A Note from our President and CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler |
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At Jefferson Center, we are constantly striving to recognize, acknowledge, and provide mental health and wellness support for every single person who passes through our doors, each of whom has their own valid, authentic, and truly unique story that no one else could tell. June is the perfect month to celebrate our differences, as well as gain perspective on how our identities are informed by our communities and cultural heritage, by experiences of discrimination and oppression, and by the unique contributions that we bring forward.
Each June, we celebrate LGBTQ+ communities worldwide with Pride Month. The month-long event commemorates the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June of 1969, which saw members of the gay community and allies fighting back against the attempted erasure and persecution of LGBTQ+ people.
While Pride has become an increasingly accepted and lauded part of our society, we want to also shine a light on the history and impact of another event celebrated this month: Juneteenth. June is a reminder of our collective responsibility to empower those who have had their voices silenced for so long, and to celebrate diversity and the unique history, suffering, and contributions of both the LGBTQ+ and the African American community.
Americans are familiar with the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” but many people do not realize that the practice of slavery continued for years afterward. In reality, the proclamation was only applicable to places under Confederate control, not border states or areas minimally affected by fighting such as Texas. Over 250,000 enslaved people in these areas did not feel true freedom until almost two years later in 1865 when federal troops were sent to Galveston to take control of the state. Short for “June Nineteenth,” Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the U.S. and was first recognized as an official holiday by Texas in 1979.
Juneteenth has gained visibility in recent years thanks to the work of Black Lives Matter, but there is always more we can do to grow awareness. At Jefferson Center, we celebrate the intersections of identities and the ever-changing kaleidoscope of ways we show up in the world. While we honor Pride this month, I encourage you to also explore and celebrate Juneteenth -- a holiday that is over 150 years old -- and reflect on both how far we have come and the work that stands before us in order to foster belonging, celebrate diversity, and ensure equity for all.
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#ArvadaStrong Resources and Support |
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Last week was a difficult week as we grieved after the tragedy that happened in Arvada.
Whether you’ve shopped or dined in Olde Town, taken your children to the library or school, or even work in the area, it might be difficult for you to make sense of this event and feel safe in a place that once brought you comfort and joy. It’s important to take care of yourself and recognize that these are all normal reactions in times of trauma and the way you process grief is valid.
The recovery process is just beginning for many. Jefferson Center’s doors are open for anyone in need of support. Whether you are experiencing a crisis, are seeking professional help, or if you just want someone to talk to, we are here for you. Call us at 303-425-0300, or visit our walk-in crisis and recovery center at 4643 Wadsworth Blvd. in Wheat Ridge. You can also contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255.
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You Won't Want to Miss Our Soirée at Sunset! |
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Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 14 for Jefferson Center’s Soirée at Sunset. We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the music of local favorite Chris Daniels & the Kings. Tickets include concert admission and a delicious boxed dinner including adult beverages. If you purchase a VIP ticket, you’ll be treated to dinner and you’ll meet and mingle with Chris Daniels & the Kings. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, July 1. Click here for more details.
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Celebrating PRIDE at Jefferson Center |
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June is Pride month! Each year, communities all over the world come together in tribute to those involved in the Stonewall riots and celebrate and recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals have had on local, national and international history.
This year, Denver PrideFest held their parade and marketplace online, which you can visit here. Jefferson Center is proud to be a sponsor of the virtual resources marketplace and support the mental health and substance use disorder needs of our LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about Jefferson Center’s involvement.
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Men’s Mental Health Month—How You Can Start The Conversation |
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Along with celebrating Pride and Juneteenth, June is also the time when we turn our attention to Men’s Mental Health Month. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men die by suicide 3.5x more often than women and nearly 1 out of every 10 men experience depression and anxiety. Men are also less likely than women to seek help for substance use, depression, and stressful life events.
This June, we’re observing Men’s Mental Health month by taking a look at the barriers that prevent men from seeking mental health treatment and what you can do to help. Here are five easy ways to start a conversation about mental health and wellness with the men in your life:
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Make an Observation - by noticing a simple change in mood or behavior, you can show your concern without making assumptions that could cause someone to feel defensive or cornered.
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Share Your Experience - sharing your own experience can help to normalize the subject of mental health but you also help the other person feel safe and understood.
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Walk and Talk - talking about mental health can be difficult and awkward. Try to engage with them during an activity that they enjoy.
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Acknowledge Difficult Situations - by addressing the issue, you open up the door to a conversation that the other person might have felt awkward or embarrassed about bringing up first. You can also leave it open-ended and let them know that you’ll be there to listen to them and talk whenever they’re ready.
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Ask Twice - if you get brushed off with responses like “I’m fine” or “I’m okay” when you try to broach the subject of mental health, be sure to ask twice and show that you really are interested.
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Say Hello to Our New Residential Facility! |
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After a particularly difficult year, we have seen rates of substance use spike. However, substance use disorders are treatable and Jefferson Center is here to help.
We are thrilled to announce the ribbon cutting of our new facility, the Residential Recovery Program, which is opening in the next few weeks!
Residential treatment programs are some of the most effective approaches when it comes to establishing support, relapse management and developing coping strategies. Our new facility offers an inpatient and residential program for adults 18 and up with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions using two levels of care within one unit. Services offered at the residential facility are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, goals, and preferences to help them get on the road to recovery for a happier, healthier life.
Thank you to our community partners, Signal Behavioral Health Network, Colorado Access, Colorado Community Health Alliance, and the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health who helped make this new program a reality!
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Check Out Our Webinars and Classes |
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Life After the Pandemic: Re-Entering on Your Own Terms
On-Demand
No matter how you feel about the world re-opening, one thing is certain: the past year has been hard, and it is time for us to heal together. Join us to learn more about setting boundaries, developing coping strategies around social anxieties, and how to handle difficult conversations.
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Virtual Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Do you want to find ways to better identify when someone is struggling and how to get help? Become certified in Mental Health First Aid and learn skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care!
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On the Move for Mental Health Reaches the Finish Line |
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Jefferson Center’s month-long activity challenge, On the Move for Mental Health was a success! The event raised more than $14,000 to benefit Wellness Services. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and raised funds during the challenge. In addition to raising funds for Jefferson Center, our participants logged more than 886 hours of activity – way to keep moving all month long!
Also, a special thank you to our event sponsors – your generous support helped make this event possible.
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Boost Your Mood with Good News
It's been proven that smiling instantly boosts your mood, lowers stress levels, and releases endorphins. We hope these good news items bring a smile to your face.
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! |
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