Local Resources for Someone in Need
Here are some resources to consider if you or someone you know is in need. Even if you are not actively looking, it may warm you to know that these resources are out there impacting lives throughout our community. Keep in mind that there are far more resources than I could collect in a single post. These are my top three resources (per category) located in the Denver-Metro area that I have helped connect clients to and trust their work. If you are looking for other resources or have some to share, please reach out and I would be happy to update the post!
Mental Health Agencies
WellPower
I have been with WellPower, at the time of writing this post, just over three years and am fortunate to say that I believe in them, their mission, and the wonderful team that work with the people we serve. I worked with WellPower as a case manager, student intern, group facilitator, and an outpatient therapist. I could write an entire post dedicated to the countless resources available there, but to summarize a few: psychiatry, therapy, day treatment, residential, respite housing, long-term supported housing, case management, crisis stabilization, co-response, community outreach, education and employment specialists, food banks, day shelter, clothing bank, payee services, medication assisted treatment, primary care, pharmacy, etc. etc. etc.
https://www.wellpower.org
Community Reach Center
Community Reach Center is a smaller version of what WellPower has to offer, but still has a similar structure and network. They serve the north-metro area by offering, outpatient therapy/psychiatry, crisis stabilization, care-coordination, resource management, pscyhological assessments, residential care, etc.
https://www.communityreachcenter.org
Mental Health Partners
This organization also offers similar resources to the two listed above, but serves northern Colorado. They also regularly offer trainings about how to support loved ones who are struggling with their mental health.
https://www.mhpcolorado.org
Housing/Shelter
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
If you, or someone you know, is looking for housing resources. The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is a phenomenal resource. They are able to work with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness to get supportive housing vouchers and work towards finding a place of their own. Being a strong resource, there is also a very high demand so they are pretty strict about how many individuals they can take on at once so that they can provide comprehensive care to whoever they work with.
https://www.coloradocoalition.org
Family Promise of Greater Denver
I have nothing but positive words to share about Family Promise of Greater Denver. This is a program I supported during my graduate program as a group facilitator. Family Promise of Greater Denver supports families experiencing homelessness find a way to keep their family together, have a place to stay, and find work. The people who run it are truly wonderful and all of the participants and their children were a pleasure to work with.
https://www.fpgd.org
St. Francis Center
St. Francis Center is one of those resources that will be as much or as little as the person asks them to be. For those needing to charge their phone, get out of the heat or cold for a few hours, or have a meal, this is a great place to go. For those needing resources and connection to physical care, social workers, and supportive housing, this is also a great place to go. Whenever I would outreach clients and leave a message on the message board, I would get to interact with staff and patrons and was always impressed by the open doors.
http://www.sfcdenver.org
Food
Food Bank of the Rockies
This is a great food bank and a provider for many of the smaller local food banks in the metro area.
https://www.foodbankrockies.org
Cafe 180
Cafe 180 is a great pay-what-you-can model. For patrons who can afford their meal, or can afford to pay it forward, this restaurant takes the additional funds and allows those who can’t afford it a chance for a nice meal.
https://www.cafe180.org
FoCo Cafe
Similar to Cafe 180, the FoCo Cafe (Feeding Our Communities Ourselves, FoCo) is a sustainable kitchen where people can volunteer their time to work under dedicated chefs who help make meals for as many as their ingredients allow for the day. You are able to pay and pay-it-forward at this restaurant as well. When I volunteered here, we were able to sample what we were preparing and I thought it was top quality!
https://www.fococafe.org
Education and Employment
Division of Vocation and Rehabilitation (DVR)
If you are interested in checking out a new trade or getting a credential to help your career, consider looking into DVR. They are often able to help fund trainings and exams to get you further in your career if you meet certain requirements.
https://dvr.colorado.gov
Coursera
One of the largest trends in education is the development and growth of Mass Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Although there are some debates about their impact on education, what is undeniable is that they have increased accessibility to quality education at a reduced price, or often for free. Do you want to learn to be a master chef? Do you want to learn how to weave a basket in the shape of a whale? You got it!
https://www.coursera.org
Bridge House: Ready to Work
With locations in Boulder and Denver, Bridge House’s ready to work program is a resource for those experiencing chronic homelessness that are looking to get supported housing while getting back into the workforce. Bridge House does just that and allows individuals the chance to have a roof over their head and connections to a vocation.
https://boulderbridgehouse.org
Crisis Services
National Crisis Line
We finally have a national crisis line! Keep this number in mind if you are ever in need!
988 - Remember: “It’s Not Too Late. Call 9-8-8.
Colorado Crisis Services
Here is our state’s version of the number below. We also have multiple walk-in centers where clinicians are available to connect you to the right level of care to meet your needs.
1-844-493-8255 or https://coloradocrisisservices.org
Co-Responders
If there is a mental health emergency and you are calling 9-1-1, ask for a co-responder or mobile-crisis and a clinician will be sent to the location of an emergency if one is available. There have also been strides in mental health training along with trauma informed care curriculum for first responders in-case a mental health clinician is not available.
Call 9-1-1 or your local sherif/police department.
Outpatient Treatment (i.e. Therapy/Psychiatry, groups, etc.)
Psychology Today
Here is a resource for finding the right provider for you!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Primary Care Provider, Other Trusted Professional, or Me!
Ask one of your existing providers, or a provider like myself and we would be happy to help connect you with someone great!
Ask a Friend or Family Member
Help normalize well-being. Reach out to people you trust and see if they have any recommendations or could help you get connected.
Learn More/Get Involved
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is one of the leaders in bringing mental illness to the light and gaining support. I strongly recommend learning about their mission!
https://nami.org/home
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and/or Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
I strongly recommend this training for anyone wanting to learn more about how to support those you come into contact with. Learn some practical skills and broaden your understanding of mental health.
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
This training was truly impactful and helped prepare you for how to help support suicidal ideation and/or intent with those we encounter. It was a powerful and helpful resource.
https://www.livingworks.net
Call-To-Action
What resources are you looking for? Feel free to reach out to me personally and I would be happy to find support for your or your loved ones. The door is always open and you are deserving of help!