This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
By: Haven Korte
The Longmont Youth Center is an accepting and loving place for those who may be in need of it or want to be a part of it. Although the common name for the establishment is the Youth Center, the City of Longmont recognizes it as the CYF which is the acronym for Children, Youth, and Families. Their mission is to “inspire and empower children, youth and families to be active responsible members of society while strengthening the connection with the community.”
The CYF supports it all: they have short-term counseling for individuals or a group and family that focuses on communication improvement and mediate conflicts. They offer lots of programs for the youth if they need something to do with their time or hands such as The Zone- an after school program, Longmont Idol- a local singing competition, and Youth Council- which is a group of teens that get to help make decisions regarding the CYF and sometimes the town. When it comes to the family portion of the CYF, they have Family Success, which assists families in town with legal issues, school issues, economic concerns, and parent/child conflict. Along these lines, they help with teen homelessness, teen mom support, and strengthening families.
Children can use the CYF as a place to learn and experience with the Bright EYES (Early Years Education Stewards) program. This is a community supported coalition that helps the kids to get ready for school and for the life that is ahead of them. Part of this includes making sure the kids have the resources for school readiness, which focuses on improving health, language and cognitive skills, and social/emotional development. The Bright EYES program also offer sub-groups, Mayor’s Book Club, and Family Literacy Training. The CYF is a very community involved place and one of the ways they like to get involved in their Community Problem-Solving. This focuses on issues the community has associated with teens including, gang prevention, and alcohol awareness. The sub groups that Community Problem Solving has are GRIP (Gang Response and Intervention Program), tattoo removal, and All-Out league which is a team that participates in sports so the teens have something to do during the day. They also offer access to a small studio where young musicians can explore the act of music making.
Another great aspect of this establishment is the Meals Program which offers free lunches during school or summer for those who may be in need of it. The CYF is constantly accepting volunteers to help out with after school/summer activities, chaperone or lead field trips during the summer, assist with the school/summer meals program, help the mayor’s book club or reading programs, etc. The CYF even has two avenues for an internship. It’s an opportunity for graduate students to intern with them and get involved with the community as well as being a part of the wonderful kids and youth programs that help so many in need. It is a 700-800 hour program that allows students to practice the therapy that the CYF offers and allows them to supervise all programs, implement policies, and cross training that will be offered with other City of Longmont offices.
The CYF overall is a great place to have in our community, it offers help to children, youth, and families in the city. It gets involved and cares about the way our teens are perceived as well helps teens who may have strayed to get back on the path to greatness. It’s a great place to spend time and to support, Longmont is lucky to have the CYF and to be able to take advantage of their services is a great opportunity.
Haven Korte is a high school student at Niwot High School and is currently in the IB program. She has lived in Longmont all her life and thinks it's a great place to live. In addition to her passion of being a writer and an artist, she enjoys biking around Longmont.
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