Community News from Alpine Bank
October 2025
In This Edition (Click on any item to read more):
- Helping students thrive in school and life
- Turning struggles into second chances
- Protecting the Yampa for future generations
- Joy and confidence take the stage
- Giving families a strong start
- A safe place for hope and healing
Helping students thrive in school and life
In the Boulder Valley, more than one in four public school students face financial challenges that limit their opportunities.
From backpacks and school supplies to mental health support and career preparation, the needs often exceed what schools can provide. Since 1983, Impact on Education has been stepping in to fill funding gaps, helping ensure every student has the tools to succeed.
“Public school funding continues to fall short, and too many kids are left without the opportunities they deserve,” said Executive Director of Impact on Education Allison Billings. “Our role is to mobilize the community to show up for kids and stand up for public education. Together, we can provide what schools alone cannot.”
Impact on Education focuses its work on three areas: academic support, career and college readiness, and mental health and well-being. Their investments range from tutoring and Advanced Placement (AP) exam fee coverage to initiatives like Crayons to Calculators, their backpack and school supply distribution program, or their Career Readiness Academy.
“What gets me out of bed each morning is knowing that what we’re doing matters, and it matters right now,” said Billings. “Everything feels pressing when it comes to meeting student needs. We can’t always wait for systemic change because the needs are now.”
Though the Boulder Valley is often viewed as an affluent region, the reality of wealth inequality means many students lack access to critical resources. Without support, those barriers can keep them from achieving their full potential, Billings said.
“When costs stand in the way, kids miss out,” added Billings. “It might be a backpack, exam fees, or emotional regulation tools. Every financial gap closed, opens a new opportunity for a child.”
Alpine Bank began its partnership with Impact on Education in 2024, supporting various events and providing volunteers throughout the year. Bank staff have participated in both Crayons to Calculators and the Career Readiness Academy, directly supporting student success.
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our communities,” said Alpine Bank Market President Chris Maughan. “Partnering with Impact on Education allows us to support students where they need it most, helping build a stronger future for the Boulder Valley.”
For more than 40 years, Impact on Education has been the nonprofit foundation for Boulder Valley Public Schools. And as long as needs remain, the organization will continue to rally the community to ensure every student has the resources to thrive.
To learn more about Impact on Education, visit impactoneducation.org.
Turning struggles into second chances
The stakes could not be higher. Without intervention, countless young people fall into cycles of substance use, untreated mental health struggles and repeat offenses.
YouthZone helps break that cycle.
Since 1976, YouthZone has been a lifeline for young people and families across Colorado’s 9th Judicial District. Serving Pitkin, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, the nonprofit provides advocacy and support for adjudicated and at-risk youth, helping them move toward healthier and more hopeful futures.
Nearly 90 percent of its clients do not reoffend while in the program, and more than half show clear gains in optimism, problem-solving and resilience.
“Whether it is at the police station at 2 a.m., with youth navigating substance use and mental health crises, or with victims of crime who often go unseen in the traditional justice system, our staff step in for the most vulnerable,” said Ali Naaseh-Shahry, YouthZone’s development director. “We show up when no one else will.”
This hands-on approach is at the heart of YouthZone’s mission to foster hopeful youth, strong families and safe communities. In 2026, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of standing beside young people and their families in their most difficult moments.
Community partnerships have been critical to that longevity. Alpine Bank has been a supporter of YouthZone for years, not only with financial contributions, but also by encouraging employee involvement. Bank staff serve on YouthZone’s board, volunteer on committees and advocate for the organization’s mission.
“Alpine Bank has been one of our top business partners year after year,” Naaseh-Shahry said. “Their employees are truly ambassadors for our work.”
It is a partnership built on shared values, one that strengthens both care and confidence in our communities.
“YouthZone meets young people where they are, often in their most challenging moments, and helps guide them toward a better path,” said Alpine Bank Vice President Alex Mondragon, who is also president of the YouthZone Board of Directors.
“Being part of that journey and seeing the transformation that’s possible when a community shows up for its youth is both humbling and inspiring.”
With deep community roots and steadfast partners, YouthZone continues to chart a hopeful future, showing that even in the hardest circumstances, the right support can change the course of a young life.
Protecting the Yampa for future generations
The Yampa River winds 250 miles through Northwest Colorado, carving valleys, sustaining wildlife, supporting agriculture and fueling communities. It is the last free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River, and its future has never been more important.
Safeguarding this natural resource is the work of Friends of the Yampa, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing the river’s environmental and recreational integrity.
Starting in 1981 as a grassroots volunteer effort and officially becoming a nonprofit in 2010, Friends of the Yampa (FOTY) has grown into a powerful force for conservation. What began with river enthusiasts organizing the now-iconic Yampa River Festival has evolved into a broad effort that balances recreation, environmental health and community needs.
“Our work centers around uniting people in support of the Yampa River,” said Rebecca Campion, development manager at Friends of the Yampa. “Recreationists, conservationists, landowners and decision-makers all working together to take collective action to protect the river’s health for both people and wildlife.”
Today, core initiatives include the Yampa River Stewardship Program, which mobilizes volunteers to tackle invasive species and restore riparian habitats. The Yampa River Scorecard Project measures river health and provides science-based tools for future planning.
Educational programs at the Yampa River Center also help residents and visitors understand how vital the river is to the region.
“For me, the greatest motivation comes from knowing that the work I do touches every single person in the Yampa Basin, whether or not they ever set foot in the river,” said Campion. “And our efforts support not just people, but the incredible wildlife that depends on it, too.”
Support from community partners ensures that work continues. Alpine Bank has long supported the Friends of the Yampa through event sponsorships and recently pledged a multi-year contribution to the Yampa River Center.
“The Yampa River is central to life in this region, and Friends of the Yampa plays a critical role in its protection,” said Alpine Bank Market President Adonna Allen. “We are proud to support their mission as they continue to enhance the environmental, agricultural and recreational integrity of the Yampa River.”
For Friends of the Yampa, protecting the river is about more than water. It is about safeguarding the lifeblood of a region, ensuring it flows healthy and strong for generations to come.
Joy and confidence take the stage
In schools across Colorado, classrooms transform into stages where every child belongs. Music swells, feet hit the floor, and students discover something bigger than dance—they discover themselves.
That moment of joy and confidence is the heart of Celebrate the Beat (CTB), a nonprofit that has spent 25 years bringing high-quality arts education to children who might not otherwise have access.
Founded in 2000, CTB’s mission is to unite schools and communities through the power of dance. By offering classes during the school day, the program ensures that all students in participating grades, regardless of background or ability, can experience the creativity, teamwork and empowerment the arts provide.
“Dance is our tool, but our goal is to help every child recognize their own potential,” said Tracy Straus, founding director of Celebrate the Beat. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience success and joy in the arts.”
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Celebrate the Beat is using this milestone as both a celebration and a launching point for the next chapter of growth. With programs in eight school districts—Arapahoe, Denver, Delta, Eagle, Gunnison, Pitkin, St. Vrain, and Summit—CTB is inviting communities across the state to join its anniversary campaign and help expand the reach of arts education to even more children.
Celebrate the Beat uses teaching methods rooted in its affiliation with the National Dance Institute, designed to motivate and inspire every student. Lessons transcend barriers of language, physical, and cognitive challenges, making the classroom a place where inclusivity is not just promised, but practiced.
Each program culminates in a live performance where students proudly showcase what they have learned and invite their families and neighbors to share in the celebration. The results speak for themselves.
“When students step on stage, they are not just dancing,” explained CTB Artistic Executive Director Kris Walsh. “They are showing resilience, teamwork and confidence. You see shy children stand taller, and you see communities come together to celebrate them. That transformation is extraordinary.”
Local partners are essential to sustaining this momentum. Walsh added Alpine Bank has been among the supporters helping CTB grow its reach statewide.
“Contributing to Celebrate the Beat has been incredible for us because their work creates lasting change in children’s lives,” said Banking Officer and Dillon Branch Manager Jamie Dicks. “When we invest in organizations like CTB, we are investing in stronger, more connected communities.”
As Celebrate the Beat steps into its next 25 years, the call is clear: more communities, more students, more opportunities to discover the confidence and joy that the arts can bring. One beat at a time, CTB is helping children recognize their power and share it with the world.
To learn more about Celebrate the Beat’s 25th Anniversary Campaign and how to bring programs to your community, visit ctbeat.org.
Giving families a strong start
Across Colorado, many families struggle to afford the most basic items for their infants and toddlers. Diapers, formula and safe sleeping spaces can add up to hundreds of dollars each month, leaving many parents facing difficult trade-offs.
At the same time, countless cribs, strollers and other essentials sit unused in garages and storage rooms. WeeCycle, a Denver-based nonprofit, brings these two realities together to create solutions that strengthen families and reduce waste.
Founded in 2008, WeeCycle’s mission is to recycle essential baby gear and match it with families in need. The organization collects gently used items and distributes them through a network of partner agencies, ensuring parents and caregivers have access to the tools they need to give their children a strong start in life.
“Our superpower is being a connector,” said WeeCycle Executive Director Morgan Seibel. “We bridge the gap between families that have outgrown their baby gear and those in need, giving essential items new life in loving homes.”
By partnering with community organizations, WeeCycle addresses two urgent challenges at once. It provides immediate relief to families struggling to cover the costs of raising young children, and it diverts quality items from landfills, contributing to a healthier environment for future generations.
“Seeing baby gear find a second life with families who need it, making sure caregivers have the essentials to care for their little ones—it’s what keeps me going,” explained Seibel.
“And honestly, it’s the amazing community of donors, volunteers, and partners that makes it all possible. It truly does take a village and ours is incredible.”
WeeCycle has worked to expand programming and now serves families in 49 (77%) of Colorado’s 64 counties and is in the process of expanding distribution to ensure infants and toddlers in all of Colorado’s counties can receive essential supplies.
The nonprofit’s impact is amplified through community engagement. Donors and volunteers contribute gear and time, while fundraising events such as WeeCycle’s Whimsy, Together “Wee” Rock, and Birdies for Babies generate essential support. Alpine Bank is a key partner in this work, serving as a “Triple Your Impact” sponsor for all three events.
“WeeCycle is an organization that connects with me not just as a banker, but as a dad,” said Alpine Bank Regional President Matt Teeters. “I’ve even brought my kids to volunteer because the mission is so relevant to our own stage of life. As a community bank, we are deeply honored to support WeeCycle and the amazing work they do to help Colorado families in need.”
Every crib, stroller or pack of diapers that moves through WeeCycle is more than a donation. It is a lifeline for caregivers and a reminder that Colorado’s youngest deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive.
To learn more about WeeCycle, visit weecycle.org.
A safe place for hope and healing
Every child deserves safety, dignity and the chance to heal. Yet for those who have endured abuse or violence, the first steps toward justice can be overwhelming. Safe Passage exists to make that journey less painful and more hopeful.
Founded in 1994, Safe Passage is Colorado’s only fully co-located child advocacy center. Under one roof, children and families find law enforcement, medical professionals, social workers and legal partners working side by side. This model replaces the burden of navigating multiple agencies with a single, coordinated and child-friendly experience.
“By acting as the single source of contact for critical services, Safe Passage gives abused children a voice and enables the healing process,” said Emily Bowker, director of development, strategy & partnerships at Safe Passage. “We minimize retraumatization by making sure a child only has to tell their story once, in a safe, supportive environment.”
Safe Passage serves children from birth through age 18, as well as developmentally delayed adults, who are victims of sexual or physical abuse or who have witnessed homicide or domestic violence. Its services range from forensic interviews and medical exams to victim advocacy and access to mental health care.
The strength of Safe Passage lies in its collaboration. Inside one welcoming space, families connect with Safe Passage staff, the Colorado Springs Police Department or El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Humans Services (if needed), UCHealth nurses and Kidpower.
Each partner works together to ensure children are protected and supported from the moment they come forward.
“When a child takes the brave step to disclose abuse, they are met with a trauma-informed team ready to protect and care for them,” Bowker said. “This makes the organization uniquely positioned to help victims find safety, hope, and healing.”
Alpine Bank recently joined Safe Passage as a corporate partner through its Elevate 30 giving initiative, contributing funds to strengthen the organization’s vital role in the community.
“We are honored to support Safe Passage and their extraordinary team of compassionate leaders,” said Alpine Bank Senior Vice President Laura Lyman. “Their mission reflects the very best of what it means to care for our community.”
For nearly three decades, Safe Passage has been a refuge where the most vulnerable find protection, compassion and justice.
Annually, the organization serves more than 1400 children and non-offending caregivers in the midst of abuse investigations. Safe Passage serves El Paso and Teller counties as well as referrals from additional counties throughout Colorado.
To learn more about Safe Passage, visit safepassagecac.org.
