Fossil Ridge High School students struggling to earn credits and graduate have another advocate: Lindsay Paulding, Learning Hub Coordinator. 

“I don’t actually work for the school district, but I do care about the students that I work with,” said Paulding, coming from the Matthews House. Poudre School District funds her job as Learning Hub Coordinator at Fossil.

The Matthews House was established to help kids who do not have guardians and may need help navigating their life, Paulding said. Now the nonprofit is trying to help young people in need before it gets too hard for them to get back on track toward graduation, which is what Paulding does at Fossil.

“I like to be able to form relationships with students and sometimes even their friends and their families, and to be a person that is an adult, that they trust, someone who can listen or give advice or help them out when they need it,” Paulding said.

Paulding likes helping kids and getting them to a place where they can graduate, but she also likes being a safe space for her students.

Junior Briar Meckley said Paulding helps him make up lost credits that he did not earn because of lack of motivation. He praised her ability to motivate him, even if he did not understand her methods.

“Oddly enough, yeah, I have no idea how she does [motivate me],” he said.  “She does make lists sometimes, usually it’s just the fact of, ‘Oh, somebody’s actually taking time to help me get this back, might as well give it a shot’”.

Sophomore Kayla Gausvik said Paulding helped her raise her grades by helping her prioritize assignments without adding extra stress. 

“Sometimes it’s just looking at the most important assignments to prioritize, or sometimes it’s just her helping you make sure you turn in the work even if it’s not finished so you at least get some points,” Gausvik said.

The Matthews House does more outreach than helping students with academics, Paulding said. It helps young people navigate legal, housing or food issues. In addition, it provides parenting classes at the Larimer County jail for parents whose release is upcoming and are going to be reunited with their families.

The program also offers more fun activities; experiential education, rock climbing, a Dungeons & Dragons Club, and hiking and camping trips. 

Paulding said she feels lucky to work at the Matthews House and hopes to be part of its future.

“I would like to see this program grow, both in the Larimer County homes or foster care and in the school district. I think the more students that we can serve, the better,” she said.