Understanding Mile High Behavioral Healthcare: Programs, Services, and Community Impact

In this episode, Audree steps in for Savannah to interview Bob Dorshimer, CEO of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Bob provides an in-depth overview of the organization's history, its specialized programs for various vulnerable groups, including gender-specific services, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and youth support services. He discusses the innovative Aspen Miracle Center, the Transcend program, and the comprehensive care offered through their new behavioral health drop-in center, The Hive. Bob sheds light on their efforts to serve marginalized communities, the importance of experiential therapy, and how the organization integrates lived experiences in recovery support. Audree and Bob also explore the broad definitions of family and recovery, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental and individualized support. Finally, they discuss how community members can help support Mile High Behavioral Healthcare's mission to aid underserved populations and combat homelessness.

00:00 Introduction and Host Change
00:18 Overview of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
01:09 Specialized Programs and Services
01:56 Support for LGBTQ+ Community
02:45 Reentry Programs and Transcend Program
03:48 Emergency Shelter Services
05:08 Focus on Youth in Crisis
07:01 Experiential Treatment Approaches
09:58 New Youth Drop-In Center: The Hive
14:53 Supporting Underserved Populations
22:35 Defining Family and Individuality
27:26 Embracing Self-Love and Authenticity
27:47 Supportive Recovery Services at Mile High
28:20 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery
28:53 Holistic Approach to Treatment
29:28 Personal Connections in Recovery
30:17 Broad Definition of Recovery Support
30:50 Youth and Community Involvement
34:25 Supporting Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
40:01 Incorporating Youth Voice in Programs
45:08 Understanding and Addressing Homelessness
48:08 Personal Definitions of Recovery
49:00 Conclusion and Gratitude

Elevating Connections: Supporting Siblings and Youth in Foster Care Through the Arts

In this episode, Savanaha interviews Stacey Sanders, the founder and executive director of Elevating Connections, an organization dedicated to reuniting siblings separated by the foster care system and empowering foster youth through artistic expression. Stacey discusses the organization's mission, its programs like Empowering Youth Expressions and Camp Connect, and various events and workshops that help foster youth reconnect and share their experiences. She also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and community support in ensuring these youths are heard and acknowledged.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Mission of Elevating Connections
01:26 Programs and Services Overview
02:25 Youth Access and No Age Limit Policy
04:59 Art Activities and Youth Voice Programming
09:41 Camp Connect Details
12:05 Volunteering and Community Support
13:56 Trauma-Informed Practices
21:05 Community Partnerships and Art Supplies
28:40 Impact and Reconnecting Siblings
31:47 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Youth Empowerment and Recovery: An Interview with Brendan, YPR Durango Chapter Lead

In episode 14 of Youth Empowerment Radio, host Audrey interviews Brendan, the lead of the Young People in Recovery (YPR) Durango chapter and program coordinator at Oak Tree Youth Resources. Brendan discusses the key takeaways for homeless youth seeking sobriety, the success stories from recovery groups, understanding and preventing relapse, and the rewards and challenges of leading a recovery program. Brendan shares personal experiences, the importance of community connection, and advice for others looking to start or lead similar programs. The episode also highlights the practical resources available for unhoused youth and the efforts to engage and support them through creative activities and outreach.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:42 Key Takeaways for Homeless Youth Seeking Sobriety
02:00 Success Stories and Recovery Group Dynamics
04:34 Understanding and Preventing Relapse
07:52 Gains After Recovery
10:59 Impact of Substance Use and Being Unhoused
13:39 Inspiration and Leadership in YPR
15:56 Challenges and Rewards of Leading a Recovery Program
23:04 Advice for Starting a Recovery Program
25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Rural Workforce: Insights from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

In this podcast episode, key representatives from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) discuss their roles and responsibilities in workforce development, particularly focused on rural communities. Susie Miller, Wendy Corley, and Steve Wright share their career journeys and emphasize the department's holistic approach to providing support and creating opportunities for job seekers and businesses in rural Colorado. They highlight specific programs like proud, PACE, and TECP that aim to assist marginalized populations such as the formerly incarcerated and SNAP recipients. They also discuss the increasing importance of digital and virtual services, sector partnerships, and apprenticeships in addressing the diverse needs of Colorado's labor force. The episode underscores the commitment of CDLE to foster equity, innovation, and community engagement in shaping a resilient workforce.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:28 Roles and Responsibilities
01:30 Personal Journeys in Workforce Development
03:24 Youth Programs and Initiatives
17:57 Virtual Services and Digital Support
28:15 Workforce System and Community Resources
29:35 Local Control and Flexibility in Workforce Programs
30:36 Governor's Summer Job Hunt Program
35:20 Future Innovations and Trends in Workforce Development
38:52 Services Offered by Workforce Centers
43:39 Sector Partnerships and Workforce Strategies
45:06 Pathful Integration and Career Pathways
48:08 Specialized Programs and Apprenticeships
54:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for Youth

Exploring Colorado's Rich Civil Rights History with Terri Gentry

In this episode, Terri Gentry, the Engagement Manager for Black Communities at History Colorado, shares insights into her family’s remarkable contribution to civil rights history and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. She discusses her family’s involvement in civil rights activism, including her uncle George, the first Black lieutenant governor of Colorado, her grandparents' dedication to education, and her father's role as a Denver police officer protecting Dr. King. Gentry highlights the significance of Martin Luther King Day, the need for continuous activism, the impact of historical laws, and how Colorado played an integral role in the civil rights movement. She also emphasizes the importance of young people getting involved in advocacy, the ongoing struggle for true equity, and details about various historical exhibitions and resources available at History Colorado and other local museums. Tune in to learn more about Colorado's rich and multifaceted civil rights history and ongoing efforts to foster community and equality.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:06 Guest Background and Family History
00:38 Inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.
01:50 Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy
05:01 Lesser-Known Aspects of MLK's Life
09:19 Colorado's Role in the Civil Rights Movement
14:23 Challenges and Progress in Civil Rights
22:51 Advice for Young Civil Rights Advocates
28:38 Upcoming Events and Resources
32:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Supporting Foster Youth: Insights from Boulder County Chafee Program

In this episode, Savannah interviews Nicole, her supervisor at Boulder County Housing and Human Services. Nicole discusses her role in supervising caseworkers who help 16 to 26-year-olds with housing resources, advocacy, and mentorship for independent living. She explains the federally funded Chafee program, its purpose, and how it benefits foster youth and those who have emancipated from foster care. Furthermore, they talk about the Pathways Program, designed to intensify support for youth in a coaching model to achieve their goals. Nicole shares her career journey in human services and provides advice on how communities can help the unhoused population and advocate for youth in challenging situations.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:19 Meet Nicole: Supervisor at Boulder County Chafee Program
01:25 Understanding the Chafee Program
02:26 The Role of a Supervisor in the Chafee Program
05:02 The Pathways Program Explained
08:58 Nicole's Journey into Human Services
11:39 Advocating for the Unhoused Youth
14:42 Effective Advocacy for Youth in the System
16:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Innovative Support and Transition Programs for Youth in Colorado's Foster Care System

In this insightful episode, Derek Blake and Trevor Williams discuss their roles within Colorado's foster care system. Derek, the Transition Services Administrator, oversees multiple programs for youth transitioning out of foster care, such as the Chafee program, education, and training vouchers, and the new Colorado Fostering Success Voucher program. Trevor, the Youth Services Unit Manager, supervises extended foster care programs, the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program, and efforts to support justice-involved youth. The conversation covers the evolution of their work, innovative practices like flexible funding and youth-driven case planning, and the importance of youth voice. They also highlight the significance of both statistical data and personal youth stories in measuring success. Derek and Trevor emphasize the need for preventative care, community support, and effective engagement practices in child welfare.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

00:12 Derek Blake's Journey and Role

01:49 Trevor Williams' Background and Role

04:39 Changes in Child Welfare Over Time

06:45 Innovative Practices and Programs

13:29 Elevating Youth Voice and Individuality

23:04 Measuring Success Beyond Statistics

28:33 Future Goals and Final Thoughts

Empowering Youth: Stories of Survival and Support

In Episode 9 of Youth Empowerment Radio, recorded at a recent summit, we hear compelling stories from Lake County Wraparound. This episode shines a light on the struggles of youth fleeing dangerous situations, living without parental support, and navigating homelessness. It emphasizes the importance of supporting and expanding programs to help vulnerable youth succeed. Through personal stories of resilience, including a young man from Nicaragua and two sisters from El Salvador, the episode underscores the crucial role of providing flexible, individualized support. The organization works tirelessly to ensure youth have the necessary resources, from essential documents to housing and education, demonstrating the power of trust and community in fostering youth empowerment and success.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio Episode 9
00:23 Stories of Youth Fleeing Dangerous Conditions
02:51 Challenges Faced by Homeless Youth
04:49 Support Systems and Trust Building
06:33 Success Stories and Overcoming Obstacles
11:13 Policy and Funding Challenges
18:45 The Importance of Flexibility in Support Programs