A New Year, New Possibilities - January 2017 Community Connection

January 2017

Thank you for making a difference in 2016!

As a supporter of Jefferson Center, you are an integral part of our community. You help offer solace, support, strength, and hope to those in need, and for that we thank you.

Best wishes to you and yours for a very happy new year!

There's still time to make your 2016 donation!

New Year's Resolutions - The Possible Dream

It's that traditional time again when we hear talk about New Year's resolutions, and sometimes make great promises to ourselves about what we're going to accomplish in the New Year. We tell ourselves this coming year will be different, and we're ready to charge ahead with new zeal and new goals.

We all know that even when we make those resolutions, we don't always keep them, so are they really worth doing?

Experts say there are ways to make them work for you. "It's OK to make New Year's resolutions, but only if you see them not as unbreakable promises to yourself, but as positive statements about possibilities," says Jason Elias, PhD, a staff psychologist at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass.

You could save someone's life with what you learn in Mental Health First Aid

How to know someone's in crisis and what to say to help them; it's one of the most helpful skills you can learn. Mental Health First Aid offers practical help in recognizing the signs of mental health issues, substance abuse, or deep emotional stress or crisis. Practice scenarios will help you know how to handle those situations confidently and know exactly what questions to ask to get them help.

Jefferson Center for Mental Health has certified more than 2,000 people in Mental Health First Aid, and we want you!

Join one of the training sessions in 2017 and gain skills to help you become a lifesaver when someone needs it most.

Sign up today for our free classes. Visit www.jcmh.org/mhfa to see when classes are available.

We're jumping for joy!

Thanks to all of you for supporting Jefferson Center on Colorado Gives Day - whether by telling your friends, sharing on social media or donating yourself. The great news is that Jefferson Center received over $48,000 from over 140 individual and business donors! A portion of that amount will be matched by Community First Foundation and FirstBank.

Thank you for making a difference!

In the News

Co-responders program puts two mental health experts on Arvada police force


Photo courtesy The Denver Post

Jefferson Center has partnered with the Arvada Police department in an innovative program to offer better mental health care for the community while allowing police officers to focus their time on law enforcement. The Co-responders Program has two mental health professionals from Jefferson Center respond to dispatch calls alongside the officers. Co-responders are able to recognize a mental health issue on the spot, are equipped to deescalate the situation and provide the help needed for long-term assistance.

Just the facts: Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. Most people who think about suicide don't really want to end their life. They just want relief from the intense emotional pain they're experiencing, and don't see workable alternatives to resolve the problem or issue. Most people do NOT really want to die. They simply want to end the pain.

It's important to pay attention to signs and behaviors that signal someone may be in crisis. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs.

Get your free calendar now!

It's not too late to get your 2017 Art of Hope calendar! In our annual calendar, we are proud to support and showcase artwork produced by Jefferson Center clients. More than 130 works of art were submitted this year from 43 artists of all ages.

If you are interested in purchasing artwork featured in the calendar, or would like to contact one of the artists, call the Jefferson Center Communications Office at 303-432-5167.

Jefferson Center for Mental Health | 303-425-0300 | info@jcmh.org| www.jcmh.org

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