Western Slope Center for Children

03/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Certified Nursing Day and extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible nurses who care for children and individuals in our community every single day.
Your compassion, dedication, and strength make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve. Whether you are offering comfort, providing critical care, or simply being a steady presence during difficult moments, your work does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting the health, safety, and healing of our community. We are truly grateful for all that you do.

03/13/2026

⭐️Feature Friday⭐️

On this feature Friday, we recognize Tami Hunt, operations administrator at the Center. Tami’s role includes lots of tasks that help keep the center running smoothly, including financial duties and daily operations! Tami is the longest employed staff member at the Center, first starting her career in October 1999.

One of Tami’s favorite things about her work is bookkeeping, as well as making sure that the Center is in tip top shape for grant reporting, as well as helping manage donations.

When not working, Tami, and her husband, Dale, enjoy camping, jeeping, traveling, attending concerts, and going on cruises!🚢🎶🏕️

When asked what she would want to share about the work that happens at the center this is what she had to share: “ Although I have seen many changes throughout the years, the one thing that remains constant, is the devotion and caring work from not only our team but the whole Multidisciplinary Team. I am blessed to be a part of the work we do.”

Thank you, Tami, for all that you do! ✨💙

03/02/2026

Did you know March is national social work month?

Social work is about more than services — it’s about people. It’s about standing in hard spaces, listening without judgment, and pushing back on systems that were never built with everyone in mind.

The Center has two social workers on staff, Diana Torres and Collbren Lang, and a social work intern, Abigail Portice.

Hear from Diana, Collbren, and Abigail about what social work means to them in the captions below.⬇️

Happy social work month to all of the amazing social workers who make a difference! 💙

02/24/2026

The Rotary Snowball Sweepstakes is back! 🎟️ Purchase your Snowball Sweepstakes tickets now:
https://snowball-sweepstakes.herokuapp.com/purchase #/
When buying your ticket, please remember to select the Center for Children as your organization so your support directly benefits the kids and families we serve. 💙We’re excited that the Center for Children is participating for the second year in a row! ❄️
Last year, we sold the winning $5,000 ticket to someone who chose to support the Center for Children—so you never know, the next winner could be you!
Join us on March 7, 2026, and watch 100 balls roll down the Wonder Bump at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Buy a ticket for your chance to win up to $5,000 — and remember, you do NOT need to be present to win.
🏆 Prizes:
• Grand Prize: $5,000
• 2nd Prize: $3,000
• 3rd Prize: $2,000
• 4th Prize: $1,000
By purchasing a ticket, you’re helping make a difference in our community. Thank you for supporting the Center for Children! 💙

02/19/2026

We are so proud to work alongside dedicated and talented professionals who are committed to protecting children in our community! Way to go Investigator Briggs!👏💙

Over a multi-month investigation spanning between 2024 and 2025, Investigator Nicole Briggs investigated multiple tips regarding images/videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) tied to an internet address in Mesa County.

Investigator Briggs traced the tips to a specific address and suspect, leading to the ex*****on of a search warrant. The suspect subsequently admitted to the possession of CSAM material and further investigation of devices uncovered a trove of material.

The suspect is now serving a 48-year sentence.

Additionally, Investigator Briggs and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force worked to identify and remove the uncovered material from the internet to prevent further exploitation.

For her perseverance, her investigative intuition, and her tireless pursuit of justice for juvenile victims of sexual assault and exploitation, Investigator Nicole Briggs was presented a Letter of Commendation.

02/17/2026

Did you know today is random acts of kindness day?

National Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated each year on February 17th as a reminder of the power of simple, thoughtful gestures. The movement began as part of a broader kindness initiative started in the 1990s by nonprofit organizations dedicated to spreading compassion and improving community well-being. What began as a small effort quickly grew into a nationwide—and eventually global—movement encouraging people to intentionally spread kindness in their everyday lives.

At the Center for Children, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting children and families requires compassion, empathy, and a commitment to lifting one another up. National Random Acts of Kindness Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can all contribute to a culture of care—not just today, but every day.

Whether it’s offering encouragement, volunteering your time, or simply showing patience and understanding, your actions matter. Together, small acts of kindness can create powerful change.✨

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Center!💘

Earlier this week we enjoyed some fun crafts and yummy treats!🧁💌

We hope your day is filled with love and laughter!

02/12/2026

We are so thankful for the sweet treats from our lovely community thank you!

01/28/2026

Check out what’s new at the center! ⬇️🐾

Mowgli, Rachael's little brother, has been officially certified as a Therapy Dog through Canine Companions. His duties will be somewhat different from Rachael's, as he will be focusing on therapy visits rather than court attendance and forensic interviewers. Like Rachael, Mowgli was bred, raised, and trained by Canine Companions. He is a very calm, 2 year old Labrador mix who loves people! We are excited to add this adorable new addition to our team, and to see the PAWsitive impact he will have on the Center’s therapy clients! 💙🐾

01/23/2026

⭐️Feature Friday⭐️

Meet Kristi! Kristi is a caseworker for the Department of Human Services. Kristi had been with the department for a year and a half. In that time, she has made a tremendous impact on the lives of children and families. Kristi’s favorite part about her job is being able to advocate for the safety and well-being of children in Mesa County.

When not at work, you can find Kristi going to the gym, or exploring a new hiking spot! 🥾🏔️

When asked about her favorite thing about working with the MDT at the Center, Kristi had this to share: “One of my favorite aspects of working with MDT is the strong collaboration between agencies, coming together with a shared goal of supporting and protecting families.”

Thank you, Kristi, for doing the work that you do and for being a part of our team! 💙✨