Supporting mental health at Cherry Creek Schools
As mental health becomes an increasingly high priority for students, their families, and our community, the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation recently launched a Mental Health Fund to support mental health initiatives across the district.
The Mental Health Fund supports several ways of helping students and staff. Last year, a grief and loss pilot at Sagebrush Elementary was launched in partnership with Judi’s House, a nonprofit that specializes in providing grieving children and families a safe space to come together to find connection and healing. This program could serve as a model for other schools, with plans to expand access this school year.
Another way that the Mental Health Fund made an impact was by providing support to teachers and staff who had experienced a loss at Buffalo Trail Elementary after the unexpected loss of a staff member. These funds also launched a network of specialized mental health professionals to connect with students and families seeking additional resources and mental health support. A first-of-its-kind program for the district, mental health staff were able to begin referring and connecting students last school year to outside therapists who work to address the emotional needs and challenges of students, using a more clinical approach. Staff worked last summer on expanding this program and this school year they are helping more students overcome barriers to care.
In the 2022-23 school year, the Foundation will continue to work with CCSD to find ways to support mental health for students. The district recently launched its five core values, including Whole Wellbeing. With these funds, more students will be able to access resources and services to continue to grow and thrive as they find their pathway of purpose.
“The generosity of our donors allows us to make very real, positive change for our students and impact their future,” CCSF Executive Director Jill Henden said.
Your support will help us continue this work. Make a gift today to the CCSD Mental Health Fund here.
