On May 15^th at 5:30 pm student graduates, mentors, families and supporters will come together at the City Park Pavilion to celebrate at the
2012 Colorado Youth at Risk Touchstone Graduation Event. This event celebrates the successes of the Manual 4 and George Washington 6 Colorado Youth at Risk mentoring communities and high school graduates. These graduates have been involved with Colorado Youth at Risk for a minimum of 2 years and have completed both the Steps Ahead for Youth and Touchstone programs.

The Graduation Event is the pinnacle celebration of Colorado Youth at Risk’s (CYAR) programming and mission.  CYAR is a proven dropout prevention program designed to support students from the 9^th & 10^th grade through high school graduation.  The event highlights and acknowledges 27 area high school students who will be graduating from Manual High School, CLA, New America, Colorado High
School Charter, DC 21, Thomas East High School, Contemporary Learning Academy, Thomas Jefferson High School and George Washington High School.  CYAR begins mentoring programs with students at George Washington, Manual, East and Aurora Central High Schools. As students
transfer schools, CYAR is committed to support youth regardless of the school they attend.

Colorado Youth at Risk is committed to providing one on one mentoring, community based mentoring and intensive training focused on social, emotional and academic empowerment for local high school teens. The accomplishments of these 27 graduating youth
demonstrate the impact of the program as CYAR continues to have a 90% youth graduation rate compared to 52% and 48% in Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools respectively.  In addition, many of the graduating students have demonstrated increased personal responsibility, strengthened relationships and gained an understanding of their individual future vision and goals.

The Touchstone Graduation celebrates the student academic accomplishments as well as the relationships forged between graduates and mentors throughout their high school experience. It will highlight the importance of mentoring and empowering teenage students to make positive life choices which lead to a positive future.

The event also highlights Colorado Youth at Risk’s goal to ensure each student graduates with a post-secondary plan in place.  CYAR is proud that many of the graduating youth will be furthering their education all over the country and have enrolled at University of Colorado, Boulder,
Community College of Denver, Georgia Perimeter College, Colorado State University, Clark Atlanta University, US Marine Corps, Metro, CCD, CSU,
Northeastern Junior College, Regis, Long Island University, Hastings College and the Colorado School of Mines.

The Touchstone Graduation will be May 15^th at the City Park Pavilion from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Graduation event will feature dinner and an awards ceremony as well as pictures and presentations which acknowledge the achievements of the graduates and
mentors.  ITT Technical Institute is the inaugural sponsor of the event.  ITT Tech has committed to partnering both financially and
programmatically with CYAR to fulfill the mission that each youth graduate with a post-graduation plan in place. The partnership has involved mutual referrals for student enrollment and mentor recruitment and in 2012 will additionally include an employee back to school drive and fall “Focus on the Future Event” dedicated to school achievement and career development.

Colorado Youth at Risk (http://coyar.org), founded in 1993, empowers teenage students to make life choices that positively impact their futures
through community-based mentoring and intensive training. Colorado Youth at Risk aims to reduce the number of high school dropouts, match students with adult mentors and provide students with a sense of their place in the future.

Mentee, Gabbie shows tremendous leadership with her peers

Saturday July 22, 2012 • Washington Park

All the communities within Colorado Youth at Risk will come together at this
fun 5K Run/Walk to broaden awareness of CYAR within the Denver
communities for potential mentors and support.

This second annual 5K Run/Walk will showcase the powerful relationships that
are created with the Mentors and the Youth and the amazing accomplishments
they can achieve together.

Race Day Schedule of Events

• 6:30 – 7:30 am Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up
• 7:30 am Warm Ups and Brief Announcements
• 8:00 am 5K Run/Walk
• 9:30 am Awards and Prizes
• 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Post Race Party and Annual Picnic (at Washington Park)

Register Now

For more information and to REGISTER please visit www.possibility5k.org or our 5K Facebook Page at:  http://www.facebook.com/Possibility5K

CYAR_5K_logo

The event will feature dinner, an awards ceremony, slideshows with memories from each group, and a chance to acknowledge and celebrate our graduates and their mentors!

Please note, we will be in an open-air building, so be prepared to dress for whatever the weather is that day!

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly! Hope to see you there!

Who: You and a friend

What: Drink specials and appetizers (1^st Happy Hour Drink is on CYAR)
Where: Interstate Restaurant & Bar (1001 Santa Fe Dr. – Denver, CO)

When: March 16th, 5:30-7:30pm

Why: To introduce new people to CYAR, learn more about the mentor opportunities, and recruit mentors for our Manual 7 Steps Ahead Program launching in April.

*if you have any questions or would like to RSVP please contact Roxana Acosta at
303-623-9140 or mentor@coloradoyouthatrisk.org

Two Colorado Youth at Risk Student Leaders

February 29^th, 2012 – South High School Senior, Amira Kiass, and
George Washington High School Senior, Briauna Persinger, are being recognized
by Mayor Hancock and granted the 2012 Mayor’s Youth Award for overcoming
adversity and showing strength and determination. The awards will be presented by
Mayor Hancock and the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children at a special recognition ceremony, on Wednesday, February 29^th from 6:00-7:00 pm
at the City and County Building (located at 1437 Bannock Street in the rotunda
on 2^nd floor).

Amira and Briauna grew up in lives that were riddled with traumatic events and difficult family circumstances including drug abuse, homelessness, poverty and racism.  However, despite these circumstances, both are being honored by Mayor Hancock for their resiliently and working beyond their circumstances to create new lives for themselves through personal determination, and with the support of Colorado Youth at Risk – a local non-profit agency.

Both students joined Colorado Youth at Risk (CYAR) in 2009 and have thrived within the dropout prevention program that sets itself apart from other mentoring programs by focusing on both community and one-on-one mentoring and providing intensive youth training. Colorado Youth at Risk fostered and supported the young women’s personal strengths and empowered them to overcome past obstacles to create a pathway to a new future.

Consistent with the award criteria, Briauna is determined to not let generational poverty hold her back and is a leader in several school groups and youth programs, including the CYAR Touchstone program.  Amira has also emerged as a peer
leader and volunteer for Colorado Youth at Risk.  Amira has volunteered over 300 hours with Colorado Youth at Risk, recruits youth and adults to join the program and facilitates programs for other high school teens.   Drew DeMarie, CYAR Program Manager nominated both students for the 2012 Mayor’s Youth Award explaining “these young women deserve to be acknowledged and have their life highlighted in a way that supports their resilience and further inspires others”.

This May, both Briauna and Amira will graduate from High School and plan to attend and graduate college. Both women will proudly join past CYAR student participants who have graduated from high school at a rate of more than 90%, which is significant compared to the 52% student graduation rate for their peers in Denver Public Schools.

Colorado Youth at Risk (http://coyar.org), founded
in 1993, empowers teenage students to make life choices that positively impact
their futures through community-based mentoring and intensive training.
Colorado Youth at Risk aims to reduce the number of high school dropouts, match
students with adult mentors and provide students with a sense of their place in
the future.

The Mayor’s Youth Award, honors teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 who overcome difficult situations in their lives.  The
award seeks to recognize and support youth people who have made positive
changes and exhibited strength and determination in the face of adversity.  Award recipients are determined through a nomination and selection process to recognize 20 young people at a Spring ceremony.

Take the opportunity to make a difference in your community and in the life of a young person.

This is the first step to getting involved as a volunteer, mentor or to learn more about CYAR.

Job Announcement and Position Description

Posted February 1, 2012

About Colorado Youth at Risk

Colorado Youth at Risk is a community based non-profit organization passionate about the transformational work we provide youth and volunteers in our community. Our mission is to empower teenage students to make life choices that positively impact their future through community-based mentoring and intensive training. Our goal is to increase the number of high school graduates, match students with an adult mentor, and provide students with a sense of the future and their place in that future. We are a financially stable and growing organization that trains and uses significant volunteer involvement. We strive to help youth and volunteers meet their lifelong personal and professional goals.

Purpose of the Position

The Executive Director’s role is both strategic and operational. The Executive Director provides vision and leadership and serves as the chief spokesperson for the organization. S/he is responsible to the Board of Directors for effectively leading and managing the organization toward realizing its mission by implementing its strategic plan, policies and programs.

Our ideal candidate will bring the following key skills and attributes:

• Ability to think strategically, to adapt to adverse or changing business environments, and to bring creativity to problem-solving
• Ability to make business-minded decisions
• Strong networking skills and proven ability to fundraise with diverse constituencies
• Commitment to CYAR’s mission
• Experience partnering with or serving on a nonprofit board of directors
• Experience building deep partnerships or strategic alliances and a desire to analyze alternative organizational structures for CYAR’s future
• Strong staff management and volunteer relations skills, and an ability to develop and lead a strong, committed team

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vision/Mission/Strategy

• Partnering with the Board to create and periodically reevaluate the mission, vision, and strategic plan for Colorado Youth at Risk.
• Partnering with staff and the Board to implement and execute the mission and vision through the strategic plan.
• Maintaining an advocacy-driven knowledge of significant developments and trends in youth mentoring and non-profit management.

Operating Fund Development

• Maximizing fund development efforts to generate sufficient funds for CYAR’s budget.
• Leading and supporting revenue-generating activities, events and campaigns directed towards individuals, corporations, foundations, communities, and other partners.
• Analyzing and responsibly implementing activities or programs generating earned income or other revenue.

Operations and Management

• Responsible for managing a minimum budget of $600,000, at least nine staff member, interns, and approximately 400+ volunteers.
• Leading and maintaining accountability for CYAR’s overall operations, including staff, programs, donors, finances, legal, and community relations.
• Establishing and maintaining an effective management team and staff, with appropriate succession planning.
• Maximizing the capabilities of the management team and staff through an efficient organizational structure (chart) and by effectively delegating authority and responsibility.
• Evaluating and motivating staff performance and development.
• Promoting practices, policies, and a culture that attract and retain top quality staff and volunteers.
• Managing and responsibly improving current programs and services.
• Analyzing and responsibly proposing and/or implementing additional programs or services consistent with CYAR’s mission, strategic plan, and budget.
• Providing proven and documented effectiveness of Colorado Youth at Risk programs through measurement systems and reporting.

Financial/Legal

• Ensuring that sound financial, human resources and legal practices are developed and maintained in compliance with federal, state and local regulations, and that official records and documents are properly prepared and retained.
• Leading and maintaining accountability for the budget planning and forecasting process and ensuring the organization operates within the approved budget.
• Monitoring and ensuring preparation of periodic cash flow and financial forecast reports.
• Managing legal issues as necessary or advisable.

External Relations

• Promoting, marketing, and representing the mission, vision, strategic plan, and programs of Colorado Youth at Risk to all constituencies, including at public and private events, through social media, and as primary spokesperson to the traditional media.
• Building and maintaining collaboration or partnerships with foundations, nonprofits, governments, agencies, and other community organizations.

Board of Directors

• Managing an efficient working partnership with the Board of Directors up to 15-18 members.
• Working with the Board to promote active and productive participation from Board members through committees and special projects.
• Preparing and disseminating reports to keep the Board fully informed on the condition of Colorado Youth at Risk.
• Assist in recruiting and training new Board members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience at a leadership level in nonprofit management and fundraising.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Skilled at facilitation, conflict resolution and cultivating positive public relations.
• Experienced in financial planning, budgeting and managing an organization’s assets.
• Efficient user of Internet, email and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective communicator with excellent oral, written and listening communication skills, including strong public and one-on-one presentation skills.
• Assertive and willing to diplomatically challenge the status quo.
• Able to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Highest level of character and integrity.

Classification/Location:

Full-time exempt position. Primary location at 1700 E 28th Ave. Denver, CO with travel in the Denver Metro area and Colorado required. Requires a flexible work schedule that includes evenings and weekend events.

Compensation:

Competitive salary and benefits for this position and the size of the agency.

To Apply Please submit by email (preferred in PDF in one single document) to: jobs@coloradoyouthatrisk.org – No phone calls please.

1. A cover letter stating your interest and specific qualifications for the position, and including brief descriptions of the following:
1. An example of your ability to plan, follow through, and achieve desired results.
2. Why you feel the CYAR Executive Director position is ideal for you.
3. Salary history and requirements.
2. A resume outlining your education/experience/achievements.
3. Contact information for three references.

We plan to conduct initial in-person interviews during the week of February 27. Review of resumes will begin immediately, and may involve telephone follow-up.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Colorado Youth at Risk is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees, volunteers, member organizations, clients or the public on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, age, gender or gender variance, sexual orientation or veteran status. This policy of nondiscrimination prevails throughout every aspect of the employment, including recruitment, selection, placement, training, compensation, promotion, transfer, layoff, recall and termination. It also prevails throughout all client and volunteer activities.

March 15th, 5:30-8pm, Manual High School Thunderdome (Gym) – 1700 E 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80205
The Colorado Youth at Risk Career Exploration Fair is a chance for young people to meet professionals in a variety of different careers and learn about what it takes to do what they do!

If you are a youth, please join us!! And bring a friend.
If you are a professional person and would like the opportunity to share what you do with future generations please contact Sarah McGill or Amy Long at 303-623-9140 or sarah@coloradoyouthatrisk.org or amy@coloradoyouthatrisk.org

24 Hours to Give Where You Live

Support Colorado Youth at Risk on the second annual Colorado Gives Day! On December 6, 2011, Coloradans will come together to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits throughout the state. CYAR has set a goal of raising $40,000 in order to continue transforming the lives of youth and the community.

Presented by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day asks you to give to your favorite charities through GivingFirst.org, an online giving resource that features all of the nonprofits participating in Colorado Gives Day. Check out our profile to see our goals, accomplishments and much more to help you stay informed.

• CYAR will receive 100 percent of your donation when you donate through GivingFirst.org.
• When you give online any time on December 6, the value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund.
• CYAR has a chance to win $1,000 Bonus Bucks and $5,000 High Five cash prizes when you donate to us on Colorado Gives Day.

You can schedule your donation now and it will be made on December 6th so that CYAR receives all the benefits of Colorado Gives Day.

Schedule Donation Now