Youth Leadership: Investing in the Next Generation

Volume II, Issue No. 3 Winter 2026

​Friends,

Lily has been part of Aspire’s Youth Leadership program since she was 11. With guidance from Aspire Resident Services Coordinator Star Lapoehn, she has grown from a young participant into an active leader who helps plan community events and comes up with ideas for her group.

Over the years, Lily has built friendships, developed confidence, and learned skills that will serve her well beyond high school. Through Youth Leadership, she has opportunities to strengthen her communication and leadership skills, practice decision-making, set goals, and learn about real-world topics like mental health and financial literacy.

For Lily, the program has also been an important place to build connections with other young people in her community. “It’s really fun,” Lily told us. “It’s a great way to connect with the community and people around you.”

Now, Lily is thinking about her future. She wants to become a dental hygienist and is already taking prerequisite courses as she prepares for college. She knows the skills she’s developing through Youth Leadership will continue to be useful as she takes those next steps.

That’s what we hope Aspire can be for young people: a place to build skills, confidence, and connections that stay with them long after they leave the program.

Lily’s story is one of many. Across Loveland Housing Authority communities, Aspire works alongside residents of all ages. We help connect families with food and basic-needs resources. We provide educational scholarships and youth programs. We offer wellness activities and opportunities for older adults to stay active and connected. And when residents need help finding the right resource, our team is there to listen and help them navigate what comes next.

In 2025, Aspire provided nearly 8,000 programs and services to 845 residents. Those numbers matter. But the stories behind them matter more. A parent who finds help when groceries are running short. A resident who discovers a resource they didn’t know existed. A young person who becomes confident enough to speak up. An older adult who finds a reason to get out and connect with their neighbors.

This is the work your support makes possible.

On December 8, Colorado Gives Day, we’re asking you to consider making a gift to Aspire. Your support helps us continue providing the programs, resources, and relationships that make a difference in the everyday lives of LHA residents.

Lily told us that Youth Leadership has given her some of her best friends and a stronger connection to her community. And when we asked what she would tell another young person about the program, she had a simple answer: “It’s enjoyable!”

Thank you for helping make opportunities like this possible for Lily and for so many other residents in our community.

Staff Update & Partner Spotlight

Meet the Fall 2026 Educational Enrichment Scholarship Recipients!

Every scholarship we award represents a real person with real goals, working hard to build a better future for themselves and their family. This fall, we are honored to recognize the following residents who are doing exactly that.

Meet Artie! Artie is is a proud member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, studying Automotive Technology at Front Range Community College. After a life-changing health journey, Artie decided to pursue his lifelong dream of owning an automotive repair shop, with a goal of giving back to his community along the way.

Meet Grace! Grace is is a full-time student at Aims Community College, studying Computer-Aided Drafting with a focus on civil design. After rebuilding her life from a difficult chapter, she’s now working toward a stable career in civil drafting, building roads and structures her community depends on, while creating a secure future for herself and her daughter.

Meet Ava! Ava is studying Business at Front Range Community College while balancing school and family responsibilities. Inspired by a successful local business owner and mother figure, Ava hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University and pursue a career in marketing. Her goal is to build a stable career that provides a secure future for her family while showing her children what hard work and education can achieve.

Meet Megan! Megan is studying Integrative Health and Wellness at Front Range Community College, inspired by her own journey of recovery and experiences with loss and chronic illness in her family. As a single mother of two, Megan hopes to become a recovery coach and wellness educator, helping individuals and families build healthier, more fulfilling lives. She is passionate about showing others that healing, growth, and positive change are possible.

Meet Star! Star is studying Cosmetology at IMBC, inspired by a lifelong love of hair, nails, and helping others feel confident in themselves. After touring the school, Star knew it was the right place to build the skills needed for a career in the beauty industry. In 10 years, Star hopes to be working in a salon, helping others feel their best while carrying forward the kindness and encouragement instilled by her mother.

Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 semester. Deadline to apply is December 31, 2026. If you are an LHA resident pursuing a degree, certification, or continuing education, we encourage you to apply. Learn more here or contact scholarship@lovelandhousing.org for more information.

Residents’ Corner

Welcome to the Residents’ Corner! Discover programs, opportunities, and resources created specifically for LHA residents and their families. Check out what’s happening:

Loveland Downtown Pumpkin Festival – October 10, 2026

LHA families and kids are invited to 7th Annual Downtown Pumpkin Festival in Downtown Loveland on Saturday, October 10, 2026. 

Thanks to our amazing supporter Comcast, LHA families can grab a free pumpkin decorating ticket! Come enjoy a festive day downtown and get creative with your pumpkin! 

Learn more about the Pumpkin Festival here. Contact Aspire at info@aspirenoco.org to learn how to get your free tickets.

Educational Enrichment Scholarships

Submit your Educational Enrichment Scholarship application for the 2026 Fall semester by July 31, 2026. The scholarship helps cover tuition costs for eligible residents living in an LHA affordable housing community, supporting their educational and career goals. Learn more and apply here.

Questions? Contact Abigail Kaup at akaup@aspirenoco.org.

Youth Leadership

Aspire’s Youth Leadership program helps young residents build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers. Youth ages 11-18 take part in activities such as educational workshops, games, shared meals, and more, all aimed at helping them learn, grow, and have fun.

For more information on how to join, reach out to Resident Service Coordinator, Star Lapoehn.

We are grateful to Taylor Kohrs for supporting the 19th Annual LHA + Aspire Golf Tournament as our Drink and Lunch Sponsor. Their generous support helped make the tournament a fun and successful day for our golfers while contributing to the Educational Enrichment Scholarship and Aspire’s programs for LHA residents. Thank you, Taylor Kohrs, for investing in our community and helping us build a stronger Loveland!

Looking for a meaningful way to support our community?

Corporate sponsorships help Aspire provide programs, resources, and opportunities that support LHA residents and families throughout Loveland. From sponsoring community events to supporting youth programs and resident services, your business can make a direct impact while connecting with the community.

Your sponsorship helps:

Stabilize families in crisis
Fund case management and emergency assistance that keep families from losing their housing during a sudden crisis.

Restore hope and dignity
Provide resources and support that help residents move through difficult seasons with their dignity intact.

Build belonging and connection
Fund community events and peer programming that reduce isolation for residents, older adults, and veterans alike.

Create paths to financial resilience
Support education, job training, and financial literacy programs that help residents build lasting independence.

Interested in becoming an Aspire corporate sponsor? Click below to learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities.