360 28 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 245-2516
Grand Mesa Youth Services Center (GMYSC) is a 53-bed co-ed secure, multipurpose youth center operated by the Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS) located in Grand Junction, Colorado. GMYSC provides detention, regional diagnostic/assessment for newly committed youth and secure commitment services. GMYSC is located in the Western Region of the state and services clients from the 6th, 7th, 9th, 14th, 21st and 22nd Colorado Judicial Districts. TheseJudicial Districts encompass 18 counties: Moffat, Routt, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Hinsdale, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan. GMYSC provides daily programming for both detained and committed youth in the areas of education, clinical services, recreational activities, healthy living and transition services.
The detention unit at GMYSC is designed to provide services to youth being detained while awaiting court and/or youth that are serving short court sentences. Detention youth participate in cognitive behavioral programming designed to teach positive thinking skills, anger management, improved decision-making, empathy and other social-related skills. Through a collaborative effort with Ariel Clinical Services, youth in detention receive as needed brief mental health assessments and crisis management counseling. In addition, youth participate in psycho-educational groups designed to promote victim empathy, independent living, goal-setting and anger management. Educational services for detained youth are provided through the Mesa County District 51 schools. Educators from the local school district are on site daily through the week to provide assessment to appropriate grade level and classroom instruction. In addition, youth receive daily recreation and structured leisure time.
GMYSC operates two units designed to provide services to youth that are adjudicated and committed to DYS. Youth entering commitment status from the Western Region of the state into DYS complete a 30-day assessment period at GMYSC where they are assessed for criminogenic risk and protective factors as well as treatment, mental health, education/vocation, drug/alcohol and transitional needs. The commitment program is designed to provide services that prepare youth for re-entry into their individual communities. Youth receive a variety of services including: education, individual and group treatment, restorative justice and psycho-educational groups designed to promote accountability, victim empathy and community justice. Youth participate in multiple daily activities designed to promote good social skills. Educational services are provided year-round and are provided by certified state teachers. Educational opportunities include core subjects, elective subjects and vocational instruction. While in school youth have the ability to work on grade-level appropriate work for transferable credit to high school graduation. Youth may work towards earning a GED while residing in the program. Youth receive physical education as well as vocational instruction in the areas of culinary, general construction trades and custodial services. Clinical services are afforded to all youth based on need. GMYSC has a full clinical staff that provides services in the areas of mental health, offense specific and substance abuse treatment.
Youth Served
GMYSC provides secure detention holding for male and female youth awaiting court or serving short-term sentences. Youth served range in age from 10 to their 18th birthday.
GMYSC is a secure youth center location for long-term committed male and female youth in Colorado between 12 and 20 years of age.
- Family Information
- Youth Handbook, State Educational Testing & Voting Rights
- Visitation
Visitation is an avenue to build and maintain healthy family and community relationships. Families of youth in the care of DYS are encouraged to visit the youth center. All visits require a scheduled appointment. You can request visitation by contacting the Grand Mesa Control Center at 970.242.1521 ext. 110.
Visitation Hours
- Contact & Directions
Contact
Grand Mesa Youth Services Center
Matt Medina, Director (970) 242-1521 ext. 130 Matt.Medina@state.co.us Brian Potts, Assistant Director (970) 242-1521 ext. 117 Brian.Potts@state.co.us Anthony Marah, Assistant Director (970) 242-1521 ext. 119 Anthony.Marah@state.co.us Lisa Evanich, Clinical Director (970) 242-1521 ext. 156 Lisa.Evanich@state.co.us Traci Schwarz, Principal (970) 242-1521 ext. 118 Traci.Schwarz@state.co.us Patti Maurer, Program Assistant (970) 242-1521 ext. 115 Patricia.Maurer@state.co.us Bryanna Hetrick, CTL- Dentention (303) 659-4450 bryanna.hetrick@state.co.us Vacant, Administrative Assistant (970) 242-1521 ext. 146 Kassie Sandlin, School Program Assistant (970) 242-1521 ext. 138 Kassie.sandlin@state.co.us Cortney Valerio, Mesa County District 51 Asst Principal (970) 254-6883 cortney.valerio@d51schools.org Lindsey Chitwood, Mesa County District 51 Secretary (970) 254-6880 ext. 115 lindsey.chitwood@d51schools.org Peggy Newland, Mesa County District 51 Secretary (970) 242-1521 ext. 150 peggy.newland@d51schools.org Control (970) 242-1521 ext. 110 Control Fax (970) 245-2516 Video Conference Room (970) 242-1521 ext. 137 Fax (970) 242-8127 Contact Information for Assessment Unit at Grand Mesa Youth Services Center
Directions
For Bus Route information please visit: https://gvt.mesacounty.us/
360 28 Rd.
Grand Junction, CO 81501
The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman - Phone Number: 720-625-8640, 1-866-276-8646 (toll-free number) - The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman helps youth and families address concerns about youth experiences and treatment while living in the Division of Youth Services (DYS) youth centers. The CPO is an independent state agency that investigates complaints and grievances about the Division of Youth Services and provides free and confidential assistance to anyone who calls.