by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from December 17 until January 5

During the holiday season, we see so much joy; yet there can be so much sorrow too. In the Human Services Division we see the human side of suffering every day. Those families and individuals who come to our doors are not here because they want to be, and we do our best to give a smile and hope to those who come to us for help to obtain food, receive medical care or obtain other financial help when nothing else is available.

Our mantra at Jeffco Human Services is that government cannot do it alone. We know that food assistance, Medicaid and other financial programs can only go so far. So we cultivate and nurture relationships with non-profit and business organizations in the community. As a community we are all in this together for citizens in need.

One such example of selfless giving by one of our community partners are the 463 beautifully hand sewn holiday stockings, each filled to the brim with various items, delivered to us. These stockings were lovingly filled by area churches Trinity Presbyterian, Applewood Community and Morrison Community churches, destined to be delivered to Human Services’ many clients! They were hand-sewn by a like-minded group of 50-something women in Golden who are part of the Sew ‘n Sew Club.

The filled stockings will brighten the days of our many home-bound seniors and disabled adults, and the children in our foster care program. Stockings will go to non-custodial parents who are participating in our Fatherhood program, for their children. I found out later that these groups have also made tote bags to hang from walkers used by our disabled and senior clients, and blankets and quilts.

How selfless. How caring.

Because Jeffco Human Services partners with many other organizations in the community to further our mission of self-reliance and protection of individuals and the community from harm, I thought I might ask anyone out there who is in a giving mood to support them.

Supporting our community partners supports the mission of Jeffco Human Services too: give to organizations such as the Jeffco Action Center, Family Tree, Tennyson Center for Children, STRIDE, Seniors Resource Center, or your favorite charity. Their efforts help our efforts. We work together to complement each other’s missions to help those in need.

Of course, working directly with Jeffco Human Services is a great option – and there are some incredibly important ways you can: adopt a family for Christmas (or all year), mentor a family, become a foster parent. There are always children in need.

The gift you give - be it your time or your handiwork in a stocking – can change a life.

Human need knows no season. Happiest of Holidays from me and everyone at Jeffco Human Services.