On the Ground: A Nonprofit Spotlight

Mountain Valley Developmental Services received a grant to jumpstart home renovations for its clients with developmental disabilities. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series that highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations.

With a lack of Ute-led organisations in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, Skyler Lomahaftewa is working to bring more awareness to the history of the Ute people. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series that highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations.

Last month, Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosted artists who were affected by the Los Angeles wildfires in January. While many Anderson Ranch artists-in-residence pay for the experience, these artists participated for free. One ceramicist, Bryan Omar Juarez, spoke about how he was affected by the fires and the tiles he worked on at the ranch. This story is part of Aspen Public Radio’s series “On The Ground: A nonprofit spotlight.”

In October and November, Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosted 15 artists who were affected by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires for free. One painter, Olivia Hill, spoke about how she was affected by the fires, what she worked on while at the ranch and what she’s taking back home with her. This story is part of Aspen Public Radio’s series “On The Ground: A nonprofit spotlight.”

Carbondale Clay Center is fundraising for a new building, which will expand programming, including more bilingual offerings, youth empowerment, outreach, mental health and LGBTQ+support and more. The new building will be located in the same spot — along Main Street in Carbondale.

When kids do not have a mentor in their lives, studies show it leads to poor development and difficulty overcoming challenges. The Buddy Program is pairing students with older peers and community members to try to provide students with the mentors they need.

Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club has gone through some leadership changes in recent months. For new executive director, August Teague, this is a chance to get back to the basics of the organization and increase access to the mountain.

Founded in 2005, the Aspen Indigenous Foundation promotes Indigenous culture and tradition in the Roaring Fork Valley, which is ancestral Ute land. Founder and Executive Director Deanne Vitrac-Kessler spoke with Aspen Public Radio’s Regan Mertz about the organization ahead of the seventh annual Shining Mountains Film Festival, which showcases indigenous films and storytellers.

Harvest for Hunter began in the town of Snowmass Village during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded to Aspen and Basalt. The organization expects more clients this winter as seasonal employees arrive in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Following an increase in outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers ramped up their services. Funding and personnel cuts to federal agencies have exacerbated that pressure. Executive Director Becca Schild spoke with Arts & Culture Reporter Regan Mertz about what staff and volunteers are doing to ensure the backcountry is safe.