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Community thanks Jefferson Center for 50 years

Contributed by: gary chandler on 4/30/2008

Fifty years ago today, Jefferson Center for Mental Health began serving the community from the basement of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Since then, it has helped nearly a half million individuals facing mental health challenges.

More than 500 community and business leaders recently showed their appreciation for the Center's first 50 years of service and the thousands of lives that have been changed. "Destinations and Dreams," Jefferson Center's 50th Anniversary Gala was held on April 17th at the Arvada Center with Honorary Chair First Lady Jeannie Ritter. The sold-out event honored the staff and supporters of the Center who have provided services and work to ensure a healthy community. The celebration, hosted by Jefferson Center and the Jefferson Mental Health Foundation, also honored the work of two community leaders and partners who have had an extraordinary impact on Jefferson Center's success:
• Jeanne Rohner, President and CEO of Mental Health America of Colorado was honored for her advocacy for people with mental health issues and valuable contributions to strengthening our state's mental health system.
• Kenneth W. Eggeman, Ph.D, President and CEO of Community First Foundation was honored for his visionary community leadership in mobilizing and strengthening the nonprofit community. Through the Foundation's Nonprofit Preservation Initiative, Dr. Eggeman has inspired and supported local nonprofits to build endowments.

"Treatment works and people with mental illness can lead meaningful and productive lives," said Dr. Harriet Hall, President and CEO of Jefferson Center for Mental Health. "This event celebrated a community that understands the importance of mental health and a community that is prepared to support those in need for the next 50 years. As we look forward to our next 50 years, we envision a community in which there is no stigma, no lack of resources and no barriers to mental health care, where recovery from mental illnesses is not only possible but probable, and where individuals with mental health problems live satisfying, contributing and hopeful lives. "

The dinner event raised $120,000 thanks to supporters and sponsors, including FirstBank, Kaiser Permanente, Citywide Banks, Type, Etc., and many other local businesses and organizations. A special appeal auction was held to raise funds for the Center's school-based mental health program. In a surprise announcement, the Community First Foundation matched all donations to the program. Mark Johnson, KOA Radio Sports Director, served as the master of ceremonies.

Jefferson Center for Mental Health serves individuals and families who are impacted by mental illness in Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. The Center provides comprehensive, community-based mental health services to more than 6,000 people each year. The Center serves the people throughout its three-county area and is one of the largest employers in the area with 300 staff in 40 locations, including numerous community settings such as schools, nursing homes, senior centers and other partner locations. It offers a variety of programs including: outpatient counseling, vocational services, and employee assistance programs. Its staff has expertise in numerous areas, including children and family issues, adults with serious mental illness, suicide prevention, early intervention, juvenile justice, and trauma treatment. For more information, visit www.jcmh.org.

Jefferson Mental Health Foundation is dedicated to the vision that all people with mental illness and emotional problems have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Foundation, started in 1997, raises funds from the community in support of Jefferson Center for Mental Health programs and services. In addition, the Foundation helps raise awareness in the community about mental health issues.



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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

gary chandler

lakewood , CO

gary chandler has posted 95 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/26/2006. gary chandler 's average story rating is 5.
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