Youth Empowerment Radio

Youth Empowerment Radio

This podcast was created by young people as a project of Youth MOVE Colorado, a youth-led organization. This is meant to serve as a fun, educational, and community-building resource for youth with lived experience. We will be having organic conversations about everything from making friends to advocating for change, and interviewing other changemakers along the way!

Episodes

May 29, 2025 • 29 mins

Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from fos...

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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 t...

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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 E...

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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,...

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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 approac...

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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 Col...

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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 a...

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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 Vouc...

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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. Thro...

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Addressing Youth Homelessness: Insights from Senior Research Associate Lenae Davis

In this episode, Lenae Davis, a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Policy Research, discusses her extensive career focused on research and evaluation. She explains her role in various projects addressing youth homelessness and economic instability, particularly emphasizing the Pathways to Success initiative and a HUD-funded study us...

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In this episode of Youth Empowerment Radio's second season, Savannah, a VISTA member of Youth MOVE Colorado, interviews Kathy Alderman Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. They explore prevalent stigmas and myths about homelessness, focusing on youth challenges. The discussion highlights the societal tendency to blame individuals for their homelessness, the impact of trauma...

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In this episode, we speak with Dominic Johnson, a representative from Mariposa Center for Safety. Formerly known as YWCA Pueblo, the center assists survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and family abuse. Dominic provides an overview of the center's mission and services, including their emergency shelter, the runaway and homeless youth program, and Teresa's Place for supervised visitations. We ...

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Exploring Natural Alternatives in Recovery: A Conversation with Avani Dillinger

In this episode of the Recovery Series, Savanaha from Youth MOVE Colorado VISTA interviews Avani Dillinger about the Natural Highs community group. Avani discusses the origins and mission of Natural Highs, a Boulder-based nonprofit focused on using cutting-edge neuroscience and natural alternatives for mental health and addiction recovery. They...

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Carlton Mason on Leading CASA: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect

In this episode, Carlton Mason, CEO of CASA for the 7th Judicial District, shares his unique journey into his role, the profound impact of CASA's mission, and the importance of positive, non-transactional relationships for youth. Carlton discusses the challenges and barriers faced by young people in crisis, the organization's approach to advoc...

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Guiding Students to Success: An Insightful Conversation with Dr. Paccione, the Executive Director of the Department of Higher Education

In this episode, Dr. Paccione, the Executive Director of the Department of Higher Education shares a detailed account of their diverse career journey that led to their current role. They discuss the personal significance and mission of the Department, emphasizing the importance of activati...

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Challenges and Solutions for LGBTQI Youth Facing Homelessness in Rural Areas

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted challenges that queer and trans youth, particularly those identifying as LGBTQI, face regarding homelessness and housing instability. The discussion highlights the heightened vulnerability of these youth due to factors such as family rejection, societal discrimination, and the lack of affirming resou...

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Empowering Homeless Youth: Carie Harrison on Meeting Unique Needs

In this episode of Youth Empowerment Radio for Homeless Youth Awareness Month, host interviews Carie Harrison from Oak Tree Youth Resources in Durango, Colorado. Carie discusses the inspiration behind founding Oak Tree, the methods for addressing individual needs of homeless youth, and the prevalent mental health challenges they face. She also shares strateg...

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🎙️ Hey everyone! Welcome back to Youth M.O.V.E. Colorado! Today, we're giving you a sneak peek into Season 2 of Youth Empowerment Radio—formerly known as Next Gen Combos!

👤 Meet Ellis! She’s the Drop-In Center Coordinator at Oak Tree Youth Resources in Durango, Colorado. Oak Tree is a space where youth come with diverse needs—everything from independent living support to mental health resources. Alice and her team are there t...

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🎙️ Hey everyone! Welcome back to Youth M.O.V.E. Colorado! We’re excited to bring you a preview of Youth Empowerment Radio, Season 2—formerly Next Gen Combos! This season, we’re spotlighting incredible stories of resilience and community support.

👋 Introducing Cassidy Meehan! Cassidy works with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley. They’re the only Boys and Girls Club in Colorado partnering with the Rural Collaborative R...

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🎙️ Hey, Youth M.O.V.E. Colorado listeners! Here’s a sneak peek of Youth Empowerment Radio, Season 2—formerly Next Gen Combos! Get ready to hear stories that truly highlight the resilience and strength of our youth!

đź‘‹ Meet Carrie Harrison! She co-founded Oak Tree Youth Resources in February 2020 after a decade as a foster parent. Carrie saw firsthand how critical it is for young people aging out of foster care to have safe, stable ...

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