Gilpin County commissioners on May 27 approved acceptance of a three-year Youth Mental Health and Well-being Challenge Grant from the Colorado Office of the Attorney General that will provide $605,154 to support youth programs in Gilpin County.

Staff described the award as a three-year program that will supplement county youth services, including the Eagles teen program, licensed school child care and life-skills curriculum delivered in schools. County materials and staff said the grant is structured so the first year is smaller and funding increases in years two and three to offset the scheduled end of the county’s substance-abuse block grant in June 2026.

The board resolution authorizes the chair to sign the contract after legal review and includes budget amendments to record grant revenue and related expenditures. Staff summarized the fiscal numbers into the record during the meeting: total grant award $605,154 for state fiscal years 7/1/2025–6/30/2028; budget amendments increase grant revenue and program expenditure lines to accommodate the award.

Presenters noted the county has a new memorandum of understanding with Gilpin School District to formalize delivery of life-skills curriculum in schools under the grant. Staff said the award is intended to bolster prevention work and ongoing youth programming at the community center.

The board approved the resolution 25-067 by vote, 3-0. Staff said Jacob Rippey, the county’s youth program supervisor, developed and submitted the application earlier in the year.