Left Hand Laurel – Lyla Herman

In 2006, Niwot resident Lyla Herman said yes to a friend in her women's hiking group when asked if anyone would like to join her in cooking meals for the kids at Attention Homes. That's how the Trekking Chefs came to be and how Herman became a committed volunteer at the youth safe haven, recently renamed TGTHR (pronounced as Together). Herman is this month's recipient of the Left Hand Laurel, because of her many years of dedicated community service at TGTHR.

What was once a home kitchen has since evolved into an industrial cooking space where casseroles and then some are prepared for individuals from ages 12 to 24. TGTHR is a social movement and a non-profit organization providing a variety of programs for immediate, long-term and transitional assistance to youth.

It's a comprehensive resource for at-risk youth, including housing, nourishment, medical care, and basic one-off needs such as clean clothing, showers, and laundry facilities. Life-skills, educational opportunities, emotional support and inclusivity support group meetings, family coaching, mental and physical wellness care, and social activities are all available at TGTHR. The end game is to keep young people safe, off the streets and on to stable and successful living situations.

The population being served by TGTHR doesn't pull on heartstrings as easily as the sick, elderly or adorable animals. Often false expectations are placed on the demographic who for all intents and purposes seem to nearly be adults. But, a lot of understanding and resources are needed to guide and assist young people in tenuous situations with nowhere to turn.

Founded in 1966, Boulder County District judge Horace Holmes, Parole Officer John Hargadine, along with a Bible study group at First United Methodist Church, and other concerned community members acknowledged the need to provide Attention, not Detention for youth at-risk. Over the last 55 years, the organization has served more than 12,000 individuals. In the last year alone, TGTHR helped 435 people; 106 who were in domestic violence situations, 70 whose families rejected them because they're part of the LGBTQ+ community, and 61 as they exited foster care.

"They can be kind of the lost segment," Herman explained. "But there's a real soft spot in the heart of Boulder for this organization."

Director of Communications Alex Bergland wrote, "TGTHR currently has three buildings: Chase House, a residential program for 12-18 year olds who are placed through the state due to family disruption; The Source, an overnight shelter and daytime drop-in center for 12-24 year olds; and 1440 Pine, a 40-unit supportive housing complex for 18 to 24 year olds who were previously experiencing homelessness."

Herman's professional career was as a project manager with Hughes Aircraft Company. Now, she and her husband John are investment advisors with their own company, Classic Financial. The Hermans moved in 2004 from Southern California for the quietness of Boulder, and in 2017 moved further north to Niwot for the same reason.The couple has an adult son and daughter, both living in Boulder.

The list of ways in which Herman has given her own time at TGTHR is long, and she likely has forgotten to mention some, but here's what she calls her "smattering of volunteering" - cooking, painting walls, staining fences, organizing craft and clothing areas, decorating, and a lot of phone and legwork to prepare for fundraising events.

Over time, Herman's volunteering became more about interfacing with the youth being cared for, including GED tutoring, helping with job and housing searches, and going back to her happy place - taking them on hikes.

Transitioning to working directly with kids was eye-opening for her. "We live in a little bubble, all of us," Herman said. "You just don't understand what's going on out there. It's heartbreaking when you do."

But, according to Herman, giving children attention, accepting them, attending to their specific needs as people, and opening their minds to things they didn't know about it...that's what TGTHR does for youth who have fallen through the cracks, been neglected, ignored or written off.

Herman has also worked on TGTHR's biggest fundraising events. "The Sleep Out event is an amazing, amazing event," she said. "To see the community come together is so touching and gratifying."

The evening is uniquely informative and entertaining, punctuated by speeches, a candlelight vigil, and sleeping outside with more than 100 others. Staff, dignitaries, past clients, and sleepers, who raise money for the organization, need to be fed, so volunteers prepare and serve snacks, dinner and breakfast. TGTHR's gala, a night of music and dancing, as well as an auction, is also held annually. This year's gala is on Sept. 11 at the Boulder Embassy Suites.

Over the past pandemic year, in-person volunteering was curtailed, but the organization is beginning a transition to safely allow volunteers to participate again. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and undergo background checks.

"Lyla has been a faithful volunteer with us for many years," Kevin Fitzgibbons, TGTHR's Facilities Coordinator, said. "Her infectious spirit and can-do attitude has been sorely missed over the past 12 months. Her willingness to help with anything we need, whenever we need it, has become an invaluable resource for us."

How you can help: donate to support TGTHR's programs, purchase items from the wish list, make a meal, attend an upcoming event, volunteer, sign up for the monthly newsletter. To learn more visit TGTHR.org.

Please send your suggestions for future Left Hand Laurel recipients to [email protected].