Colorado Youth Matter

A statement from the CYM Board of Directors and Executive Director - Nonprofits have always grappled with the uncertainties of fundraising. It’s not unusual for a nonprofit organization to lose a funding source, only to gain new supporters to make up for the loss.

Colorado Youth Matter is not immune to these funding issues and the associated staff turnover that can follow. We have experienced the loss of several government and private financial supporters in an already tenuous political and financial landscape making our work increasingly difficult to sustain.

To alleviate our dependence on three large grants, staff and board have been pursuing new funding sources to diversify and balance our financial portfolio, working on a new strategic plan to expand our services and mission to reach new audiences while we explore the intersectionality of youth s*xual health and other topics, and implementing changes that decrease general operating expenses while still offering the level of quality and expertise we’ve been known for.

Through these combined efforts we ended the 2016-17 fiscal year with a small net income – reversing several years of losses.

Regrettably, these changes didn’t occur quickly enough, and after receiving notice of loss of funding from another major supporter, the Colorado Youth Matter Board of Directors has made the difficult decision for dissolution of the organization effective December 31, 2017.

We understand that the information we are sharing may be a lot to process. Assuredly the decision was not made lightly.

We have always demonstrated a commitment to being good partners; we will continue that legacy as we wind down our work. Our plan over the next few months is to make decisions that result in the least amount of disruption for our stakeholders while providing them time to make the necessary accommodations. Additionally, we are working with local partners to find a new path for our programs that have demonstrated positive change and impact to the youth of Colorado.

“Policies that withhold or provide inaccurate information on s*x, contraception and STDs (s*xually transmitted diseases) are dangerous and inherently unethical.” - Dr. Mary A. Ott

Teens, say no to s*x, Trump officials say. But that advice doesn’t work Health experts worry that the Trump administration’s promotion of abstinence-only programs will reverse dramatic improvements in the teen birth rate.

Teen birth rates in Colorado are low, but what happens when the awareness and education ends?

Trump administration’s cuts imperil Colorado teen pregnancy prevention program The Trump Administration’s decision to end grants early to programs working to prevent unwanted teen pregnancy has thrown the future of one such program in Colorado into doubt.

Good News Friday!

Colorado family planning data show continued success in reducing unintended pregnancy Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Prevention Services Division works health promotion, chronic disease, and injury prevention

Colorado Youth Matter is the ONLY organization in the state to receive funding from the Federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention program for its innovative work with schools and clinics. And now that funding has been eliminated from the 2018 budget. Show your continued support for youth health and well-being...donate today!

ColoradoGives Help youth make healthy decisions, set goals, graduate, and achieve their dreams! Your tax-deductible donation supports our critical work for youth s*xual health. Be a champion for youth and invest in healthy and informed young people - and help us reach our 2017 goal of $24,500!

CYM is in the news discussing the funding cuts to the Federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention program. Let's keep the pressure on to reinstate these critical funds!

Colorado Teen Pregnancy Prevention To See $1.5M Cut Under Trump Plan After a change in federal priorities, Colorado Youth Matter will lose $1.5 million.

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"Abstinence-only s*x education programs do not prevent high school students from having s*x. Instead abstinence-only programs cause harm to students."

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S*x Ed at School Is Failing Kids — So They're Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands "It is unreasonable to think that adolescents are going to google their way to good s*xual health."

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You HAVE to Read This Dad's Message About S*x Education It's spot-on.

A worthwhile read for parents.

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