| Get a Boost from Doing Good |
Most of us know that warm fuzzy feeling of doing good work, whether it is rounding up cans of food to feed the less fortunate, donating school supplies for needy kids or perhaps shoveling an elderly neighbor's walk. But did you know that doing good for others also boosts your physical and mental health?
It's true! Studies have shown that giving to others can boost your immune system, lower stress, help you live longer and increase your happiness.
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Important Dates to Remember in November
November 6...Shorter days, longer nights (Daylight savings)
November 8...Vote (Election Day)
November 11...Thank a veteran! (Veteran's Day)
November 24...Thanksgiving with friends and family
AND DON'T FORGET...TODAY, November 1
Schedule your Colorado Gives Day donation Now!
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On December 6th, Colorado Gives Day, thousands of donors come together to support Colorado nonprofits like ours. Every nonprofit receiving a donation for Colorado Gives Day receives a portion of the $1 Million Incentive Fund, increasing the value of every dollar donated! Last year, we raised over $15,000 and this year we want to exceed that amount!
The good news is - you don't need to wait! You can schedule your donation NOW!
Your support helps improve the lives of adults, children and families, seniors, veterans - anyone in our community that may be struggling. To learn more about what we do - check out our page on ColoradoGives.org or www.jcmh.org.
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Employee Spotlight! Introducing...
Carl LoFaro, Manager, Veteran and Military Family Services
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What brought you to Jefferson Center?
I completed an MSW in Maryland and wanted a position where I could serve veterans and their loved ones. My dream job was one where I worked within a larger organization and did outreach, program management, and some clinical work.
What is the best thing about your job?
My two favorite parts of my job are my team and the community collaborations. Some of my energy this year has been focused toward starting the West Metro Veterans Resource Network. Its purpose is to allow service providers serving veterans in our community to gain knowledge of other service providers and facilitate referrals.
What is unique about the Veteran and Family Services program at Jefferson Center?
Recovery needs to happen in the community as well as in therapy sessions. Our program is out there in the community to raise awareness about the needs, and strengths, of the awesome people who served our country. We want veterans to know to help is available and that it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to accept it.
We want employers to know that veterans will become their best employees if given a chance.
We want families to know they are not alone and there are resources available during reintegration and after.
Jefferson Center for Mental Health is the only community mental health organization in Colorado, and one of the few in the nation, which has a dedicated program to address the mental health needs of those impacted by military service. In addition to excellent culturally competent clinical services, we try to reduce barriers to veterans getting care.
We plan and attend outreach events, work with the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America, and provide counseling services at Red Rocks Community College. Not all veterans in need are ready to start therapy. For that reason, we maintain relationships with organizations that offer alternative therapeutic options, such as Project Healing Waters which uses fly fishing trips to "reconnect with the peace for which they fought so hard."
You are also an instructor for Mental Health First Aid. What led you to that role?
The stigma and myths surrounding mental health challenges and recovery prevent people, including many veterans, from getting the help they need when struggling. I see Mental Health First Aid as a tool to help remove these barriers as knowledge reduces fear. I learned about the special Military, Veterans and Families module and decided to become a trainer. The reception within our community has been great and we've trained more than 130 Mental Health First Aiders in the module.
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| Awarded for Innovation and Leadership |
Jefferson Center staff work hard to live up to our organization's mission, vision and values. As a testament to this work, we are proud to have received awards from well-respected organizations in 2016.
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George DelGrosso,
Jeanne Oliver,
Doyle Forrestal |
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The Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC) presented the first ever George DelGrosso Advocacy Award to Jeanne Oliver, Vice President, Marketing & Development. The award was presented by George DelGrosso himself who said, "I always look forward to seeing her smiling face. It's marvelous to be able to introduce this person as the winner. She deserves this award immensely." From creating Helping Kids Thrive free parenting conference to offering her expertise and services during community tragedies, Jeanne's commitment to the community is extraordinary.
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| Dr. Harriet Hall |
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Harriet Hall, CEO was honored by the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved (CCMU) with their 2016 Dr. Gary VanderArk Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Harriet's incredible devotion to improving the lives of people with mental health needs. "From the wake of the Columbine Tragedy, to the implementation of Colorado's behavioral health managed care system, to meeting the needs of persons with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system, Harriet has been a tremendously collaborative and effective leader. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Mindy Klowden, Director of Jefferson Center's Office of Healthcare Transformation.
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| Dr. Donald Bechtold |
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And finally, the Golden Lightbulb Award, granted to a project that demonstrates "best practices" in a clinical area by the CBHC, was awarded to the Union Square Health Home. The health home is a collaboration between Jefferson Center, Metro Community Providers Network, and Arapahoe House where integrated mental and physical health care, wellness services, and substance use disorder treatment are provided. Using an innovative, interdisciplinary, team-based approach, these agencies have worked together to overcome systems barriers and promote whole person care.
The innovative leadership at Jefferson Center is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of a community where mental health matters and care is accessible to all.
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| Helping Kids Thrive - It Takes a Village |
On October 6th, over 350 parents and children attended the free annual Helping Kids Thrive conference. This conference was created 26 years ago by Jefferson Center to provide parenting education and resources to the community and is as popular as ever, with classes like "Empowering Successful Kids", "The Teen Years: Framing Boundaries and Expectations", and a new class - "Yoga & Mindfulness". Interpreters were also provided in three languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language.
"This was the most helpful and realistic parenting class I've taken!"
"I greatly appreciate the sessions. Very helpful to have reminders to keep us on track!"
We couldn't do this without the talent and dedication from our volunteers and staff and the support of our fantastic sponsors:
* UMB Bank
* The Colorado Trust
* JCEA
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* Jeffco PTA * DDRC
* Beacon Health Options Colorado
* Jeffco Public Schools.
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Do you know someone that might be interested in attending Helping Kids Thrive next year? Share this newsletter or they can go to www.jcmh.org to subscribe.
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