August 2022

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

Dear Community,

The seasons are changing once again as we near the end of summer. There is so much about our world these days that feels unpredictable, and over the past two years the uncertainty of our daily lives has felt almost constant. While change and uncertainty is an inevitable part of being human in our current times and environment, there is some comfort in the familiar rhythms of fall, and the opportunity to be thoughtful about entering the new season with routines and practices that sustain and support our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our families.

This transition into autumn can come with a whole array of emotional experiences.

Some may feel eager for cooler weather, walks through the leaves, and a return to a more consistent routine, while others may want to savor the summer season a bit longer, squeeze in another vacation or pool day, and children and young adults are feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement with the upcoming school year. 

Read more tips from Kiara about how to manage the transition back to school on Jefferson Center's website.

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

Voices Of Hope: Blake'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.

As Blake recalls his life when he first got involved with mental health care, he is amazed at how unstable his mental state really was. He had been suffering from substance use disorder but did not believe the drugs he took were detrimental to his mental health. He believed that he was experiencing a kind of “spiritual phenomenon.” Blake was in denial. Being admitted in and out of mental hospitals, Blake was put on a three-day hold, and then he was committed for three months.

He lost stable housing, was unemployed, and like so many people who fall into these seemingly helpless situations, he just needed a break in order to afford food and gas for his car. Forging his father’s signature on a bank withdrawal slip, Blake later found himself in jail. He was arrested again after trespassing on his parents’ property when they had filed a restraining order against him.

Blake understood that, without mental health treatment, every aspect of his life would remain at risk. That's when he contacted the staff at Jefferson Center.

Read Blake's full story on Jefferson Center's website.

Soiree at Sunset

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park

801 South Yarrow Street, Lakewood

5:15 PM - VIP Admission

5:30 PM - General Admission

6:30 PM - Concert start

Join us for a late summer evening of music and fun on August 25! This outdoor concert at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park will feature Colorado’s own Chris Daniels & the Kings! Purchase a General Ticket for the concert, bring a picnic dinner, and we’ll provide the beer, wine and soft drinks. Purchase a VIP Ticket, and you’ll be treated to a pre-show reception where you can meet and mingle with Chris and the band, and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks! 

All proceeds from the concert will help fund the critical mental health and substance use services Jefferson Center provides to our community.

Last day to purchase tickets is TODAY, August 10.

2022 Legislative Barbeque

Are you hungry for information about candidates on this year’s ballot and the issues that are most important to our community? Join us for a BBQ dinner on September 7, and hear from state and local candidates at this free annual community event.

Hear from elected officials and candidates about issues that are important to our community and our nonprofits, and how we can work with officials to improve the lives of the people that we serve.

Register today for this FREE event! Attendees will be entered to win one of eight $50 gift cards to a local BBQ restaurant! While the event is free, advance registration is required by September 5.

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.

Register for our upcoming classes:

• August 18, 9:00am - 4:00pm (Adult MHFA)
• September 7, 9:00am - 4:00pm (Adult MHFA)

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. 

Upcoming classes (held online via Zoom):

• August 16, 9:00am - 10:30am
• jueves, 15 de septiembre de 2022, 09:00 - 10:30

Mental Health Matters Blog

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

Barriers & Stigmas in BIPOC Mental Health Care

There are challenges unique to People of Color within the mental health community, and our goal here is to bring awareness to these challenges and offer solutions to help create a more inclusive, mindful environment.

Get Physical During National Parks & Recreation Month

July was National Parks & Recreation Month, and our staff at Jefferson Center put together some ideas on how to care for your body while traversing Colorado’s beautiful parks, which can help you engage in physical wellness!

Jefferson Center is a Top Workplace

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.

Look For the Perseid Meteor Shower and Spectacular Saturn Show This Week

Mother and Daughter Become Co-pilots on Southwest Flight: ‘It’s been a dream come true’

A ‘guard cat’ named Bandit helped prevent a late-night armed robbery

What went right this week: London’s ‘urban forest’, plus more