YouthRoots

We are HIRING a development Director!!! Visit the link to APPLY: https://lnkd.in/gwbE8XaA Deadline: March 20th.

The Pueblo Youth Action Council (PYAC), established in 2021 by Caring for Colorado’s Packard Fund for Pueblo, fosters community engagement and leadership among young people in Pueblo County. Through this program, students manage their own grant cycle during the school year, gaining firsthand experience in philanthropy and addressing local issues. They also raise funds for nonprofits tackling community challenges they have identified, with 100% of the funds going directly to these organizations. In partnership with YouthRoots and Alpha Learning Academy, this year’s PYAC is now accepting grant proposals for youth services in three funding areas: ?? Gang Prevention ?? Substance Use Disorder ?? Mental Health Learn more about our funding opportunity and review resources at https://ow.ly/Caay50V3aAZ

Every Tuesday morning, the YouthRoots team kicks off the day with our weekly meeting. This week’s icebreaker? Sharing our favorite quotes! With so much happening in the world, a little wisdom goes a long way. Here are a few quotes that inspired us—what’s one that inspires you? ??? Share with us which quote most resonates with you! #youthroots #WordsOfWisdom #youthscan #youth

Week 4 in the books! This winter and spring, I have the privilege of facilitating for 15 Forever, a collaboration between Community Foundation Boulder County and YouthRoots that empowers young leaders to make a difference in their communities. Last week, we explored diversity—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes our decision-making. This week, we dove into leadership, reflecting on the qualities of impactful leaders and how we can cultivate them within ourselves. Excited to continue guiding these incredible young changemakers in the weeks ahead! #YouthLeadership #Facilitation #15Forever #CommunityImpact

We’re honored to receive the Community Trailblazer Award! The Community Trailblazer Award, presented by Community Resource Center, Colorado Nonprofit Association, and Philanthropy Colorado, recognizes outstanding achievements of organizations that exemplify this year’s theme of collaboration. It honors those who promote and lead innovative, grassroots social change in Colorado’s nonprofit sector. At Colorado Young Leaders, our mission has always been to empower the next generation of leaders through bold action, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening communities. Today, we are humbled and proud to receive this award. Collaboration is at the heart of our work.?We want to express our gratitude to the organizations that have stood beside us, challenged us to do more, and amplified our impact:?YouthRoots,?Youth on Record,?Project PAVE,?the Tipi Raisers, the YES Coalition, CiviCO, the?Boettcher Foundation, the Beacon Fund, the Anschutz Foundation, the Adolph Coors Foundation, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado and? Wend Ventures, to name a few.? This award reminds us of the importance of our role in the nonprofit ecosystem, especially as we navigate challenges and headwinds. By working together, we create a stronger, more resilient fabric that connects and uplifts our communities. To everyone who has supported CYL along the way—our team, board members, valued donors, volunteers, and partners—thank you for believing in the power of youth leadership and collaboration. Together, we are building something extraordinary. #YouthLeadership #Collaboration #TrailblazerAward

Welcome to 2025! ?? As we enter a new year, our Executive Director, Sheila VanderGraaph, shares her gratitude for our incredible community and the unwavering commitment to youth leadership. Despite the challenges ahead, YouthRoots is more dedicated than ever to empowering young changemakers, amplifying youth voices, and creating lasting impact. Here’s to a year of resilience, growth, and connection! ??? #youthroots #youthleadership Sheila Van de Graaph , MA

?? Incredible Support for Youth Leadership! ?? We’re so grateful to the Mister Family Foundation, Park County Youth Prevention Coalition, and Carson Foundation for their generous support of YouthRoots! Their investment in young leaders helps us continue shaping the next generation of changemakers through philanthropy and community impact. Together, we’re building a future where youth have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to make a real difference. Thank you for believing in the power of young voices! ???? #gratitude?#youthleadership?#philanthropy?#communityimpact?#thankyou?#youthroots

?? Big news for YouthRoots' own Board Director, Javon Brame! ?? Not only does Javon lead with purpose and passion here at #YouthRoots, but he has now stepped up as the new Board Chair for the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund! ?? We’re also honored to be featured as a BRIC Fund Grantee Spotlight! ?? Through philanthropy and leadership development, YouthRoots empowers young people to address community challenges and lead meaningful change. Thank you, BRIC Fund, for supporting youth leadership and community resilience. Together, we’re building a brighter future! ?? Black Resilience in Colorado Fund #leadershipinaction #youthempowerment #blackresilience #philanthropy #communityimpact #youthroots #bricfund #Changemakers #granteespotlight

?? THANK YOU, The Colorado Health Foundation! ?? We are beyond grateful to The Colorado Health Foundation for their incredible generosity and belief in our mission! ?? Thanks to their support, we can continue empowering youth through philanthropy, leadership development, and mental health initiatives. ?? This grant will make a lasting impact—helping us provide more opportunities for young people to create positive change in their communities. Together, we're building a healthier, more connected future. ??? The Colorado Health Foundation #ThankYou #Gratitude #YouthEmpowerment #MakingAnImpact #ConnectedCommunities #YouthRoots #ColoradoHealthFoundation #Philanthropy #YouthLeadership