FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Nurturing Skills for Families (NPP)
Free 12 week class for parents/caregivers of kid 0-18 years
Provides skills and strategies to increase nurturing and attachment
Provides education on child and youth development
Increases parent resilience through community building
Helps to educate parents on the importance of social & emotional competence of children
Dinner & childcare commonly provided.
Nurturing Fathers
Free 13 week class for dads taught by dads
Provides fathers skills and strategies on parenting with empathy and nurturing
Increases parent resilience through community building
Dinner and childcare commonly provided.
Parent Toolkit for Kids
Free 5 week class for parents/caregivers of kids 9 - 14 years
Provides parents the skills to teach/encourage their kids how to make good choices while maintaining friendships
Dinner and childcare commonly provided.
Case Management
The Family Education Team also conducts one-to-one lessons that correlate with our NPP.
MENTOR PROGRAM
Youth In Action
Our youth-to-youth mentoring program fosters supportive;developmentally appropriate relationships by pairing middle school students with preschoolers for guidance, encouragement, and positive role-modeling. Youth In Action (YIA) peer-to-peer matches meet once a week after school in Salida and Buena Vista, focusing on relationship-building, reading, exploring the community, and engaging in play. Middle school mentors develop confidence and empathy, while younger students benefit from connection, encouragement, and a relatable role model. This program strengthens community bonds, supports healthy growth for both mentors and mentees, and helps build literacy, social-emotional, and leadership skills.
Adult to Youth
An adult-to-youth mentoring program connects young people with trusted, caring adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and consistent support. Mentors meet regularly with youth to build a positive relationship, help them set and work toward personal goals, and navigate challenges at school, at home, and in the community. Through activities, conversation, and role-modeling, mentors foster social-emotional skills, confidence, and healthy decision-making. The program offers structured match support, safety oversight, and ongoing resources to ensure both mentors and mentees feel prepared and supported throughout their relationship. By offering a stable, dependable connection with a positive adult, the program strengthens resilience, nurtures a sense of belonging, and promotes long-term wellbeing for youth.
CHAFFEE COUNTY YOUTH ALLIANCE
The Chaffee County Youth Alliance (CCYA) is a community coalition dedicated to promoting positive youth development and preventing unhealthy behaviors. By identifying risk factors and strengthening protective factors, the coalition works to create a healthier community environment for youth. CCYA meets every other month and serves as the central hub for decision-making and discussion for all coalition efforts. Meeting participants include a diverse mix of community members, youth-serving partners, law enforcement professionals, local government officials, mental health providers, and school staff. Most of the coalition’s direct work is carried out through its primary workgroups and the two CCYA teen councils.
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
Youth Councils
Student-led groups, made up of teens from every high school in Chaffee County, bring together students who are passionate about supporting their peers, planning substance-free events, and making sure teen voices are heard in the community. Each group offers meaningful opportunities for leadership, volunteering, and youth-driven initiatives, all while creating a welcoming, supportive space for teens to connect with one another.
After School:
Project Towards No Drug (TND)- FYI offers TND to youth to provide education around the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. This program consists of weekly meetings to cover a 12-session curriculum in 6 weeks.
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)- This program is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for at-risk juveniles. The 12-step format guides participants through a variety of activities designed to challenge faulty beliefs and attitudes that have led to poor choices and bad habits.
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Our Family Development Program serves Chaffee County Families. Our specialized case management services provide families with individualized, strengths-based support that helps them identify needs, set goals, and build long-term stability. Using evidence-based tools, case managers work alongside families to assess their current situation across key life areas such as housing, finances, health, education, parenting, and social supports, and develop a personalized plan for progress. Through regular check-ins, referrals to community resources, and coaching. Case managers help families navigate challenges, track progress, and strengthen protective factors. This partnership-driven approach ensures that families receive coordinated, compassionate support tailored to their goals and readiness for change.