MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

"The concept is simple but effective. You tap into the energy of young people to complete unmet service projects while developing their sense of playing a positive role in the community. Many people think that our communities are falling apart because cities don't have the funds to clean up and repair public parks and neighborhoods that have been neglected. We get this work done and people see how they, as individuals and as a team, can make a difference."

-Peter Bowman, Year One Crew Leader, 1992

MHYC's programs are centered on the belief that youth are a powerful resource and should be given the opportunity to contribute, make a difference and give back to the neighborhoods in which they live. MHYC works with project sponsors throughout the metro area to identify community needs that can be met through youth service projects. Throughout the year, MHYC crews completed much needed projects that improved neighborhoods, protected the environment and helped the disadvantaged. In most cases the work could not have been done without MHYC's help. The value of these projects is immeasurable. Not only did they provide lasting benefits to the community, but they also created opportunities for our young people to see that they can make a difference.

• 2006 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
  In 2006 alone, MHYC youth provided the community with more than 41,000 hours of service. Corpsmembers constructed over 52,600 feet of fence, built and improved 43 flower beds, planted 29,577 plants, flowers and bushes, planted 490 trees, installed and improved 5 playgrounds, installed 54 informational/educational signs, completed over 18 miles of trail work, built and improved 71 urban gardens, installed 7,752 informational placards, removed 1,153 incidents of graffiti, built one amphitheater, created 5 picnic areas, provided 334 households with energy assistance, and helped construct 8 affordable housing units among many other contributions. One project sponsor made the following comment on her evaluation.
  
  “We so appreciate how thoroughly you plan and execute everything you do. The young people are such a delight. Everything you do is top rate. A good example to people in our community. What a view of a positive future.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 2006 FEE-FOR-SERVICE-PROJECT SPONSORS
  Aurora Open Space and Natural Resources Division
  Audubon Society of Metro Denver
  Barr Lake State Park
  Castlewood Canyon State Park
  Cherry Creek State Park
  City of Brighton Parks & Recreation
  City of Lakewood Parks Department
  Colorado Division of Wildlife
  Colorado State Land Board
  Colorado State Parks
  Denver Urban Gardens-Rosedale Garden
  Eldorado Canyon State Park
  Energy Outreach Colorado
  Golden Gate Canyon State Park
  Governor's Office of Energy Management & Conservation
  Plains Conservation Center
  Roxborough State Park
  South Suburban Parks and Recreation
  US Fish & Wildlife Service-Rocky Mountain Arsenal
  Wheat Ridge Open Space