Aspen Youth Center
Non Profit Category: Children and Youth
Founded in 1991
Annual Budget of $300,000

Web site:
Click Here

Email Address:
sarah@aspenyouthcenter.org

Organizational Mission:
The Aspen Youth Center (AYC) provides local and visiting kids ages 7 -18 with affordable programs and activities in areas not addressed by traditional academic and athletic options. The Center offers a safe, supervised environment that parents can depend upon when they are at work or unable to care for their children themselves. Statistics prove after school hours are when youth are most likely to participate in risky behaviors. Statistics also show that in communities with comprehensive youth programs, the youth are less likely to commit crimes, get in trouble and that academic performance improves. The Aspen Youth Center has been providing positive alternatives to the youth in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1991. AYC offers after school care which includes homework assistance and creative activities such as Arts n' Crafts Club, Culinary Club to fun games in our game room. Our High School Board works with the staff to implement new programs and activities from dances to bonfire nights.The AYC is a big resource for single moms and two parent working families. The daily entrace fee is very affordable, allowing all youth to participate rather than be home alone. AYC is the only privately funded youth center in Colorado.

Physical Address:
861 Maroon Creek Road
Aspen, CO

Telephone Number:
970-544-4130

Fax:
970-920-2852

Best Day in the Life:
"Children are 1/3 of our population but all of our future." Everyday is a good day at the AYC. When you average 50 kids a day, there is a lot happening. The kids are learning teamwork, how to get along and self-confidence in a safe envrionment. We work with many kids who come from single parents or dual working households. Our services are affordable allowing all youth to participate. I am a fim believer that if the AYC didn't exist, there would be many kids left home alone or hanging out on the streets with their friends. By providing postitivie alternatives to the kids, we are developing a better community for the Roaring Fork Valley. One youth came to the AYC with extremly low self-confidence. He comes from a single home and was new to the area. Three years later we have watched a boy develop into a young man. He has a job, direction in his life and still comes to the AYC. Now the staff is working with him on his future goals. I once asked him if the AYC didn't exist what would he be doing. He replied, "I would be home alone doing nothing. AYC is a retreat to me." We have more work ahead of us and more youth to work with in the Roaring Fork Valley. I think our "best day" is yet to come.

Board Members:

Staff Members:

Event, Gala & Fundraiser(s) Date & Description:
AYC is excited to annouce Cirque d' Aspen. Cirque d'Aspen will be bringing performers as seen in Cirque du Soleil for an incredible three night performance on December 28, 29 and 30. The show will be held at the Aspen High School Gym at 7pm. Tickets are $150 for adult & $75 for children under 12. A local's discount special will run through the month of October giving local's $25 off the ticket price. Sponsorship opportunities are available from Title Sponsor to VIP Table Sponsors seated right on the floor. This is a show you will not want to miss! For more information call Sarah Blangsted at 544-4133.