A Message From Our CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler |
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As we are nearing the end of 2020, there is much to reflect on from the past year, much to be grateful for in the present, and much to anticipate in the coming year.
While the holidays may not be filled with large family gatherings, holiday parties, and office gift exchanges this year, we have an opportunity to reflect in a quieter and more personal way, what 2020 has meant to us, as individuals, as families, as communities and as a collective “we” around the world. Back at the beginning of April, I wrote an article about the importance of resilience. At that time, I had no idea just how much our strength, our hope, our resilience would be tested in the months to come.
Not one of us has been untouched by the events of the past year, our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing consistently placed in limbo as we try to navigate the new world around us. We have lost loved ones, we have witnessed hatred and racism, we have been fearful for our survival and our ability to care for ourselves and our families, we have lost our homes, our jobs, and sometimes even our hope. Somehow, we continue to put one foot in front of the other and move forward through these uncertain times. And every time we take that step, we become more certain that we are capable of moving through the most unfathomable and the most difficult life experiences.
When so much is at risk, we begin to ask ourselves, what truly matters most? I believe it is the simple things, and the critical things - staying healthy, giving and receiving love. Everyone has the same human right to these two critical necessities, and yet we don’t all have equal access to these opportunities. There are many needing our help to stay healthy right now, many needing access to critical services and supports. There are people in our communities, our country, and around the world feeling lonely, isolated, forgotten or ignored. As an organization, Jefferson Center is committed to these individuals and families, and continuing to collaborate with our many invested community partners to bring health and connection within reach to every person.
When it comes to the ways that individuals are making a difference, I have been touched by the acts of kindness and generosity, from the support from neighbors to pick up groceries or assist with childcare, to community partners taking the extra time to ask how you are doing, to our committed donors and supporters that have reached out to help us provide services at a time when our community needs us more than ever.
This holiday season, let’s focus on our resilience, the ways we have come together, and the simple acts of kindness that allow us to get through the more difficult days and come out the other side stronger.
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Staying Positive When The Holidays Are Hard |
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The holidays can be a wonderful time filled with quality family time, beautiful decorations, and lots of excitement. But it’s no secret that all of the hustle and bustle can also be stressful and draining. This year, families all across the world are navigating a completely new approach to old traditions, using physical distancing to have a safe holiday season. Here are a few ways to stay positive as you move through this year’s festivities.
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Practice Gratitude - take a few moments to appreciate all of the good things in your life. Maybe you celebrate that you get to spend time with your family this year or maybe you take some time to appreciate the snow outside your window.
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Don’t Focus on Dollar Signs - gifts don’t have to be expensive to show that you care. Staying within your budget when holiday shopping can help alleviate stress and helps your wallet. DIY gifts are a great option and a heartfelt card can be much more meaningful than an expensive present.
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Find Social Time - if you live at home alone, that doesn't mean you have to be lonely. Make time to connect with friends and family through virtual or physically-distanced meetings and be sure to let someone know if you don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with. Reach out and ask for help if you need to!
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It’s Okay to Say ‘No’ - with all of the shopping, cooking, and holiday activities, you might feel a little overwhelmed. It’s okay to say ‘no’ and pass up some activities if you need time to recharge your own batteries.
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'Tis the Season for Giving!
Your Gift Can Help Someone Along Their Path to Recovery
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Chaz DePaolo, award-winning blues musician and Jefferson Center client, knows well that recovery is a journey. It takes time to build a toolbox of skills to get better, and to be successful, you need to have an expert team surrounding you. And like all journeys, sometimes you don't realize how far you've come until you reach your destination. |
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That's how Chaz describes his recovery. "I can't thank Jefferson Center enough for my treatment plan. One day, I woke up and said, 'I feel different today,' and that was due to the help I received from the entire Jefferson Center team along the way."
When basic human needs are not met, a person’s journey along the path to recovery is all the more challenging. And that is why Jefferson Center offers wraparound services to ensure those who seek our care also have access to safe shelter, benefits assistance, and other supports, which is so very important in times of crisis, like we find ourselves in right now.
Chaz’s story is one among thousands and thousands of stories of success we’ve heard from our clients and their families over the past six decades—stories about the powerful impact of the work that we do at Jefferson Center.
This is not the work of one person or a handful, this is hundreds of us doing what we do every day in partnership with you and our community. This past year has shown us the incredible strength and resilience of our community time and time again, and we can’t thank you enough for the outpouring of support we received for Colorado Gives Day! Our wonderful donors raised more than $27,000 to help us provide people with the mental health toolbox they need to tackle any of life’s challenges.
This December, we ask that you donate to Jefferson Center and help someone along their path to recovery. With your support, people can find hope, recover, and rebuild their lives. Click here to donate to Jefferson Center.
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Get the Conversation About Mental Health Started!
Now is the Time To Schedule a Presentation for 2021
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Are you or your organization interested in learning more about mental health, substance use, or overall wellness?
The more we learn about mental health, the better we can help support ourselves, friends, family, employees and others in our lives who struggle with mental health or substance use. Get the conversation started in your business, church, school, or civic group, by scheduling an engaging presentation free of charge through Jefferson Center’s Speakers Bureau.
Our presentations are given by our licensed clinicians and are designed to help raise awareness and decrease stigma that surrounds mental health and substance use disorders. You can choose from a wide range of topics, including dealing with depression, managing life stresses, how to achieve good mental health, and many more. We can also work with you to create a presentation tailored to the specific needs of your organization.
Take the next step in bringing awareness to your personal and professional circles and help us create a community where mental health matters.
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Take 5 Minutes for Mindfulness:
How to Practice Grounding Exercises When Life Gets Hectic
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Mindfulness is a useful tool to have in your mental health toolbox during the holiday season, but it can also help you during stressful situations year-round. One grounding exercise that is incredibly effective at reducing anxiety and lowering your heart rate is deep breathing. Try out this grounding exercise and see how you feel.
- Breathe in through your nose slowly for 3-4 seconds.
- Feel your stomach rise as you inhale.
- Breathe out through your mouth slowly for 4-5 seconds.
- Imagine you are pushing the air through a straw.
- Continue this cycle for 5-10 minutes.
For more tools and tips to help you practice mindfulness and grounding, visit our blog.
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Good News This Month
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! |
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