November 2022

A Note from Our President and CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler

Dear Community,

As the weather is getting colder and days get shorter, we may find ourselves turning inward. This darkness sometimes impacts our mood, the cold limits our ability to connect with the benefits of nature, and approaching holidays can be filled with a mix of emotions. While some may feel thankful to soon reconnect with friends and families at gatherings, there are also many in our community that don’t feel thankful during this time of year, quite the opposite, and those feelings are just as valid.

The challenges that this time of year presents are real.

So, what should you do if you are not feeling particularly thankful? It’s okay. We often tend to look at our mood, and by extension our overall mental health, through black and white filters. If we are not happy, if we are not grateful, then we are miserable and selfish. This, of course, is not true. Many of our days will just be “okay,” and that is okay. This may be where you are at today. And when you are ready, included in the link below are a few things that might help.

- Kiara Kuenzler, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, President and CEO

Voices Of Hope: Tonya'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.

In the same year that her marriage fell apart, Tonya's father passed away. After getting terminated, Tonya spiraled into a severe depression. Her family was worried, her children most of all. On a phone call with her daughter, Tonya admitted to feelings of suicidal ideation. Her daughter, who loved her mother, was heartbroken. Tonya promised her daughter that she would check herself into a behavioral hospital.

As an outpatient, Tonya agreed to set up consistent therapy visits with the counselors at Jefferson Center. She discovered that she had borderline personality disorder, and learning more about what was going on inside her head made Tonya feel like she had better control over it, thankful for gaining the confidence to work on those issues and get better.

Tonya was grateful to once again experience peace for the first time in a while. She realized that, if that kind of peace of mind was achievable, she could get through this.

Donate early for Colorado Gives Day!

Mental health services are more important now than ever before. In fact, 90% of adults in the U.S. believe our country is in a mental health crisis, according to the Mental Health In America Survey reported on October 5 by CNN. Perhaps you have felt overwhelmed yourself? Remember that Jefferson Center is here for you, your loved ones, your community. Your support will help us help those who are struggling right now.

Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 6, but you can donate now! We’re excited to be part of this annual statewide philanthropy effort, and we hope you will participate! Last year, you helped raise more than $54,000 on this day!

Click the link below to donate now! Our Board and Fund Development Committee members will match 10% of the first $5,000 in early gifts (received before December 6).

Are you interested in learning more about mental health? Do you want to learn how to help when someone you know is in crisis. Take the first step with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). 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.

QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) is a 90-minute course in suicide prevention training. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. 

Mental Health Matters Blog

In case you missed them, check out our October blogs!

On Recovery and Hope

A personal note about substance use disorders and from the desk of Kiara Kuenzler, CEO of Jefferson Center.

Learn more about her brother's battle with addiction and the current state of the fentanyl crisis in Colorado.

How to Navigate Conflict, Respectfully

In the aftermath of election season, and with the holidays close ahead, patience can run thin, and there will inevitably be points of tension. 

The most important thing to remember is your own mental health and wellbeing. Learn some tips to help you positively handle conflict.

Work for an Award-winning Organization

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.

Tell Me Something Good

Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day

Eating Cans of Pumpkin Helped Save Her Dog From Terminal Cancer, Leaving Vets Stunned

NASA Catches the Sun in a Big Smiley Face Made of Wind (LOOK)

A New Record Label is Bringing Forgotten Female Composers Out of Obscurity

Pilot Gives a Major Shoutout to His Parents Who Helped His Dream Come True

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