>> It's the Most Overwhelming Time of the Year (11/09)
Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink
Although the holiday season comes ringing in with messages of joy, togetherness, love and fulfillment, it can be less than joyous for many people. Stress, depression, relationship problems or financial crises can overwhelm until they seem insurmountable. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with asking for help can sometimes seem just as scary.
We at the Sheriff’s Office are not mental health experts. But as emergency responders and victim advocates, we bear witness to many of the tragic effects of emotional turmoil — including domestic violence and suicide. We see the pain and suffering these events inflict on families from all walks of life.
If you or someone you know needs emotional or financial help, there are many local organizations dedicated to providing these services at holiday time, or anytime. Here are just a few:
• The Jefferson Center for Mental Health provides quality mental health services for those with emotional problems and/or serious mental illness. Individual and family counseling is available for anyone and everyone, with flexible payment structures starting at only $5. Also, in response to heightened demand for services, a new program called Jefferson Center Partners was developed to give quick access to counseling for those coping with job loss, foreclosure or other problems related to the economy.
• Jefferson County Human Services provides emergency assistance with food, utilities, transportation and other basic needs. It manages protective services for children and at-risk adults to ensure the safety and well-being of all families.
• The Jefferson County Workforce Center provides job training, workshops, career fairs and other resources for those in work transition.
• The Jeffco Action Center provides immediate help with food, utilities, rent, transportation, medical assistance or household items. It even features a Santa Shop for gifts at holiday time. A compassionate staff understands that circumstances can turn on a dime, and is there to help anyone who needs a hand.
• The Mountain Resource Center in Conifer provides a wide range of services to residents of Jeffco’s mountain communities. It offers everything from health clinics, counseling, domestic violence assistance and youth services to parenting classes, job search help and financial advice.
• Family Tree offers a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence (303-420-6752), a shelter, and a free legal clinic to help victims understand their options. Family Tree also offers counseling and other free programs for families who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, separation, divorce and other conflict in the home.
• AMEND is a nonprofit organization working to end domestic violence by providing counseling to men who have been abusive, as well as advocacy and support to their partners and children.
For Teens
According to the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. Intimate relationship conflicts or losses, disciplinary problems and other stressful life events often precede youth suicide.
• The Second Wind Fund was launched after four Green Mountain High School students committed suicide during the 2001-2002 school year. The nonprofit works to ensure at-risk youth have access to mental health services quickly and efficiently by removing financial and social barriers to treatment.
• The statewide Safe2Tell program offers students a toll-free number to call to anonymously report anything that threatens them, their friends, their school or their community. They can report suicide threats, harassment, gun possession, dating violence, stalking, or any other issue that raises red flags. Local law enforcement agencies follow up on the reports.
For More Information
A comprehensive list of additional resources may be found on our Web site.
Behind the Badge Archive
Last Modified:
Nov 5, 2009 03:36 PM
