Background Statement
YouthZone was incorporated in 1976, founded by a group of parents concerned about drug use among high school students in Garfield County. The original focus of the agency was to provide recreational activities along with drug information and education to youth. In its first years of operation, YouthZone assisted approximately 400 youth between 14 and 17 years of age.
Today YouthZone has grown to serve nearly 2,100 youth and their families from Aspen to Parachute, and is the only youth organization in four counties that intervenes with the juvenile court system. YouthZone is skilled in evaluating program effectiveness, proactive in preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system, and practiced in providing parent support through consultations, one-on-one education and classes.
The average youth client at YouthZone receives services for three to six months, during which time they have access to counseling, substance use education, restorative justice services, skill groups, useful public service, and more.