Community Approaches One Year Since the May 7th Incident at STEM School Highlands Ranch
HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO (April 30, 2020) — The STEM Center for Strength has recently opened virtually to provide resiliency services, counseling, education and resources, as the STEM School Highlands Ranch community approaches one year since the incident of mass violence on May 7, 2019. In the weeks following that spring day, the school identified Colorado nonprofit, community mental health provider AllHealth Network to provide guidance for the mental health needs of the STEM School Highlands Ranch. AllHealth Network, with assistance from the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance and the Office of Victims of Crime, secured a federal grant from the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program to fund a physical space which was named by students as the STEM Center for Strength. Support services are being provided virtually due to COVID-19 but the next phase will be to provide on-site behavioral health support, social connection, educational opportunities and wellness programming in this warm, inviting space dedicated to recovery and resilience, located within walking distance from the STEM School Highlands Ranch.
FREE ONGOING SUPPORT & RESOURCES ON MAY 7, 2020
As the first-year mark of a trauma approaches, many people will face memories and reactions of anxiousness, sadness and pain. The STEM Center for Strength has a mission to promote recovery and resilience through social connection and wellness programming with free services, activities and education available to support anyone impacted. Individuals can join virtually on Thurs., May 7 for FREE Support:
8:30-9:15am – Free live webinar on Self-care and Reflection, Join: https://allhealthnetwork.zoom.us/j/98348514400
10 a.m.-Noon – Free 30-minutes Sessions, Sign up at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040B4BAEA72BABFF2-allhealth for a confidential 30-minute slot to chat with a volunteer on the phone or via video chat.
12-12:45 p.m. – Free webinar on Self-care and Reflection (a live repeat of the 8:30 a.m. session). https://allhealthnetwork.zoom.us/j/98869171119
1-5 p.m. – Free Live Zoom session to Connect, join at https://allhealthnetwork.zoom.us/j/8241969893 any time between 1-5 p.m. to chat and connect with volunteers and other community members affected by the events of May 7. There will be separate breakout groups for parents, students and staff. Please note, these are open to all and not one-on-one confidential sessions.
Always available 24/7/365 helplines: AllHealth Network Crisis Line: 303-730-3303; Colorado Crisis Line: 844-493-TALK (8255) Text “TALK” to 38255; SAMHSA Disaster Distress Line: 1-800-985-5990
FREE ONGOING SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Current & Former STEM Staff: Thurs. 4-5:30 p.m.
Current & Former STEM Parents: Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.
Current & Former STEM Students (8th grade & up): Wed. 3:30-5 p.m.
Current & Former STEM Students (4th-7th grade): Thurs. 4-5:30 p.m.
STEM Center for Strength is supported by an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from STEM School Highlands Ranch stakeholders, involved agencies, and community members who meet monthly to inform, guide, and support the center in its mission. The STEM Center for Strength provides up to ten (10) free sessions of individual or family mental health counseling services for those affected by the events of May 7, 2019. The Center is able to provide mental health therapy to anyone who has or previously had a connection with the STEM School Highlands Ranch on May 7th including a current or former student, a graduate, a parent, guardian or relative, a current or former staff member, a first responder, or a member of the general community. All confidential mental health services are provided by a licensed therapist with specialized training in trauma recovery. Services are currently available via telehealth (video conferencing) Mondays through Thursdays. The STEM Center for Strength is located at 640 Plaza Dr., Suite 130, Highlands Ranch, CO 80219, www.center4strength.org.
Note to Media: For interviews or to visit the center, please contact: Lora@screamagency.com/303-523-3925
About AllHealth Network
AllHealth Network is your compassionate provider of mental health and substance use treatment, offering a full array of clinical services at 11 locations throughout the South Denver metro area. With over 200 clinical providers and more than 25 psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, AllHealth Network offers services from a caring team of clinicians who create personalized treatment plans to help clients thrive. For more information visit https://www.allhealthnetwork.org/.