National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM)
NYPUM is an Experiential Therapy program for children and youth ages 10-16. NYPUM staff teach kids to ride minibikes through a safe and proven method, utilizing a Strength's based philosophy. NYPUM group members develop three goals, which are Achievable, Measurable, and Positive. Each week the kids check in on their goals, and will earn time for each goal. Three goals typically translate into one hour of riding each week. Weekend rides are part of the NYPUM experience, happening approximately four times per group. Depending on weather, Larimer County NYPUM has a camping trip at the end of each group. Sometimes it is a weekend of alternative activities, and other times a trip into the mountains.
NYPUM Track and Field
2555 Midpoint Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Contact
Program Director
Marie Villescas, LCSW
970-498-6532
mvillescas@larimer.org
Program Therapist
Anca Niculae, Ma
970-490-2740
anca.niculae@larimercenter.org
Seeking Interns:
- Grant Writer, 10 hours/week
- Intake Specialist, 10 hours/week
- Case Aid, 10 hours/week
- Track Safety Supervisor, varies
Mission
NYPUM is an integrative project between the Larimer County Department of Human Services and the Larimer Center for Mental Health. NYPUM is designed to provide the children and families of Larimer County an opportunity to make positive changes in their lives by offering an exciting and challenging environment intended to support children as they make changes at school, home and in the community.
Partners
NYPUM Partners:
National
NYPUM began in 1969 as an innovative way to engage youth and promote their development. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. donated 10,000 minibikes because they recognized that some children were not interested in traditional sports and didn't respond to other youth services, but the lure of the outdoors and the experience of riding minibikes was very exciting. NYPUM uses this excitement as an incentive for youth to improve their lives. Integral to NYPUM's design is an essential mentoring component to guide and support youth to make good decisions.
Presently operating 44 programs in urban, suburban and rural communities from Los Angeles to Boston, NYPUM programs are run by non-profit or municipal youth agencies. NYPUM's commitment to America's youth has never been stronger because the obstacles facing children today have never been greater. We pledge to continue our work with youth by using the minibike as a means of getting them involved in a healthy peer group with positive adult role models, all centered around exciting and challenging activities.
Mission Statement
"NYPUM provides at-risk youth of America an opportunity to develop self-esteem, strong values and a sense of responsibility using the minibike as a motivational tool."
Please call NYPUM at 1-800-75-NYPUM, ext. 1 or send email to info@nypum.org to learn more about who we are.
www.nypum.org
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