Partners abides with the reporting requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitation Act. In addition to accepting donations, two of the largest fund raising events on the Western Slope are guided by the Director and Board members—the annual televised TV Auction on KJCT-TV and Super Stars Competition, which generates over $80,000.00 each year. Other fund raisers include the Partners Golf Tournament and the Haunted House.

There is an active Board of Directors at Partners, with programmatic and financial policies and procedures which includes an established Foundation.

The 22 Board members have assisted in establishing the Foundation which was formed to: “Provide financial support for the future of Partners”. All donations, gifts and contributions to the Foundation shall be added to the Endowment Fund, the principal of which shall be held in perpetuity, except as expressly provided in the articles of incorporation and bylaws.”

The Foundation is an ideal way for donors wishing to create an ongoing benefit to Partners from the income of the assets, knowing that the principal will not go to general operations. Cash donations can be made payable to Wells Fargo Investments, LLC, custodian fbo Mesa Youth Services Foundation, Inc., at 1169 Colorado Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

An annual audit of the financial records is conducted by Miller, Stranger & Associates, CPA.

The local program is a member in good standing with the Partners Mentoring Association which accredits local Partners programs to assure quality standards in staffing, program services and financial management. There are 10 Partners programs providing youth services in Colorado.

The Western Colorado Conservation Corps of Partners is an accredited member of the Colorado Youth Corps Association and was recently approved as an Enterprise Zone.

In 1991, Mesa County Partners received a Point of Light Award from President Bush and an El Pomar Foundation Excellence Award. Partners also received the Mesa County Martin Luther King Award in 1999.

Joe Higgins is the director of Mesa County Partners and is basically in charge of the day-to-day operation of the business. Partners is fortunate to have an active Board of Directors which meets once a month plus has a variety of committees and sub-committees which meet on a regular basis.

Partners has been working on a strategic plan for the past two years and are currently implementing (successfully) the many ideas which went with the process. The plan was created to better address its programmatic, budgetary, technology and logistical needs of the Partners’ programs.

Two scholarship plans are in operation for individuals associated with Mesa County Partners. Special scholarships for academically needy youth have been provided at Sylvan learning Center plus the Western Colorado Conservation Corps offers scholarships through the AmeriCorps program.

The mission statement for Mesa County Partners: “To make a difference in the lives of young people by helping them develop a positive self image, a sense of belonging and an acceptance of responsibility for their actions.”