Caring for Denver Foundation

🎉 We want to wish a huge congratulations to Raymael Blackwell on his promotion to Responsive Portfolio Director! Over the past 3 years, Raymael has been an incredible part of the Caring for Denver team, dedicating himself to supporting our community and driving meaningful change. This promotion is a true testament to his leadership, diligence, and passion for making a difference. We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished, Raymael, and we’re excited to see the amazing impact you’ll continue to make in this new role. Thank you for everything you do—we appreciate you! 💙👏

🌟 Grantee In the News! 📰 Second Wind Fund connects youth at risk for suicide with life-saving mental health treatment. Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth in Colorado; however, Second Wind Fund is making a difference! Last fiscal year, Second Wind Fund managed 1,114 referrals and delivered over 4,600 therapy sessions, breaking down financial and transportation barriers to ensure access to care. With support from Caring for Denver Foundation, Second Wind Fund helps youth ages 19 and under who face financial or social barriers by matching them with providers in their network and offering 12-20 sessions of therapy. 💚 Together, we’re creating a lifeline for Colorado’s youth. Learn more about their vital work: https://buff.ly/4gpM7pS

✨ Grantee Spotlight! ✨ Learn how ViVe Wellness is transforming lives through culturally rooted care in this video: https://buff.ly/3BsRtl5 ViVe Wellness promotes social justice, health, and gender equity through culturally relevant programs supporting physical, mental, and social wellness. With funding from Caring for Denver Foundation, ViVe addresses Latino mental health needs by reducing stigma and fostering wellness through trauma-informed, community-driven, and culturally responsive care. Caring for Denver also awarded ViVe a grant to support youth newcomers experiencing homelessness in Denver. These programs provide mental health care rooted in cultural traditions, beliefs, and language-appropriate services to help them adjust to their new home. Yoli Casas

We are excited to share our grant award from Caring for Denver Foundation for improving our behavioral health services. This money will be used to ensure that our behavioral health services team can grow and change to meet the needs of those living at Valor on the Fax, our supported living facility for brain injury survivors who have experienced homelessness. Thanks Caring for Denver Foundation!

Big thanks to KUSA-TV, 9NEWS, Courtney Yuen, and Jack Storti for spotlighting the transformative work of our grantee partner, Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC). 💙 With a $1.2M grant from Caring for Denver, BIAC is doubling its services to support brain injury survivors in the legal system and helping reduce recidivism. Alex Covey, a survivor of brain injuries, shares how BIAC resources changed his life: "I was struggling in the legal system. I was getting in more trouble violating, and when I got into treatment court, I saw a huge difference in how I was able to complete probation. I think that having the resources to utilize therapy [and] utilize these positive situations in jail should be more widespread. It was really instrumental in me having a successful jail experience and a successful experience out on probation." Check out the full story! 🔗https://buff.ly/3ZKB2Ka #MentalHealthMatters #AlternativesToJail #BIAC

🌟 A big shoutout to our amazing youth-serving grantee partners who joined us for our first-ever Youth Convening Session! 🙌 On November 20, 2024, 21 dedicated leaders came together to explore a crucial topic: integrating mental health into youth programs. Hosted by Caring for Denver grantee organizations, the discussion highlighted the successes and challenges of providing mental health support to youth, with a strong focus on cultural responsiveness, community-based care, and service sustainability. This event fostered collaboration and learning, bringing together organizations working to better integrate mental health services into youth programs. 💬 Check out our latest blog recap for key takeaways and insights from those making a difference in youth mental wellness! 👉 https://buff.ly/3Bhse5a Panelists: PlatteForum: Alejandra Calvo, Kendall Kultgen SOAR - Seeing Our Adolescents Rise: Chantae Thomas Struggle Of Love Foundation: Betsy Chanth, Hodge Lakeshia Youth Employment Academy: Amy Banker, Destini Montez Youth on Record: Mona Magno, Stephen Smith-Contreras #YouthMentalHealth #CommunityCare #CaringForDenver

📢 Funding Opportunity Alert! Healthy Food For Denver’s Kids is seeking proposals from nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies dedicated to improving food access and education for Denver’s youth. 🍎 Join Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids during their Virtual Open House! Learn about the application process, RFP details, and scoring rubric. This is your chance to ask questions and prepare before submissions open on January 6. 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 ⏰ Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm 📍 Register now: https://buff.ly/4idJQiZ Be part of this impactful grant program to support healthier futures for Denver’s kids! 🌟 If you have questions ahead of the open house, reach out to Jessica Murison at jessica.murison@denvergov.org. #HealthyFoodForKids #DenverYouth #GrantOpportunity

📣Caring for Denver Foundation is proud to announce more than $14 million in grant funding to 30 incredible community-based organizations addressing gaps in mental health and substance misuse care. At Caring for Denver, we believe healing happens in community. 💙 “There is a higher demand for services that are relevant and accessible to our communities’ cultures and experiences. These funded programs will increase connections and belonging and provide more care in trusted spaces, creating safe spaces for our Denver communities to heal in,” shared Lorez Meinhold, our executive director. 🔗 Meet the grantees and learn how they’re creating safe, culturally relevant spaces for mental health and substance misuse care in our latest news release. Read now! ➡️ https://buff.ly/3ZDDdiL

As we embrace the holiday season, we’re celebrating the transformative power of storytelling to break stigma and bring us closer together. At our recent event with The Moth, courageous voices shared deeply personal stories that highlighted the strength in vulnerability. These moments of honesty and connection remind us how storytelling can release emotion, foster understanding, and build community. The stories shared remind us of the importance of addressing mental health and substance misuse through connection and understanding. As we reflect on this year, we’re deeply grateful for the voices that inspire change and contribute to a healthier Denver. This holiday season, take time to share your story or listen to someone else’s. Quality time and meaningful conversations can strengthen bonds and leave a lasting impact. Together, we can create a more compassionate, healthier Denver. Tag someone whose story has inspired you and share with us below! #TheMoth #CaringForDenver #Storytelling #Gratitude #MentalHealthMatters #HolidayConnections #EndTheStigma #StrongerTogether

📣 Your voice matters! The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment is conducting the Thrive in the Mile High Survey as part of their five-year Community Health Assessment. This is your chance to share what’s most important to you about health and well-being in Denver. Your feedback will help guide public health efforts and shape a healthier future for you, your family, and our community. Take the survey today and help us build a stronger, healthier Denver! 💪 https://buff.ly/4fXUngf #ThriveInTheMileHigh #CommunityHealthAssessment #DenverStrong #PublicHealth