Pictured: Mandy Haller Doris, Intake Coordinator, taking a snapshot of the new construction.

We're kicking off the new year with some exciting news! Right before

Christmas, we broke ground on a new youth home at our Boulder campus—made possible through generous donations to our Reigniting Hope capital campaign.

Construction, headed by Golden Eagle, is estimated to be complete this summer. An official groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate is currently in the works, with more details to come. 

To learn more about our Reigniting Hope capital campaign, click the below button, and for more info on our overarching fundraising efforts, contact Kyle Lantz, Development

Pictured: Madeleine Katzbeck, Boulder Lead Counselor, taking a break to smile for the camera.

Director, at lantzk@youthdynamics.org, or Tim Norbeck, Major Gifts Officer, at norbeckt@youthdynamics.org.

Stay tuned to our communication channels for more updates in the months ahead.

Pictured: Heidi Walter, Lead Clinical Staff, knows that excellent behavioral health services start with trauma-informed communication.

What does it mean to provide trauma-informed service? It starts with the first touch families have with our organization—how we respond when they reach out for help; how we communicate—when more often than not, they're in crisis.

Think about the last time you reached out to a business or healthcare provider for support. 

Maybe you went to the doctor's office with health concerns or an emergency hit, landing you or a family member in the hospital. Or, perhaps, your car broke down, leaving you stuck on the side of the road.

What happened next was critical. Right?

That interaction you had—was it helpful or harmful? How did you feel after it? Would you leverage that business or provider again based on your experience? How about recommending them to a friend?

The truth is that when families turn to us in moments of crisis and we're responsive, providing trauma-informed service—we build trust. Their relationship with us as providers—for better or worse—is built in those crucial moments. 

How to Respond When Families Reach Out for Help

Here are four ways we can be trauma-informed in our communications with families and outside providers when they reach out to inquire about services.

Be Transparent

Be clear, spelling out what the intake process will look like so families know what to expect. And remember to be transparent, communicating if it will take more than one business week to bring them into services—scheduling an intake date, even if it's further out.

Be Prepared with Resources

If we can't help due to funding or other reasons, be prepared with options for who can—other mental health agencies, private practice therapists, psychiatrists, etc. 

Remember, our interactions with kids and families—each carries significant weight. And when we provide trauma-informed service, leveraging our vision, mission, and values in the care we provide—we help kids heal and build strong foundations for belonging that will help them thrive. 

Thank you for the trauma-informed service you provide to children and families. Your time, your service—these gifts are of great value. The work you do will be carried with kids for a lifetime, echoing through future generations to come.

Destiny Stephenson~ Jan. 5th (2 years)

Cindy Plouffe~ Jan. 6th (4 years)

Hannah Rabson~ Jan. 11th (3 years)

Ashley Noyes~ Jan. 13th (4 years)

Melanie Thompson~ Jan. 14th (5 years)

Ashley Santos~ Jan. 14th (11 years)

D'Laina Jackson~ Jan. 16th (1 year)

Jacqueline Struiksma~ Jan. 17th (6 years)

Michelle Mouat~ Jan. 17th (2 years)

Rozlyn Steele~ Jan. 18th (8 years)