A Note from Our President and CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler | |
We welcome June as the sun lingers longer in the sky and children embrace the freedom and fun at the start of summer break. During our observance of Mental Health Month in May, I hope you embraced new ways of taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing and supporting others as well. Especially in light of the tragedies we have experienced across the Country, focus on connection and self-care is critically important. I shared some thoughts on how to cope in the aftermath of community tragedy in this LinkedIn article if you would like to read more. Please continue to value and care for your mental health throughout the year, and our team at Jefferson Center is here for you. | |
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June is Pride Month, and an important time to pause and reflect on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community throughout history, and celebrate the progress made and beauty that diversity brings to our lives.
A quick history lesson refresher: Pride began as a riot back in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club operating in New York City. A number of repressive laws targeting people of the LGBTQ+ community had been put in place, and in the early hours of June 28, police raided Stonewall for operating without a liquor license, which they were not able to attain because the New York State Liquor Authority would not issue a permit to any business that served gay customers. As patrons of the bar were arrested, a large crowd formed outside of Stonewall, clashing with the police and setting fire to a barricade. Over the next six days, more demonstrations took place outside of the Stonewall Inn, particularly by people of color who knew too well the fight for equal rights. Previous hesitation and fear toward standing up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community turned into organized engagement, taking form in parades/marches, drag shows, dance parties, and other celebrations of LGBTQ+ liberation.
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Today, Pride is a beautiful and abundant celebration of the members of this community, but it is important to remember that, especially as an ally, Pride is not merely a parade or time for celebration. Pride is a reminder that our work in uplifting the LGBTQ+ community is not complete and there is more advocacy to be done to ensure that equity is a given, diversity is embraced, and all recognize themselves as someone who belongs. These challenges are compounded when considering the intersectionality of multiple marginalized identities, for example, the additional barriers faced by people of color within the community. | |
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Ally is a verb, and to ally with the LGBTQ+ community is to actively listen, seek to understand, and advocate for the voices that have been traditionally underrecognized and diminished by our society. It means not assuming that the default sexuality or gender in a person is straight or cisgender. It means defending our LGBTQ+ friends, family, peers, and coworkers against discrimination. It means calling out anti-LGBTQ+ comments and jokes, even if no one from the community (that you know of) is around to hear them. It means confronting our own prejudice and biases, even if this might make us feel uncomfortable, knowing that through discomfort, often comes growth.
At Jefferson Center, we strive to offer accessible care to both members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. We understand how different these issues may look. Perhaps you are struggling to find acceptance with your sexuality or gender, or maybe you are struggling with your mental and emotional health while facing discrimination or lack of understanding from fellow students, coworkers, or even close family or friends. You might be the parent of an LGBTQ+ child and want to help and support them but are unsure of where to start. Jefferson Center’s programs, services, and counselors are available to help you with all of that and more. We have a list of LGBTQ+ resources that you can access here, and if you are in crisis or need help dealing with one now, please call this toll-free number to speak to a trained crisis counselor: 1-844-493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255.
Within our team, Jefferson Center’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee focuses on developing, implementing, and sustaining the integration of culturally responsive practices across all levels of Jefferson Center, which includes our LGBTQ+ Steering Committee. We want to make the workplace not only safe, but celebratory for all, and to create a community of belonging for those we serve.
Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or engaging in active allyship, I hope you find many opportunities for joy and celebration this month as well as opportunities for learning and growth. It is up to all of us to go beyond the month of June to champion, advocate and embrace the differences and similarities that connect us all.
| - Kiara Kuenzler, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, President and CEO | |
Jefferson Center is a Top Workplace | |
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For the tenth year in a row, Jefferson Center has been recognized by The Denver Post as a Top Workplace! We don't take this honor for granted, and we are truly grateful to each and every one of our staff members that make Jefferson Center a great place to work.
Interested in joining Jefferson Center's team? We provide flexible schedules, remote options, and an exceptional benefits package to help you develop your career devoted to helping others. Learn more about the rewards of working at Jefferson Center and read through our open job listings on our website.
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Juneteenth is a federal holiday that takes place yearly on June 19. This day marks the final emancipation of slaves on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, when federal troops arrived to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people be freed. Their arrival came over two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln's initial Emancipation Proclamation.
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This is an important day in American history, and to truly honor this holiday is to celebrate the Black community along with its history and culture. It is a time to reflect on the work that has been done and the work that still needs to be done to end systemic oppression and unlearn racism toward Black Americans.
Three ways to celebrate Juneteenth:
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2) Read literature, engage with art, and listen to music created by Black writers and artists. Art from Black creators helps you brush up on your history, explore new worlds, unlearn racist rhetoric and behaviors, and more. Plus, June is African American Music Appreciation Month! MATTER is Colorado's only Black-owned bookstore, and it's right here in Denver. | |
3) In the workplace. Decorate your office, conference room, and/or lobby with a Juneteenth theme. Bring staff together for an explanation of Juneteenth, to debunk myths and stereotypes, and to discuss diversity initiatives. | |
Voices Of Hope: Tabbey's Story | |
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Voices of Hope is Jefferson Center's way of highlighting stories of resilience and the strength of individuals as they overcome barriers, the family members who walk alongside them, and the mental health professionals who help them through their journey of recovery. | |
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Trigger warning: Suicide
Coming out as transgender had sent Tabbey's life into disarray. Between her collapsing marriage, unstable housing, and losing connection with her daughter, Tabbey felt she was at the end of her rope. Her mind and body were out of sync, causing her depression to fester. When she tried to receive support from her family members, they pointed her in the director of less progressive counselor, who instructed Tabbey to “fix” herself with religion.
Tabbey approached Jefferson Center after a second suicide attempt. While she initially struggled to stay consistent with her mental health treatment, she knew she needed to take action in order to save her life.
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“I didn’t know exactly what I needed, and I wasn’t sure that I could be helped, but it had to be worth a try.”
- Tabbey, former client and current staff member of Jefferson Center
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Read Tabbey's full story on Jefferson Center's website. | |
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Want to help others by sharing your own story of mental health and/or substance use recovery? Visit our website to learn more, or contact Amy Lyden-Cardinal, Peer Specialist, at AmyL@jcmh.org or 720-202-7357.
You can remain anonymous.
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Upcoming Events and Classes | | |
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Soiree at Sunset
Thursday, July 14
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
5:15 PM - VIP Admission
5:30 PM - General Admission
6:30 PM - Concert start
Join us as we gather to relax and enjoy a warm summer evening listening to the music of Chris Daniels & The Kings!
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Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner, and we'll provide the beer, wine, and soft drinks! All proceeds help fund the critical services provided by Jefferson Center.
Last day to purchase tickets is Wednesday, June 29.
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Are you interested in learning more about mental health and don’t know where to start? Do you want to learn how to help when someone you know is in crisis? | |
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Join the more than one million Americans who have taken the first step to stomp out stigma in their own communities with Mental Health First Aid. You will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of many mental health and substance use disorders and develop the skills to help someone in crisis. All classes will be held in a virtual setting until further notice.
Register for our upcoming classes:
- June 16, 9:00am - 4:00pm (Adult MHFA)
- June 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm (Youth MHFA)
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QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer
Suicide Prevention Training
QPR is a 90-minute gatekeeper training that can be customized to fit your audience. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Learn more here!
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Upcoming classes (held online via Zoom):
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A.S.I.S.T. Suicide Intervention Skills Workshop
The A.S.I.S.T. Suicide Intervention Skills Workshop is for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable, confident, and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over 750,000 caregivers have participated in this 2-day, highly interactive, practical, practice-oriented workshop.
Upcoming classes (held online via Zoom):
- June 22 & June 23, 8:30am - 4:30pm
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Wellness classes are back! | Please join us for one of our upcoming wellness classes! These 45 minute seminars discuss strategic methods to improve your wellness through nutrition, sleep, relationship building, artistic expression, and more! | |
Tell Me Something Good
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! | | | | | |
