Monday, February 22, 2010

Turbo Update

Contrary to popular belief, I have not fallen off the face of the Earth, just the Partners blog.  As you can imagine, there has been a lot going on since the last post (in, ahem, November)!  I'll highlight the best of the best; turbo-update style:

1.) Thanksgiving Day Dinner- if you weren't there, you missed out.  It's probably wise to mark your calendars now for TDD 2010 just so you don't forget.  Good old-fashioned family fun was had against a backdrop of food mountains.  Turkey Trivia provided an intensely competitive opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving, and the night was capped off by a rousing Turkey-themed sing-along (just kidding about the singing, I wish).

2.) National Mentoring Month- What an unforgettable 30 days!  The annual PRC National Mentoring Month Celebration went beautifully- and deliciously I might add.  Some truly generous business owners and individuals in the community supported us throughout the month by participating in the Business Logo Fundraiser, donating for the Celebration, and giving up their time and money to help us remind everyone that we have some incredible mentors in Routt County and always need more.  Many thanks to the great people of the Yampa Valley for their passion and support.

3.) Snowmobiling- Junior and Senior Partners, staff and friends of PRC were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day snowmobiling Rabbit Ears Pass for the annual outing.  Though the adults handled most of the driving responsibilities, nearly all of the Junior Partners were able to captain a few laps around the meadows.  We can't wait to do it again next year!

So what's next?  Currently, we're gearing up for an ice climbing adventure and beginning to screen and interview potential 2010-2011 School-Based Mentors!  It's hard to imagine that the current SBMs are nearing the conclusion of their term, but spring will be here before we know it.  And with any luck, I will update this blog again before that time comes...

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Friday, November 13, 2009 

The Real Partnerships of Partners: An Expose

Partners is spoiled by wonderful support from individuals and business entities alike.  Without sounding too vain, we're kind of a big deal.  But while we may be guilty of basking in the glow of the great people who make this organization (and what we do) possible, we will never take it for granted.  So what does this support actually look like?  Well, you're about to find out.  Today's blog, along with more to come in the future, will profile a PRC supporter, offering a rare inside look at the generous and fun-loving folks who make our mission a reality.  Enjoy!

Super Supporter of the Month: Scott Cramer and Delivra E-mail Marketing

Notice the great shirt Scott sports as he shows his enthusiasm for all things Partners

Partners supporters hail from near and far, and in the case of Scott Cramer and the Delivra team this means halfway across the country!  Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Delivra offers solutions for e-mail marketing that fit perfectly for Partners' outreach campaign needs.  It's shocking, really, how much time is spent on informing the community of PRC programs, services and events.  And who do we call when we've got a big outreach campaign coming up?  None other than Delivra guru Scott Cramer.  A devout Partners fan, Scott ensures the Partners (somewhat technologically challenged) staff has the tools and software we need to get the word out.  We've used Delivra's services for everything from the "Howdy Partners" newsletter to event invites, and everything in between!  Without it we'd be forced to hold giant posters on Lincoln Avenue, and more importantly, we wouldn't be able to reach the families and supporters that are such a huge part of our work.  So here's a big "thank you" to Scott and everyone at Delivra who believes in the power of mentoring.  Congratulations on being named Super Supporter of the Month! 

Now's your chance!  Sunday, November 22nd is the annual "Pig-Out 4 Partners" day at Rio Grande downtown.  10% of the day's proceeds will go to PRC- all day long!  Extra clout will be given to those who dress in pig garb.

Friday, October 23, 2009 

Busy October Bees

The goal with this blog has been to update you, the good people who support Partners, on what's going on in the PRC world.  Therefore, I'd like to officially apologize for neglecting my duties for the past... three odd weeks.  There's no great excuse for the hiatus, except for the recent level of activity in the office.  Why, what a perfect segue into this week's updates!

Partners staff have been out and about this month to work on professional development at some great conferences across the state (Estes Park and Keystone were especially fun), and one of our own even made it to China for some R&R time. 

We've also been working hard on putting together activities that Junior and Senior Partners can enjoy together.  Recent activities included making personalized camouflage and carving pumpkins.  So be sure to take part in these fun events; we've recently had some trouble with low enrollment, so if you'd like to take part, don't be shy.  That's all for now, but stay tuned; there will be some exciting celebrations in the coming month that you won't want to miss!

School-Based Mentors at the AmeriCorps State Conference in Estes Park, CO

Friday, October 2, 2009

Do you have what it takes?

I'm not that great at rapping.  In fact, I would easily lose in an open-mic competition to just about anyone who decided to challenge me.  This isn't the case, however, with some of our School-Based Mentors.  As part of their job descriptions, SBMs act as counselors at three one-week sessions of Science School at Perry Mansfield Camp (a collaboration with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps).  Today marks the last day of the final session, and I was lucky enough to be part of last night's "fireside" activities with sixth graders from around Routt County.  There was singing, there were skits, but perhaps most memorably, there was rapping.  2009-10 SBMs Ali Moyer and Wes Wooten created and performed their own unique rap, complete with beat-boxing and baggy clothes (to the delight of nearly every kid there).  The obvious connection between the kids and their performance got me thinking about what it takes to be a positive role model, and more specifically to this entry, a Senior Partner?

The stereotypes about what a SP should look/act/be like undoubtedly keeps too many fantastic potential Senior Partners in the mentor closet.  As seen by the example of Ali and Wes, kids seem to respond to a silliness that exists in all of us.  This basic connection proves that mentorship should be about the reciprocal exchange of ideas and fun, not being perfect. Contrary to popular belief, there are no special skill sets or knowledge of child psychology required, only a sense of fun and a willingness to develop it with a little person who can teach you just as much as you can teach them. 

So, if you've been considering taking the plunge and making a huge difference in a child's life, don't worry about your math skills or even your rapping abilities. If you think you have what it takes (and we'll bet you do), Erin would be more than happy to chat with you.  So come by the office or give us a call, and as always, have a safe and happy weekend.

Friday, September 25, 2009

See Partners Run

This past Saturday, the Run Rabbit Run marathon took place in Steamboat, combining the incredible athletic abilities of some stellar runners with an impressive volunteer movement to support them during the 50 mile "Ultra Marathon" (I'm tired just thinking about it!).  As one of the beneficiaries of the race, Partners was lucky enough to be involved again this year.  In another great show of PRC love, a handful of dedicated Partners volunteers turned out to lend voices, brain power and hugging skills at the race finish line.  In between having fun with the bull horn and congratulating finishers there really was some hard work organizing times and rankings, but overall it was mostly just a fun day!

So, here's to all of the great people who agreed to give up their Saturday: Allison, Lindsay, Wes, Lindsey, Ali, Mo, Megan, Brent, Jane, Kyle, Erin, and Bo- great job!  And also a big thanks to Jenna and Fred for all of their support.  Maybe next year someone will want to represent PRC in the race; just be sure you enjoy running a long, long, long way.

 Friday, September 18, 2009

Thank you, thank you!

Mirror mirror, on the wall, who are the best, best supporters of all? You are PRC supporters, you are!  In case you couldn't guess from that drawn out (and somewhat unecessary) shout-out, our Java & Jazz event went off with great success last Sunday, and we are extremely pleased with how everything went.  The venue was packed with pro-Partners folk coming out of the woodwork to remind us just how lucky we are to have so many that care not only about PRC as an organization, but our communities as a whole.  The commitment to prioritizing youth and the strong bonds of Routt County despite the recovering economy was truly inspiring! 

In addition to enjoying some tasty treats, several partnerships were brave enough to tell us about their relationship and the difference it has made.  Hearing first-hand about the way Partners is able to facilitate these transformations was definitely one of the best parts of the day (closely followed by all the auction fun!).

The success of the event, and to PRC's very existence would not have been possible without extraordinarily generous contributions from Java & Jazz donors, corporate sponsors, board members, volunteers and attendees.  We hope you all know how much we truly appreciate your help, and understand what a difference your involvement has made.  So stand up, take a bow, and thanks again!

Friday, September 11, 2009:

You're Invited...

Mark your calendars and datebooks, you're invted to the annual Java & Jazz Event this Sunday, September 13th!  In addition to directly benefitting Partners, the event combines tasty desserts with coffee, wine and tea with the musical stylings of Denver's John Ridnell Quartet.  Music begins at 4:00 PM and is slated to wrap up at 7:00.  Guests will have the opportunity to purchase dozens of tempting auction items and win door prizes while mingling with a great group of people.

Java & Jazz will be held at Lake Catamount Clubhouse, and tickets may be purchased at All That Jazz or at City Martket from 10-2 on Saturday, September 12th.  Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy the festivities and show your support of Partners.  See you there!

 Friday, August 28, 2009:

New Season, New Faces, New Blogger

It's hard to believe that summer is already coming to a close, but the beginning of fall means an exciting new chapter for Partners!  As the Yampa Valley gears up for the start of the 2009-2010 school year, PRC also welcomes a group of new faces as seven School-Based Mentors and one new VISTA (yours truly!) comes on board.  In addition to returning SBMs Kate and Megan, Partners is proud to introduce Ali, Wes, Lindsay, Kyle and Lindsey as additions to the Routt County school team.  Be sure to check out their profiles on the PRC website! 

In addition to settling in the SBMs, the office staff has kept busy planning for the upcoming Java & Jazz and Run Rabbit Run events (slated for September 13th and September 19th, respectively).  Erin, our Case Manager, has also been hard at work creating and supporting new partnerships.  She is always looking for more adults interested in working with a Junior Partner, so please stop by the office or give Erin a call if you or someone you know may be interested in volunteering this year.  We are looking forward to working with the wonderful people who've been involved in the past as well as adding some new faces to our team. 

Have a great start to the fall season this weekend, and stay tuned for more updates!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

 Wow, is it August already?! It feels like only yesterday that we were winding down the school year, and already next year's School-Based Mentors are beginning to move into the Steamboat area. Orientation begins August 17th, and we are so excited for this year's SEVEN MEMBER crew!!! The 2009-2010 School-Based Mentors are: Katie Neiert, Megan Rea (yes, we have 2 returning SBMs!!!), Lindsay Dietz, Wesley Wooten, Lindsey Novak, Kyle Banman, and Ali Moyer. Also, starting on August 17th is our second-year AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Kristin Stange. If you meet any of the new AmeriCorps volunteers in the next few months, please give them a friendly welcome to Colorado.

Partners is gearing up for the third annual Java and Jazz event on September 13th at the Lake at Catamount. Every year Junior Partners work together to produce wonderful art to be auctioned off in the silent auction. Yesterday we had a lovely group of kids over to Bogue to paint local flora and fauna. If you are interested in purchasing any of these fine masterpieces, you'll just have to come to Java and Jazz this year! Tickets are available at All that Jazz, at the Partners office, or at the door.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 

Summer is always a busy time of year here at Partners. With so many activities and events, it is hard to believe that we are able to squeeze it all in to the few months of summer that we get here in Steamboat! Here is an update on what has been going on in the Partners world these past few weeks.

Life Skills Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park was a huge success this year! Fourteen Partners kids (and four adults) attended this fun week of: low and high ropes courses, swimming, "capture-the-flag", campfires, Life Skills activities, rock climbing, and group fun. "Everyone got along so well, and it each person was able to take away a lot from the experience," say both Melissa and Erin of the week. We would like to extend a huge thank-you to both Jesse Calhoon and Sean Heskett for joining us this year; the two of you made camp extra special!

On June 27th Partners hosted a booth at the Taste of South Routt in Oak Creek. It was a beautiful day to be out in the park surrounded by good food, great music, and wonderful people. It was fantastic to spend the afternoon with some of the South Routt Partners folks. Thank you to Marcie for helping run our booth; I never would have been able to get the tent up without your expertise!

Although Partners didn't march in the 4th of July parade as a unified group, several Junior Partners were able to join in on the action and walk with the Boys and Girls Club.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Phew, what a week it has been since the last post! On Tuesday, May 12th the PRC crew went out to Hayden to help out with their Global Youth Service Day, organized by Jess and Susie! It was a complete success - crews were able to do some landscaping at the Haven. The residents of the Haven enjoyed watching and interacting with the middle school students; they even had the opportunity to meet a spry 100 year old gentleman! Students also refurbished Dry Creek and 3rd Street Parks. Thank you to all of the hard working students and volunteers for coming out on a windy day and working to make Hayden a more beautiful town!

On Saturday, May 16th we loaded up Big Blue (our trusty van) and another borrowed from RMYC and drove down to State Bridge with all the kids to spend the morning rafting on the Colorado River. It was a gorgeous day filled with sun, cold white water, and numerous water fights! We put in at Rancho Del Rio and finished back at State Bridge, after a few hours on the river in rafts and duckies. Everybody seemed to have a fantastic afternoon - even though we had a few people take an unintentional swim in the river. Melissa organized a delicious picnic lunch of pb&j's, fruit, chips, trail mix, and cookies. Thank you Colorado River Guides for donating the excursion.

 On Sunday the SBMs celebrated the completion of their term of service with PRC and AmeriCorps. Congratulations Derek, Megan, Caroline, Susie, Jess, and Katie on completing over 1700 hours of service here in Routt County! We are also excited to have Katie and Megan return next year! To celebrate PRC staff and the mentors had a barbeque at Howelson Hill Beach, complete with kabobs and laughs.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Spring is here, and Routt County is transforming into a verdant, vibrant, and lively valley; this is causing everybody here at PRC to anxiously await long summer days filled with outdoor activities! As summer nears, so does the end of the academic year for Routt County schools. The School Based Mentors are winding down another successful year in Steamboat Springs MS, Soroco MS, and Hayden MS. We are truly proud of all of their numerous accomplishments this year! If you see Susie, Jessica, Megan, Caroline, Derek, and/or Katie, please share your appreciation.

Erin, our Case Manager has been busy! We currently have 40 one-to-one partnerships, which is fantastic! However, we are always in search of new caring individuals (especially male and south Routt mentors). We still have 23 waiting Junior Partners.

Melissa, our Program Manager, also has been very productive; she, and the School Based Mentors, just returned from a Life After AmeriCorps camping trip. It sounds like they had a very good time, and were able to reflect on their volunteer experience.

We are in the initial stages of planning our annual Java & Jazz event. Although the event is in September, we have lots of planning to do. This year's event will be bigger and better than ever ~ we hope to see all of your shining faces at such a unique and fun event.

Have a fantastic week! We look forward to rafting this Saturday with the partnerships. Thank you Colorado River Guides!!!