November 10th 2024.
According to recent survey data, nearly one in five high school students in Colorado have reported having serious thoughts of suicide. This alarming statistic is a reminder of the vital work being done by the Colorado nonprofit, Second Wind Fund. As the organization's development director, Anna Bishop emphasizes the importance of connecting at-risk youth under 20 with accessible mental health care.
To access the services provided by Second Wind Fund, parents or professionals who work with youth, such as school counselors, can fill out an online form on the organization's website. Here they can describe the struggles faced by the young person in their life and any barriers they may have to receiving proper care.
The Denver Post Season To Share is an annual holiday fundraising campaign that supports The Denver Post and The Denver Post Community Foundation, a 501 nonprofit organization. Grants are awarded to local non-profits that offer life-changing programs to help low-income children, families, and individuals move out of poverty and towards stability and self-sufficiency. For more information, visit seasontoshare.com.
Bishop explains that the organization is dedicated to serving youth and does not require a child to explicitly state that they are feeling suicidal in order to receive help. Past mental health issues, growing up in a violent environment, or suddenly losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed can all be signs that a young person may need mental health care.
Upon receiving a referral, the staff at Second Wind Fund review it within 48 hours. If they find it necessary to move forward, they provide a list of therapists who are best suited to meet the child's specific needs. With a network of around 900 therapists across the state, the organization ensures that each child is matched with a provider who has the appropriate expertise.
Bishop notes that once a child is connected with a therapist, the provider is expected to see them within seven business days. In cases where a family is facing financial constraints, Second Wind Fund covers the cost of 12 to 20 therapy sessions. Last year alone, the organization managed 1,114 referrals and provided over 4,600 therapy sessions.
The need for services like those provided by Second Wind Fund is increasingly evident, as demonstrated by recent events. Some related articles highlight the crisis faced by teenagers and the steps being taken to address it in the state of Colorado. The Power of One app, for example, connects Denver teens with helpful resources, and the state has seen a significant decrease in older teens dying by suicide in recent years.
For Bishop, the impact of Second Wind Fund's work is tangible. As a parent, she cannot imagine being in a position where her child is struggling and unable to receive the necessary care. She often hears from parents and referrals who express gratitude for the organization's support in helping them understand the next steps and providing the resources to support their child during a difficult time.
Since its inception in 2002, Second Wind Fund has expanded beyond the Front Range and is now reaching out to rural areas as well. While telehealth is always an option for connecting with therapists, the organization is making a concerted effort to increase outreach to these communities. In particular, they have focused on Yuma County, collaborating with local organizations that support youth to raise awareness of their services. This includes working closely with school counselors and participating in events to spread the word about their mission.
Bishop emphasizes that Second Wind Fund strives to be inclusive in their approach and is always available as a resource for anyone who believes a young person in their life could benefit from their support. She encourages anyone in this situation to reach out to the organization for assistance.
For those looking to support the work of Second Wind Fund, their contact information is provided below. They have been in operation since 2002 and currently have 7 employees and 50 volunteers. With an annual budget of $1,733,469, they were able to serve 1,057 clients in 2023. Stay updated on Colorado news by signing up for the daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
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