Our Story
Pagosa Community INitiative
About PCI
The Pagosa Community Initiative, located in rural Pagosa Springs, aims to create interactive opportunities that honor culture and diversity to provide Archuleta residents with services that increase wellness and engagement for a better quality of life.
Our programming began in 2021 in order to support the community. Through PCI’s mission and vision, we have been able to serve our community by providing out-of-school time opportunities for students K-12, family advocacy and support services, adult education, and community-building opportunities.
Pagosa Community Initiative is the only organization of its kind in Archuleta County.
At our organization, we are proud to serve a diverse group of students, with 80% being at-risk and underserved. In 2023, we provided critical support to over 120 students, offering the only consistent afterschool programming in the area.
Our youth programs are play-based and designed to foster character development, leadership skills, and community collaboration. Importantly, our programs are offered free of charge and are the only full-time after-school option outside of sports and religious activities.
Additionally, our family services program helps stabilize and educate families, providing valuable resources such as parenting classes, guidance on navigating school systems, and access to mental health support.
We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and equitable place for families. As we look toward the future, we are excited about working to fulfill the following goals:
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Integrate trained therapists into all aspects of our programming.
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Create groups of youth in partnership with therapists to support LGBTQ youth, youth mental wellness, and a safe place for older youth to be during out-of-school time hours.
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Integrate adventure programming and community-based programming into all of our out-of-school offerings.
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Add on to our family services programming to be able to help and support more families that are in need in our community.
The PCI team is an incredible group of passionate and dedicated members who desire to see Archuleta County's community positively grow by building a place where families can receive the resources and care they need.
About The Pagosa community initiative team
Executive Director
Rebecca Tenpenny
Rebecca Tenpenny, has been involved with PCI since its establishment as a board member. However 2024, She holds the highest responsibility of overseeing the organization's daily operations and ensuring it meets its mission and goals.
Family Development Coordinator
Steven Viola
Steven has dedicated his career to serving the Archuleta County community through various roles in social services. Specializing in working with families, Steven focuses on helping them develop the skills necessary to build resilience and self-reliance.
CMP Coordinator
Adriana Medina
Adriana's primary focus is to assist youth and families involved with multiple systems by facilitating communication between agencies, connecting families with necessary resources, and preventing further system involvement.
Family therapist
McKenna Keys
McKenna earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University, specializing in child development, and later obtained her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adam’s State University.
Youth Programming Director
Courtney Wieters
With a background in education, finance, and culinary arts Courtney brings her passion for education and the love she has for children to our organization.
Middle School Site Supervisor
Rachel Stark
Middle School Site Supervisor
Hannah Hemenger
Middle School Site Supervisor
Emily Rooney
Elementary School Site Supervisor
Courtney Hedgecock
Elementary School Site Supervisor
Gracie Horras
Join Our Community!
Become a Roots Member
We believe that real changes are made when we start from the roots of the community and work together to build a better community for us all.
Be part of our community as a Roots Member and donate to PCI's mission to provide Archuleta residents with services that increase wellness and engagement for a better quality of life.