Trainings Create Trusted Community Spaces for Cortez Youth

Teen Hangout Nights in Cortez have drawn as many as 70 youth to sites like Bitterblossom Games, Off the Bench Indoor Batting Cages, the Cortez Public Library, and the Cortez Recreation Center. The problem is the adults staffing these spaces don’t always have the skills or confidence to navigate and build trusted relationships with the youth who attend. One member of TeamUp, the local nonprofit that puts on the events, reached out to LOR with an idea: training to help create safe, supportive environments. LOR’s funding will help TeamUp hire experts to lead trainings for Teen Hangout Night staff and volunteers, including two community-wide trainings open to all youth-serving organizations in Cortez. These efforts will strengthen the capacity of adults to engage young people with confidence, helping Cortez youth feel safe, welcome, and connected to the community.