Red Cross awards grant to JFS for mental health services to those impacted by the Marshall Fire and Straight-Line Wind Event

NEWS RELEASE

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

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JFS Boulder has received a $250,000 recovery grant from the Red Cross to expand access to longer-term mental health services for those impacted by the Marshall Fire and Straight-Line Wind Event, as well as individuals who have secondary trauma attributed to their roles as first responders, teachers, and disaster recovery staff.

JFS Boulder is currently administering the Boulder County Crisis Counseling county-wide mental health program. This program utilizes a panel of private practice providers but limits the number of sessions to 10. Since Jan. 1, 2022, more than 700 individuals or households have registered for this program, with an average of 60 new registrations monthly. Many households and therapists participating in the program have reported a need for more than 10 sessions to adequately support families impacted by the trauma of the Marshall Fire and Straight-Line Wind Events, and this grant will be used to help these individuals.

JFS headquarters, based in Denver, has a robust Mental Health department with 35 therapists who are paneled with most major private insurance companies and Medicaid. The funding from the Red Cross will allow JFS Boulder to build upon this infrastructure and hire full-time therapists to provide high-quality mental health services without limiting the number of sessions. JFS Boulder will accept most major insurance, grant funding will cover individuals that are uninsured or undocumented. Over the course of the grant, JFS estimates they will serve 600 individuals.

Mental health issues following a disaster can include acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, intense grief, sleep disturbances, panic, anger, and many others. Struggles, in turn, can lead to increases in divorce, suicidality/suicide, issues at school and work, long-term mental health issues, and family disruptions.

To learn more about JFS Boulder mental health services, including services for Marshall Fire and Straight-Line households, and the Boulder County Crisis Counseling program, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/bccc. JFS will be accepting new clients in the coming weeks. Information on how to access services will be found on their website. The agency also conduct outreach to impacted households about the expanded mental health services.

About Jewish Family Service of Colorado

JFS is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need – regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. We believe in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community. Founded 150 years ago, we currently offer more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, and disability services. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family and provides the appropriate services all from one organization. We continuously evaluate the evolving challenges of our community and adapt or develop programs that respond to the resulting needs. 

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