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DOUGLAS COUNTY |
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Douglas County Partners
513 Wilcox Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-5
720-733-1960
720-733-0638 fax
Email |
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“Empowering youth to make positive changes and responsible
choices.” |
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In the Spring of 2000, Metro Denver Partners
conducted an informal feasibility study regarding expansion of the
Partners mentoring model into Douglas County. Several Douglas County residents had expressed
interest in determining if there was a need in their county for the
Partners program. The feasibility study examined need, resources, and
potential volunteer availability. The study concluded there was a
definite need and the potential of both financial and volunteer
resources.
Given the tremendous growth of Douglas County’s population, the
resources for youth have not kept up with their ever-increasing needs.
In a recent study of ninth graders, only 16% believe adults in their
community value them, 76% reported having their first drink by age 15
or older, and 42% had used marijuana by 15. Additionally, there has
been a 70% increase in juvenile delinquency.
Clearly, Douglas County
Partners Mentoring Program serves a critical role in supporting the
healthy development of our kids.
An Advisory Board comprised of concerned Douglas County residents
was formed to help guide, implement, and fund the expansion. Members
of this Board represent concerned citizens, the courts, school
district, and juvenile diversion.
In the Spring of 2001, program implementation began to mentor
at-risk youth in Douglas County. The program serves boys and girls
between the ages of 9-16, who are referred by the schools, juvenile
diversion, or other human service agencies. Like the other Partners
programs, Douglas County participants voluntarily agree to be matched
with a Senior Partner, with whom they commit to spending an average of
three hours a week for one year. Over 20 youth have already benefited
from the Douglas County Program.
All of the Partners support services
are available within Douglas County so that volunteers do not need to
drive to Denver to participate. We need volunteer mentors from Parker,
Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch to match with youth in these
communities. Go to the How Can I Help page to learn about mentor
requirements.back to top |
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