The Hero-Within
Initiative
The HERO-WITHIN Initiative sees, celebrates and encourages resilience in young people ages 11 to 19 in Colorado by providing one-time, special opportunity grants for learning, growth, joy, and support.
HERO-WITHIN coordinates these awards with community partners, such as schools, afterschool programs, mentors, counselors and coaches to nominate young people and provide one-time special opportunity grants that are both educational and fun.
About the HERO-WITHIN
HERO-WITHIN Awards are for youth showing remarkable resilience. This is a privately-funded community service provided by the organization and its donors. Community partners are invited to nominate youth for this award. Our goal is to honor these resilient youth in a way that uplifts them and their families; protects privacy, if needed; and inspires donors to contribute the private funding needed to support the program.
The HERO-WITHIN Initiative is an “award and opportunity program” honoring youth who are remarkably resilient. These youth show an inner strength that keeps them going in a positive way even while facing adversity, stress and life challenges. They are developing their own “hero-within”: an inner source of strength and resilience to guide their lives and help them become hopeful and productive adults.
Get Involved
Individual donors can give to CBR YouthConnect through a one-time donation or monthly recurring donation. By giving to CBR YouthConnect, you ensure children in Colorado have the ability to cultivate resilience and triumph over adversity. Donate here.
Who is eligible to be a HERO-WITHIN?
Any youth between the ages of 11-19 in the state of Colorado are eligible to be nominated for the HERO-WITHIN Award.
Who can refer a child?
We at CBR Youth Connect consider teachers, school administrators, counselors, mentors, coaches, and youth advocates to be the best resources for determining who is most deserving of the HERO-WITHIN award. They are the experts because they are the ones to witness the resilience and growing strength day to day of the young people they serve.
What is the process?
The nomination process is fairly simple. To get started, fill out the Resiliancy/Adversity form in as much detail as possible for each nominee. Awards are always based on available funds. For our purposes, we try and spread the opportunities state-wide, so as not to show preference. HERO-WITHIN staff are available to help coordinate the award ceremony and find an appropriate use of the funds.
What can a Special Opportunity Grant be used for?
Our goal is to provide an opportunity that is equal parts fun and educational. Examples of past awards include:
- Horseback riding camp
- Purchase of musical instruments/lessons
- A new bike to get to school
- Flight lessons with McAir Aviation at Metropolitan State University
- Purchase of a new laptop
- Registration/travel expenses for athletic camps/competitions
- Sports equipment
- Archery lessons
- Driving lessons
Our main objective is to provide young people with an opportunity that might not otherwise be possible so that they feel inspired to grow their own skills and resilience. We encourage creativity and aim to make the special opportunity grant appropriate for each nominee, depending on their needs. Some know exactly what they want to do with their special opportunity grant, while others need help figuring out how to use the funds. Both are ok and we work together with the family, guardian and/or school faculty to help the young person determine what would be the best use of the funds.
Do you know a Colorado youth between the ages of 11-19 that would benefit from a special opportunity grant?
Stories from our Heroes
Xavier, 18 years old
Xavier plans to get his license and find a job so that he can help support his mom. He said, “It’s time for me to give back.
Lili, 17 years old
Lili had a dream that at the time felt impossible – to learn more about flight and aerospace technology. She had the opportunity to take flight lessons last summer.
AMBEr, 17 years old
Amber is a resilient young woman who has become a role model for perseverance and determination. Amber’s story is one of strength, showing that with dedication and a positive mindset, it’s possible to rise above even the toughest challenges.
Our HERO-WITHIN Impact Report
Individual donors can give to CBR YouthConnect or to one of our programs through a one-time donation or monthly recurring donation.
MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT CBR YouthConnect
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Program partners help provide the location, youth, supervision, or activities for our community-based programming.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Companies or organizations can provide funding or in-kind contributions to CBR YouthConnect or to one of our special events.
PLANNED GIVING
By including CBR YouthConnect in your estate planning, you help ensure that we can continue our programs to support youth resilience.
NOMINATE A CHILD
Do you know a child that would benefit from a special opportunity grant? Let us know! Fill out our nomination form or contact Amy Grace Marie.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Program partners help provide the location, youth, supervision, or activities for our community-based programming.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Companies or organizations can provide funding or in-kind contributions to CBR YouthConnect or to one of our special events.
PLANNED GIVING
By including CBR YouthConnect in your estate planning, you help ensure that we can continue our programs to support youth resilience.
NOMINATE A CHILD
Do you know a child that would benefit from a special opportunity grant? Let us know! Fill out our nomination form or contact Amy Grace Marie.