At Team Fort Collins we know that prevention exists beyond the confines of the classroom and we encourage youth to find their ‘spark’.
One of my favorite novels, Like Water for Chocolate, beautifully describes this concept.
| “Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves; we need oxygen and a candle to help. In this case, the oxygen for example, would come from the breath of the person you love; the candle would be any kind of food, music, caress, word, or sound that engenders the explosion that lights one of the matches. For a moment we are dazzled by an intense emotion. A pleasant warmth grows within us, fading slowly as time goes by, until a new explosion comes along to revive it. Each person has to discover what will set off those explosions in order to live, since the combustion that occurs when one of them is ignited is what nourishes the soul. That fire, in short, is its food. If one doesn’t find out in time what will set off these explosions, the box of matches dampens, and not a single match will ever be lighted.” |
Whatever you call it, research supports the idea that when we tap into our passions and are actively engaged and challenged we’re more successful. Sparks lie within us naturally and represent true talents, strengths, and dreams. It can be musical, athletic, intellectual, academic, or relational and for adolescents it is all a means to substance abuse prevention.
Fort Collins is blessed to have a community of organizations invested in helping youth find that spark. The Matthews House through the Community Life Center (CLC) offer a variety of free experiential education programs to engage participants in their passions in a safe and supportive environment. Activities include a running club for women 13 years and older, poetry slam, guitar jam sessions, and a java jam social group and all are drop-in style.
You can also utilize the open gym, open for those interested in shooting hoops, playing soccer or volleyball, or otherwise socializing over physical sports in an environment where sportsmanship is valued, expected, and encouraged. The gym is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm – 8pm and Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm and is located at the CLC at 220 N. Grant Ave., Fort Collins.
For more information check out the events calendar or call (970) 449-5191.
Thank you for highlighting The Matthews House work. And thanks for all you are doing!