Jess Kishbaugh lives in Saguache, Colorado, and is currently serving as a Colorado YMHC member in the Alpine Achievers Initiative. Jess is pursuing the Qualified Behavioral Health Associate (QBHA) certification and is assigned to the Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis Valley – Saguache Club.  Jess’s passion for service began at a young age—just 10 years old. She knew from the start that she wanted to make a difference in the world, and she was determined to do so through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. As a member of the YMHC, Jess found the perfect opportunity to hone the skills she needed to better support the young people she works with. While her overall career goals have remained steadfast, the YMHC has helped her refocus on what truly matters to her, reigniting her passion for nonprofit work and deepening her commitment to youth-focused and human services.

Through her experience with the YMHC, Jess has not only sharpened her skills but also gained clarity about the kind of impact she wants to have. One of the most profound aspects of her journey has been stepping outside her comfort zone. Although Jess has always been a private person when it comes to her own mental health, the YMHC environment encouraged her to open up and engage in discussions about mental health, which proved challenging but ultimately rewarding. This growth has helped her become more comfortable having these important conversations.'

A key lesson Jess learned through her work with the YMHC was about co-occurring mental health conditions. She realized that struggles rarely exist in isolation and that understanding the full scope of a young person’s experience is vital to offering meaningful support. This new perspective has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting her community and the support systems that youth need to thrive.

Two moments from her YMHC service stand out in Jess’s memory as particularly meaningful. The first occurred when a young person, facing significant mental health challenges, finally felt comfortable sharing with her. Being able to support the youth during a heightened moment and applying the skills she learned was incredibly fulfilling. The second moment, which occurred just recently, was when she built cardboard sleds with the kids. Seeing their joy and excitement was a powerful reminder of why Jess does this work: the importance of creating small, joyful moments for young people.

For Jess, the most important thing to understand about the YMHC is that everyone involved genuinely cares about the kids they serve. As Jess puts it,

“Everyone that is in it wants to serve and cares about kids and their experiences. We want the best for them, and we want to be able to serve them the best we can. That’s what it’s all about!”