Vision and Goal
The Youth Advocacy Project for Routt County (YAP) provides long-term local funding and hands-on development support to government and non-profit youth-serving agencies throughout Routt County in order to enhance and assist in sustaining the effective services these agencies currently provide to special needs, at-risk, and/or low income youth.
History
Michael and Sara Craig-Scheckman founded the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in the spring of 2005. The Craig-Scheckmans made their move from New York in the summer of 2003, trading in a hectic life for a more peaceful, outdoor life in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Sara grew up vacationing in Steamboat with her parents and brothers, and now her entire family permanently resides in beautiful Routt County, and call Steamboat Springs home. Michael and Sara have four bright and wonderful daughters: Rachel, Rebecca, Dawn, and Madeline. The Craig-Scheckmans believe in strong families and strong communities, and are very pleased to provide funding which will directly benefit Routt County youth and youth-serving agencies.
Michael Craig-Scheckman grew up in New York City. He is a registered investment advisor and has over 30 years of professional experience in the field of finance and investment. Since 2003 Michael has been president of Deer Park Road Corporation in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Deer Park is a registered Investment Advisor and the manager of STS Partners Fund, a hedge fund that invests in asset backed securities.
Sara Craig-Scheckman was raised in California and later moved to New York to attend law school. She has dedicated her professional life to working with special needs, at-risk, and low income youth. Sara has worked directly with a wide variety of children with special needs, including emotionally and physically abused children, youth with physical and cognitive disabilities, and youth in the juvenile justice system. After graduating from law school, Sara worked in the area of youth law advocacy, providing direct civil legal services. Sara is fluent in Spanish and has advocated for the rights of immigrant children and families.
YAP Grant Review Committee
YAP benefits by having an excellent and diverse Grant Review Committee, led by Executive Director Sara Craig-Scheckman. During each of YAP’s public funding cycles, the Grant Review Committee reviews each submitted application which they thoughtfully discuss and consider on Grant Review Day. The committee is comprised of YAP Advisors, staff, and other rotating community members passionate about youth advocacy.