30-Year Mentoring Program Supports Routt County Youth

Partners for Youth connects young people with adult mentors in Steamboat Springs and Routt County.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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For over 30 years, the nonprofit Partners for Youth has been running a Community-Based Mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with youth in Routt County, Colorado. The program currently supports 65 mentor-mentee pairs, with 13 more youth on a waitlist. The mentors and youth participate in a variety of activities together, from outdoor recreation to running errands and helping with homework. The program aims to provide a trusted adult role model for youth who may not have that support elsewhere in their lives.

Why it matters

Research shows that having a trusted adult mentor is a key factor in preventing high-risk behaviors in youth. The Partners for Youth program helps connect young people, especially those facing additional challenges, with caring adults who can provide guidance and support. The program has seen hundreds of youth benefit over its three decades of operation.

The details

The Partners for Youth Community-Based Mentoring program matches adult volunteers with youth, typically older elementary school students, for at least one year of weekly activities and support. The mentors come from all walks of life, from working professionals to retirees. The program covers activity costs through business sponsorships, and mentors can be reimbursed by the organization. Partners for Youth follows national best practices for effective mentoring, providing ongoing training and support for the volunteer mentors.

  • The Partners for Youth mentoring program was established in 1996.
  • In 2025, the organization served over 133 youth through its mentoring programs.

The players

Partners for Youth

A nonprofit organization that has been running mentoring programs for youth in Routt County, Colorado for over 30 years.

Annaleigh Bonds

A 31-year-old Steamboat Springs resident who is a mentor through the Partners for Youth program.

Lindsay Kohler

The executive director of Partners for Youth.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it's just been a really rewarding experience, and she has become a big part of my life. I love being a support system to her, but I've learned a lot from her as well. You go into it wanting to serve the community, and you also learn a lot about yourself.”

— Annaleigh Bonds, Mentor (steamboatpilot.com)

“We just see youth thrive and feel more connected and that they have a network of support to pursue the things that are important to them. We hear from mentors all the time that it makes significant impact on them as well.”

— Lindsay Kohler, Executive Director, Partners for Youth (steamboatpilot.com)

What’s next

Partners for Youth is currently seeking more male mentor volunteers to meet the demand in the Steamboat Springs community.

The takeaway

The long-running Partners for Youth mentoring program demonstrates the powerful impact that caring adult role models can have on young people's lives, helping them feel supported, connected, and empowered to pursue their goals.