The power of connection groups
Whether you’re looking to build your community or caring for aging parents, participating in a group connection or support group brings people together who are going through similar experiences. You don’t have to face challenges alone, and we’re excited to facilitate two groups for you to find emotional support, resources, and be among people who understand what you’re going through.
KidSuccess: Providing early intervention for 30 years
Over the year, we’ve celebrated the 30th 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.
Three tips to ease back-to-school anxiety
The beginning of school will be here before you know it. Some kids may feel anxious, while others feel excited. No matter the emotion, this is always a time of transition, and that’s a great reminder to get back-to-school ready and help calm stress and anxiety using mindfulness techniques.
KidSuccess: Providing early intervention for 30 years
Over the year, we’ve celebrated the 30th 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.
KidSuccess: Making a difference at Thomas Jefferson High School
JFS is celebrating the 30th 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.
Five tips to develop resilience
Resilience is a valuable skill to learn and practice every day. It helps us manage challenges, adapt to struggles, recover, and grow, ultimately improving our lives. Paula Stephens, Abby's Impact: Realizing Resilience Program Coordinator, shares five tips to help increase your resiliency.
KidSuccess: Making kids feel respected and safe at 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.
KidSuccess: Making healthy changes for 30 years
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.
JFS Boulder is accepting mental health clients
JFS Boulder provides ongoing, high-quality outpatient support to adults, children, and families who need therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, grief, or trauma, we can help. Our skilled, compassionate, and professional therapists are ready to work with you to find solutions to whatever you are experiencing.
Learn to manage life with a focused and calm mind
Abby’s Impact is a learner-centered resilience and mental health education program offered at no cost to participants. Join us for two upcoming workshops to help build your resilience toolbox with evidence-based, practical skills for managing stress and responding to negative emotions.
JFS KidSuccess: Enhancing mental health support in schools
The 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. The program has expanded to 22 schools this year, compared to 15 last year, and the need continues to increase. Learn more about how KidSuccess is making a difference at College View Elementary School.
JFS KidSuccess: Celebrating 30 Years of Promoting Well-being in Schools
For the past 30 years, JFS’s school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, has been on the front lines, making a difference, welcoming children, and providing the necessary resources for them to heal. KidSuccess’ unique hands-on approach promotes a supportive school environment for students that fosters achievement, high self-esteem, resiliency, and personal responsibility.
Wrapping up our Boulder County Crisis Counseling program
Since the Marshall Fire roared through the Boulder area, JFS has responded to the community’s needs, including providing mental health support thanks to a partnership between the Community Foundation Boulder County and additional funding from the Red Cross and Boulder County Health and Human Services. Our administration of the Boulder County Crisis Counseling mental health program ended at the end of December 2024, and we’re excited to share our wrap-up.
JFS is bridging the gap in the mental health crisis
JFS’s mental health services were strengthened with the receipt of a two-year Caring for Denver Nurse Practitioner grant. Now, we can help even more people who can benefit from mental health treatment with a focus on connecting individuals who need psychiatric medication and related therapy with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We’re excited to introduce James Camp, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, to our community.
10 tips for coping with grief
For those dealing with grief, whether it’s recent or not, the holidays can stir up many emotions. Maybe a loss seems heavier, or sadness or loneliness feels overwhelming. Paula Stephens, Abby's Impact: Realizing Resilience Program Coordinator, shares essential advice to help individuals navigate this time of year when they are dealing with grief.
Program spotlight: JFS Mental Health Programs
This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Mental Health department. We sat down with Elena Pernitz, LCSW, Operations Manager Mental Health Department to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.
Six back to school tips to set your kids up for success
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.
School-based therapy: JFS KidSuccess expands
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.
Marshall Fire support opportunities available
JFS Boulder continues to respond to the community needs following the Marshall Fire. Registration for our Boulder County Crisis Counseling program will end in June, and we are now offering a 6-week teen support program.
Find support with our grief and caregiver counseling groups
The JFS Mental Health department has partnered with clients, families, and the community to create opportunities to achieve emotional wellness and stability, including several support groups. For those dealing with grief and individuals who are caregivers, we offer support groups that guide clients on their wellness journey as they find the support they need.