Over the year, we’ve celebrated the 30^th anniversary of our KidSuccess program with stories from school and JFS staff about our collaboration to reach youth to help them work through and heal from mental health struggles. KidSuccess School-based Therapist Sydney Ankenbrandt completed her third year at Samuels Elementary School, and she shares her thoughts on her role and experiences. 

JFS is celebrating the 30^th anniversary of our school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, throughout the year. Samanda Davis, a social worker at Thomas Jefferson High School, believes KidSuccess has been at her school for 10 years, and she shares her thoughts about the program and its impact on their school. 

The JFS KidSuccess program places trained JFS therapists in schools, providing youth with access to free, quality mental health counseling services so they can succeed academically and emotionally. Samuels Elementary School’s Music Teacher, Janie Darone, shares her experience with the program and its impact on their school. 

The JFS KidSuccess program places trained JFS therapists in schools, providing youth with access to free, quality mental health counseling services so they can succeed academically and emotionally. One of the team members who plays an instrumental role in supporting students is Lead Bilingual School-based Case Manager Ruby Chavez. Ruby works in all of our KidSuccess schools and is on the front lines, making a difference helping youth cope and heal. 

The long and not necessarily lazy days of summer break are coming to an end. While the start of the school year ushers in new beginnings that can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. JFS KidSuccess Program Manager Amanda Carter offers suggestions about preparing for the academic year and easing into a new routine.

Across the country, including in Colorado, the mental health crisis continues to surge—and youth are not exempted from this dire situation. It’s alarming how many children are struggling desperately and need mental health support to help them cope with depression, peer relationships, anxiety, and so much more.

We are currently in the middle of a mental health crisis, and it’s hitting youth hard. In the past year, 40% of youth experienced depression, and more than half reported feeling increased daily stress today compared to 2019. Colorado’s youth are 37% more likely to use drugs and 15% more likely to use alcohol than the average American youth. These statistics are alarming, and during National Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share how JFS’s school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, is helping to combat this growing and concerning trend.