way to serve your community, please consider becoming a mentor. Aurora Youth Options (AYO) offers a flexible and supportive program for caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a youth. Plan to attend AYO’s Friendraiser, where you can meet mentors and their youth and learn more about making a significant impact through mentoring.

Aurora Youth Options’ Friendraiser January 29, 2015, 5:30-7:30pm

Baker Street Pub & Grill 8101 E. Belleview Ave, Denver 80237

Prizes for attending and bringing the most friends!

The Holiday Season Kicks Off at Aurora’s Hoffman Building with a Community Collaboration The Hoffman Center, a public library, has been a mainstay of the Hoffman neighborhood since 1954. In 2013, it was given new life as a community center by the City of Aurora when it expanded as a youth and community center and partnered with the Aurora Strong Resilience Center, Aurora Youth Options and the Anschutz Community Campus Partnership to bring renewed energy and support to the Hoffman neighborhood. In the spirit of neighborliness and the holiday season, the five organizations (Aurora Public Library, Aurora Strong Resilience Center, Aurora Youth Options, the Anschutz Community-Campus Partnership and the Hoffman Youth & Community Center) tenanted in the building collaborated on hosting a holiday party and open house for the residents of the Hoffman neighborhood and their friends. Approximately 150 people came, played, ate and celebrated with one another on December 11th. AYO had 22 mentors, mentees and their families in attendance. Folks brought food, their kids and their sense of fun. Partiers made cookie houses, dreidels, danced and smashed (after a long and arduous effort!) a piñata. Hoolabalu provided some amazing balloon animals and creations. Festive holiday photos with seasonal crazy hats and accessories were created among family groups and friends. Comments from attendees let us know it was a lot of fun, kid and family friendly and very welcoming. In fact, “better than some community parties I’ve been to”. Thank you to our volunteers and to those who donated their time and energy to the success of the party. A big thank you to Pattycake and Zing (Girl Scouts of CO volunteers, family photos), Big Papa Music (Ron Blan and his son, Ron Junior), King Soopers, Little Flower Bakery and Noodles & Co. for their donations! This community collaboration was so successful the participating organizations look forward to similar, future events.

A Big Thank You to Coats for Colorado

Aurora Youth Options was able to provide 30 of our clients with warm winter coats for this winter season. Our youth were extremely grateful to receive winter coats, especially those youth who walk to and from school every day, regardless of the snow or temperature. This would not have been possible without the support of local Dependable Cleaners and AYO thanks them for the great service they provide!

Homework Help and Tutoring-Winter Break Update Homework Help and Tutoring has had a very busy first semester. We’ve had lots of students attend and do their homework with us at both our locations. The students have been happy with AYO’s safe space, good snacks, and our amazing, patient team of tutors. Some of the students have reported seeing a difference in their work habits and in their grades. Homework Help and Tutoring will be on vacation beginning Thursday, December 18 and back in session Tuesday, January 6, 2015. We welcome all students who are in the 6th-12th grades to come and do their homework with us (all subjects). On Tuesdays, we meet at The Residences at First Avenue, 112 Kenton Street, Aurora 80011 from 4-6 p.m. and on Thursdays at the Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora 80012 from 4-6 p.m. If you have any questions or need information, please call Elise Zakroff, Homework Help and Tutoring Site Supervisor, at 303-617-2764. Don’t forget to check out our Web site at www.aurorayouthoptions.org. We wish everyone a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing you in 2015! Elise Zakroff and the Homework Help and Tutoring Team.

For the most up to date schedule and event information please check our website at www.aurorayouthopotions.org. Friendraiser- Join current AYO Mentors and those interested in learning more about becoming a Mentor for appetizers on January 29, 2015 at Baker St Pub & Grill 8101 E. Belleview Ave. Denver, CO 80237. AUMHC Spring Fling– AUMHC’s annual luncheon fundraiser will be held Friday, May 1st. Second City will preform and AYO will be highlighted at the event. Tickets are $90 if you are interested please email HeatherDolan@aumhc.org. Volunteer Recognition Month- A month dedicated to recognizing those that give their time to serve others! Thank you volunteers! AYO Volunteer Recognition TBA for April 2015. Family Day- A day to eat dinner with your family! Also, learn about nutritional snack ideas, community re-sources, and menu planning. Enjoy activities for the whole family and sample foods from local restaurants on September 28, 2015 at the AYO office in the Hoffman Youth Services Building 1298 Peoria St Aurora, CO 80011. Mentor Program Ropes Course Event- West Pines Training Facility Ropes Course offers low and high ropes course that will be sure to help bond and strengthen any Mentor relationship! October 3, 2015 at 3400 Lutheran Parkway Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Mentor Happy Hour- Enjoy happy hour at local eateries with fellow mentors. Mentors can share experiences they’ve had in their match relationship and spend time with their Mentor Specialist. 1st Wednesday of each month, locations can be found on our website.

Drop-in Night- Families can meet with a Youth Specialist to learn more about AYO and youth can complete

the youth survey. Every Wednesday 4-6 pm at the AYO office in the Hoffman Youth Services Building 1298

Peoria St Aurora, CO 80011.

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