The Nick Bales BTR Foundation supports teens suffering from mental illness and aids in the prevention of teen suicide. The foundation takes a non-traditional approach because mental health is different for everyone. As of November 2022, BTR has funded over 740 therapy sessions for young adults who need financial assistance. We believe that spreading awareness, kindness, and compassion is crucial to ending the stigma surrounding mental health. Our mission is to foster a nurturing environment for young adults so that nobody feels alone during their mental health struggles.
If we can help to erase the stigma of mental health and save just one life, BTR has succeeded.
In loving memory of Nick Bales.
projecthelping.org
info@projecthelping.org • (303) 551-0624
Volunteers Share Their Stories — And Why YOU Should Consider Volunteering!
At Movement Counseling + Wellness, we create personalized treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other obstacles that impede everyday life. Our wide range of services, including individual and group counseling, animal-assisted therapy, acupuncture, personal training, and academic support, engages our clients in a holistic journey to recovery. We acknowledge that life stressors affect not only the mind, but also the body; we encourage our clients to participate in movement-based techniques, whether in or out of session. Our collaborative, whole-body approach promotes health and well-being to guide our clients towards empowerment and positive transformation in all areas of their lives.
movement-counseling.com
303-876-7658
The Aspen Effect builds resiliency in youth with a unique horse environment, a caring mentor team and a strength-based approach. Programs include Mini Horse Leadership School, Healing Horse Connections, Goat Pen Life Training and the Ranch Hand Leadership Academy. Just as there is currently a quiet crisis playing out in our US forests as huge numbers of trees succumb to drought, disease, insects and wildfire, there is a growing youth crisis in Colorado. Colorado ranks 43rd out of all US states in combined metrics of suicide rate, mental health issues, death from drug overdoses. We also share a tragic history of mass shootings by marginalized people. For children and youth ages 11 and up.
theaspeneffect.org
jerryv@theaspeneffect.org
720-500-4308
"Through Gestalt Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Family Intensives, and Relational Horsemanship, my goal is to help create beautiful relationships. For over 40 years I have been successfully guiding clients and students toward a more authentic and empowered way of living. I offer therapy sessions, parenting and human development classes, and a variety of therapeutic and horsemanship workshops (single and multi-day) throughout Colorado and the Front Range. Many I speak with share that they desire more connection with themselves and those they love, more connection with their horse, and more connection with the natural world. I have dedicated my life to facilitating the recovery and deepening of such relationships. My passion and gift is providing a path for this to occur, so take a deep breath, and let us begin on this path together..."
Through counseling and training programs, Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado provides and promotes animal assisted psychotherapy to facilitate healing for all people in need and for rescued animals. Their mission is to promote the mental and emotional health of individuals and families in Colorado and around the world by providing professional, research-supported Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) with rescued animals to people of all socio-economic backgrounds. We also aim to increase the knowledge and ethical practice of AAP through our international training and Certification program for mental health professionals and students. Their trainees are critical partners who help expand the knowledge and use of AAP in their communities and worldwide. Their AAP programs are well known and respected worldwide by psychotherapists, counselors and higher education therapy programs.
www.animalassistedtherapyprograms.org
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.
• Mental disorders, particularity mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders.
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempts(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and internet)
Please understand that some don’t show any signs and some may only show one of these signs. The important thing we can do is ask them, “Are you ok, because if you’re not, that’s ok. I’m here for you and I’m a great listener and will not judge. I want to help you. You’re not alone”.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
