Mesa County Community Summit

Dad and two kids playing with blocks
Teenage friend group
Foster parents in a meeting with child

The Mesa County Community Summit brings together caseworkers, caregivers, service providers and community members from across Western Colorado to build relationships, spark innovation and support better outcomes for children and families.

Last year’s theme, Inspire, invited us to celebrate the people and practices that ignite hope, from bold ideas and frontline leadership to moments of shared strength in the face of adversity. Whether you work in child welfare, mental health, education or advocacy, this summit is a space to connect, grow and return to your work re-energized.

A Proven Gathering for Change

The 2024 summit welcomed 270+ attendees from Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield Counties. Participants represented every corner of child and family support from kinship caregivers and case aides to nonprofit leaders and youth advocates. Surveys showed that 90% of attendees were satisfied with session variety and content, and nearly 80% rated the overall experience as excellent or good. Together, we explored topics like:

  • Building belonging and community connection

  • Youth suicide prevention and the impact of trauma

  • Supporting caregivers during allegations

  • Minority stress and system disparities

  • Technology’s effect on the developing brain

  • Strategies to support foster youth in school