Youth Programs

FYI youth programs include the administration of substance use prevention classes, hosting substance-free activities, and supporting teen councils to elevate youth voices.

Helpful Solutions for a Stronger Community

Fostering strong personal connections is proven to reduce youth engagement in risky behaviors, including drinking, smoking, and drugs.

Educating youth with accurate information about drugs and alcohol strengthens their durable skills, such as decision-making and stress coping, resulting in a decrease in risky behaviors.

FYI strives to provide opportunities and support youth in understanding that substance use can affect brain development and lead to addiction. Staying substance-free is saying “Yes” to a healthy future.

Eligibility And Details

Teens - if you like to have your voice really heard by adults and make a difference, this may be the place for you!

Teen events and activities occur approximately once a month during the school year. Teen councils in Buena Vista and Salida meet once a week. Classes occur within the school year and as requested.

Age: 13-21

Location: High School

Eligibility: Chaffee County Residents

What do matches do when they meet?

Matches have the ability to determine what they want to do when they meet, and it can vary from week to week. Some examples of match activities include; hiking, biking, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, fishing, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, reading, watching movies, gardening, reading, lawn games, etc. You get the idea; the sky is the limit!
How often do matches meet?

Matches are encouraged to meet once a week for two to three hours on average.
How are Chaffee County Mentors funded?

Prevention work is important to our local government too, which therefore supports our program. Many of the dollars for program operations come from grants and community donations.
What if I’m a mentor and am going to be gone for a couple of weeks?

For prolonged time away, program staff can jump in and spend time with your mentee-remember, we like to think young people are fun to hang out with too! Also, thanks to technology, even when you are away for an extended time, you can still maintain contact.
How can I refer a teen to take one of the secondary prevention classes?

Contact James Fenwick at james.fenwick@state.co.us
How does a teen join the youth council in Salida or BV?

Simply come to one of the standing meetings 1x week at the Salida or Buena Vista High School - always accepting new members. Contact: Dibby Olson, dolson@chaffeecounty.org
How often does Youth In Action meet?

Once a week during the school year, Mondays in BV and Tuesdays in Salida
How is YIA funded?

Prevention work is important to our local government too, which therefore supports our program. Many of the dollars for program operations come from grants and community donations.
What does the program consist of?

The program is voluntary, but it requires your agreement to actively participate by establishing goals and working to achieve those goals. The case manager will assist by supporting your efforts and meeting on a regular basis to encourage and connect you with the resources you need to be successful.
Can my family participate without a referral?

No. Referrals are submitted to the program through Chaffee County Child Protection Services or other community organizations.

Join Us

Contact Dibby Olson dolson@chaffeecounty.org or 719-221-5848 to learn more about our Youth Programs.

Testimonials & Impact

“The use of substances has become so normalized within our generation that everyone just does it. I think it's terrible that underage students have found that the only way they can have fun is by drinking or doing drugs. However, 5th Quarter has given me the opportunity to provide my peers with a safe and fun environment where they can enjoy each other's company. Seeing people have fun without the use of substances is why I enjoy being a part of our teen council so much.”