784 hours of out-of-school group activities and youth development programs throughout the pandemic.

Since March of 2020, and weekly throughout the pandemic, True North teens from three school districts have participated with their peers in academic tutoring, outdoor activities, community service, cooking classes, and more. Loneliness and isolation have been identified by mental health experts as key risk-factors leading to depression, substance abuse and mental health disorders. A recent CTC (Communities that Care coalition) survey of Telluride youth found that 37% of youth felt hopeless at times. These issues have been especially compounded for teenagers by the pandemic and the transition to and from online learning. True North’s programs have directly confronted these risk-factors by providing key protective factors every week throughout the pandemic: hundreds of hours of social activities, group programming, peer and adult mentorship and frequent communication. In the spring of 2020, True North’s board approved a protocol to allow for safe in-person programming (found below). Through community service, outdoor excursions, workshops, art projects, and more, True North positively engaged 150 students from Telluride, Norwood, and Nucla high schools over the last year. True North also offered virtual and in-school programming throughout the year as well as matched students with private academic tutors. Our total combined student engagement hours since March of 2020 is 1,249 and counting.

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IMPACT OF  CURRENT HEALTH MEASURES
As we follow the guidelines of health officials and state procedures, we have adapted group programming with the above board-approved protocol. 

Our offices are open and staff are continuing to work full time on student support remotely as well as in-person. We have ample online resources for academics, test prep, college and career readiness, and financing your education. We are available every day to connect with students via phone, email, and text. We can also schedule in-person meetings. 

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True North is available to support any students and their families, and facilitate connections to community resources. Call / text us anytime at: 970.708.1986 

"All of the True North activities they do along the way help to strengthen their resume so when the time comes to apply for scholarships, they are truly a

well-rounded individual and a competitive candidate." - Daily Planet article 

“True North had a major impact on both of my daughters. We moved here four years ago and neither of my girls knew anyone. They quickly became involved in Rising Stars as a way to connect and network. Loren and others immediately hit it off with my girls. My girls have participated in several events since then including Base Camp, Community Clean Ups, and Food drives to name a few. True North has helped enable both of them to become part of the community and give back. I believe their impact will continue ti help both my girls into life outside of school. Thanks True North!”

- Mariza Brimhall