FAMILY Matters V O LU M E 29, N O. 3 • S U M M E R 2019
SAVING GRACE: SCHOOL-BASED
MENTAL HEALTH SPELLS SUCCESS FOR KIDS
PLAY THERAPY FOR CHILDREN
Client Spotlight, page 4
KidSuccess page 6
SCHOOL VIOLENCE: THERE IS HOPE Mental Health Matters page 7
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Celebrate JFS! page 10
A PUBLICATION OF
Serving people of all faiths, ages, incomes, and abilities
From the
CEO
Dear Friends,
Another school shooting. Multiple teen suicides. A woman obsessed with the Columbine tragedy threatens Colorado schools. The number of instances is growing. Sadly, this is our new reality and so many of us are at loss as to what to do. It doesn’t have to be this way. At the core of many of these tragedies are people dealing—or not dealing—with mental health issues. At JFS, we have the knowledge, treatment protocols, and ability to help people with mental illness. There are proven therapies and medications that work to help people manage and even overcome mental health issues. The challenge is reaching and treating those who need the help. A 2017 report on mental health care in the U.S. shows that Colorado ranks poorly at treating people who need help, especially kids. Mental Health America compared all 50 states on metrics, including prevalence of mental health issues and access to treatment, and gave Colorado a ranking of 43rd. We can do better. At JFS, we’re working diligently to improve access to mental health services for the diverse populations we serve. Some of the ways we are helping: • The KidSuccess program is putting trained therapists in schools so children can have easy access to quality mental health services at no charge. As a result, they can address issues and focus on succeeding at school. • The Refugee Mental Health program at JFS is providing trauma-informed therapy to refugees new to Colorado,
many of whom have experienced unspeakable tragedy and loss. This unique program is helping refugees overcome obstacles and succeed in their new Linda P. Foster home. • JFS is helping older adults in our community to navigate the challenges and losses that come with growing older. Our therapists are helping them thrive. • Individuals and families are benefiting from innovative therapies provided by qualified therapists to help them deal with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and more. As a result, people are functioning at a higher level and realizing their full potential. We have the therapists. We have the programs. We just need those who need the help to get it. If you or someone you love could use some support, we’re standing by to give it. Give us a call. L’shalom,
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS)
believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Founded in 1872, JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving metro Denver and Boulder. The agency has a strong reputation for quality, high-impact services that each year benefit nearly 24,000 people. JFS helps seniors maintain a high quality of life, provides quality mental health counseling to children and adults, offers training and job placement to people with significant barriers to employment, and works to reduce hunger and prevent homelessness for families in crisis. JFS serves people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes, and abilities. Family Matters is published quarterly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO 80231 / jewishfamilyservice.org
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15TH ANNUAL JFS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON Scored a Touchdown
Peyton Manning, football legend, entertained
and inspired 800 business and professional leaders attending Jewish Family Service’s (JFS) sold-out 15th annual JFS Executive Luncheon in April. The event raised more than $675,000 to support the agency’s life-transforming work. Brandon Stokley, 104.3 The Fan radio host and former Denver Bronco, interviewed his former teammate and good friend, Peyton Manning. In a fun, lighthearted manner, Stokley asked Manning about his football career, retirement, family, and philanthropy. Manning related lessons from his career that everyone can apply to their lives. While the interview was sprinkled with funny anecdotes about his family, teammates, and opponents,
his passion for philanthropy shined through. He said we all have an obligation to give back and he commended the audience for helping JFS. Representatives from our SHALOM Denver program served as “JFS Ambassadors” and warmly greeted guests as they arrived. Before the program, top-level sponsors attended a brief reception and photo op with Manning. Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock thanked JFS for being a valued community partner. Thank you to event co-chairs Sam Zaitz and Vic Sulzer, the event committee, the sponsors, and everyone who attended for contributing to the event’s success!
Brandon Stokley and Peyton Manning address a sold-out crowd of 800 attendees.
Former Broncos teammate and radio host Brandon Stokley interviewed Peyton Manning about his career, retirement and philanthropic activities.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, left; JFS President and CEO Linda Foster; and Colorado Governor Jared Polis pose before addressing the crowd.
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CLIENT Spotlight
Saving Grace:
School-Based Mental Health Spells Success for Kids
At 10 years old, Grace Allen is smart, inquisitive,
and loves to learn. Her big, warm smile complements her obvious desire to engage. Her favorite subject is math, with science a close second. Her dream is to become a baker (she loves cookies) or maybe a doctor. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time to figure all that out. Grace has some serious challenges that are limiting her ability to learn at school. A fourth grader at Samuels Elementary School in southeast Denver, she struggles to sit still, focus on her work, and control her emotions. Grace suffers from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and anxiety. It limits her ability to regulate her emotions, hindering her ability to appropriately respond to conflict or frustration. She struggles to problem-solve for herself and has difficulty looking at the whole situation she is involved with. Her condition limits her ability to learn in the classroom and is disruptive to other children and her teachers. Grace’s issues were so severe that her previous school asked that she not return this year. The school wasn’t equipped to respond to her needs and had to consider the welfare and education of the other students. That’s when she transferred to Samuels Elementary School, which has the benefit of the JFS KidSuccess program on campus. “Grace’s behavior is not only disruptive to her teachers and her own learning but impacts the other 30-plus children in the classroom and limits their ability to learn,” says Jessica Allen, Grace’s mother. “Before Grace had access to the JFS KidSuccess program, it was also disruptive to my husband and me. We were frequently called to come and pick up Grace from school—regardless of what we might be involved in at work. In one instance last year, the school called the police to intervene even though Grace wasn’t violent, which further escalated an already heightened situation. The school just didn’t have the right people to help Grace and other kids like her.” Grace’s condition has significantly improved now that she has access to mental health therapy at school. Amanda Carter is a licensed clinical social worker who works for JFS at Samuels Elementary School, supporting children from
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Ten-year-old Grace Allen benefits from KidSuccess school-based therapy at her school.
preschool to 5th grade who have a variety of mental health issues. She works with children, families, and teachers to treat children experiencing mental health issues to help them cope and ultimately succeed at school. Now that Grace has access to a licensed therapist at school, she’s learning how to cope and manage her behavior. She is learning to understand the triggers that can upset her and works to keep herself calm before upsetting herself or other kids in her class. And she can get the help she needs when she needs it. “Because of the KidSuccess program, Grace has a shot at a normal education and the opportunity to stay in school,” says Jessica. Amanda meets with Grace on a weekly basis and whenever she needs extra support. Grace knows that Amanda is there for her when she needs her, which is a great comfort for her. “I love Miss Amanda,” exclaims Grace. “When I feel mad, she always tries to help me. She helps me calm down.” Amanda is working with Grace to help
her control her anger and recognize the triggers that upset her. Grace is learning to take accountability for her own behavior. Amanda is always available if Grace is involved in an emotionally charged situation and can calm her down. Amanda has provided Grace with a variety of coping strategies that she can use to keep her emotions in check. Amanda is helping Grace outside of school, as well. Based on her observations of Grace in the school setting, she discerned that Grace could benefit from another psychiatric evaluation. Amanda consulted with Grace’s psychiatrist and suggested an evaluation by a JFS psychiatrist. All parties agreed, including Grace’s parents. The evaluation resulted in a new diagnosis and a change in Grace’s medications. The results were almost immediate. Teachers recognized a whole new Grace in their classrooms. She is calmer, more in control, and is learning to cope with distractions that previously triggered disruptive behavior. Under Amanda’s guidance, Grace is being evaluated for an individualized education plan, which includes more mental health support. Amanda will be working with Grace over the summer to ensure continuity of care and continued progress as she prepares for fifth grade. “The JFS KidSuccess program is really, really important, not only for Grace, but for the other children at her school,” relates Jessica. “To get quality mental health services at school is huge. Kids are getting access to services that they wouldn’t get otherwise. Many of these kids can’t afford it, nor do they have the transportation to get to a therapist. When a counselor is available at school, children are getting the help right when they need it. It’s been a gamechanger for Grace and for our family.”
JFS KidSuccess therapist Amanda Carter, left, shares a light moment with Grace Allen at school.
“Because of the KidSuccess program, Grace has a shot at a normal education and the opportunity to stay in school.” —Jessica Allen
Front cover photo: JFS KidSuccess therapist Amanda Carter and Grace Allen at Hamilton Elementary School. FA M I LY M AT T E R S S U M M E R 2019
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JFS KidSuccess
Play Therapy for Young Children
By Kelsey Carlson, MSW, LCSW, KidSuccess Therapist
Imagine being a young child and
wanting to communicate but not having the vocabulary. Maybe you’ve been through trauma, maybe you struggle with emotional regulation, or maybe you worry frequently. Any of these issues will most likely cause problems at school and at home. There are issues bothering you and you want help, but you aren’t able to ask for what you need with words because you aren’t there yet in your development. There’s nothing “wrong with you,” you’re just struggling and need extra support. And you’re communicating the only way you know how—through play. For a child who struggles with words, how on earth are they going to sit on a therapist’s couch for 45 Kelsey Carlson minutes and just talk? The answer is, they’re not. For most children, this is not a realistic expectation for a successful therapy session. Children ages three to 12 often process thought and communicate through play. Play is their language and primary means of communicating. Since play is effective for helping many children communicate and process trauma, it makes sense that therapists who work with young children (and even teens) would fill their offices with play therapy supplies and utilize play therapy interventions when appropriate. But that can lead many parents to wonder what their kids are doing during therapy sessions. With trauma, for example, children will often repeatedly play out parts of the trauma, or themes of the trauma will be highly visible in their play. For a child experiencing their parents’ divorce or separation, I’ve had children “mediating” all of the “house stuff” (play therapy supplies) into “mom’s side” and “dad’s side” of the office. Sometimes it’s easier for children to project their feelings onto a stuffed animal or a puppet than communicating them to a therapist. While this can look strange to some, it’s the child trying to make sense of what is happening in his or her life the best way they know how. A trained therapist
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can facilitate interventions using play therapy to help the child communicate and process their life experiences. This is meeting the child where they are, and supporting them as they work through life’s challenges in a safe, neutral space. So rather than having your young child sit on a couch and talk to a therapist for what most people think of as “therapy,” I would encourage parents who are considering support for their young children to find a therapist who utilizes play therapy. I often tell parents that I almost have to trick their kids into therapy. It’s not going to be fun all the time, but I try to make it as fun, developmentally appropriate, and painless as possible. This helps build rapport with young clients and helps them be more engaged in sessions, so they actually want to come to therapy. A willing therapy participant almost always results in a better therapy outcome. It probably isn’t what Sigmund Freud imagined, but it helps children work through life’s challenges on their own terms in a way that is most helpful to them. Kelsey Carlson is a JFS KidSuccess therapist on the schoolbased team. She is responsible for providing individual, family, and group therapy services to children and their families at two Denver elementary schools. She also does case management and works with staff at the schools to advocate for traumainformed care of students and their families. Kelsey graduated from the University of Denver with a master’s degree in Social Work in 2014.
MENTAL HEALTH Matters
School Violence: There is Hope
By Stacey Weisberg, LPC, Director of Mental Health Services
The headlines appear almost daily—another
school shooting. It’s enough to strike fear in the heart of every parent and school-age child. We have new data that shows school violence is linked not only to mental health problems, but to physical health problems and risk-taking behavior, including drug and alcohol use. We see connections between bullying, victimization, fighting, and school violence. Thirty percent of young people admit to bullying others. Twenty-three percent of high schoolers report being in a physical fight in the past year. Six percent of students had been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property. There were 82 school shootings in 2018. Clearly this is troublesome, but I’d like to clear up some misconceptions about school violence. Just 1.2 percent of all youth fatalities occur in school. In 12 states, the number of pediatric firearm fatalities is greater than pediatric motor vehicle deaths. Suicide is a much bigger threat. Research on gun safety has severely lagged behind that dedicated to motor vehicle safety. Think about seat belts, air bags, and all the other advances we have made to improve motor vehicle safety. The lack of political will and resources to improve gun laws and safety are impacting children’s lives and leading to the alarming statistics we are seeing. While we continue to be inundated with horrific news stories, there’s progress being made to prevent school violence. In the 20 years since Columbine, we’re starting to understand some of the precursors to school violence and take actions to prevent it. We know the signs that can lead to trouble, including peer pressure, bullying, low selfesteem, abuse, neglect, and mental illness. The best part is that we know how to treat these issues—and we are. I recently attended the annual conference of the Colorado Association of School-Based Health Care and came away inspired and full of hope. There is tremendous progress being made on preventing school violence and creating safe schools. The speakers were excellent, and the content was eye-opening. I learned about cutting-edge research and practical tactics that our JFS school-based therapists could put into practice immediately at their schools.
In one session, we learned how to thoughtfully assess the threat of violence in a school by gathering information about the behavior and communications of the student of concern, and analyzing the data with a team of professionals to determine whether the student is moving on a path to do harm to him or herself or others. Another session focused on creating a positive school climate by preventing bullying and harassment and educating teachers and staff about policies and procedures to deal with bullying behavior when it occurs. Attendees learned new strategies for positively disciplining Stacey Weisberg children to ensure that all students feel safe at school and can focus on learning. Positive discipline can lead to safer learning environments without a heavy reliance on suspensions and expulsions that can lead to isolation and aggression. The conference stressed planning and collaboration between communities, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, who all have a role in creating and maintaining safe schools. The data shows that these approaches are working. Students are happier, more connected to their schools, and engaged in learning. I was excited to share these findings with our schoolbased therapists, so they could put these ideas to work. I’m hopeful that creating positive school climates and being aware of the warning signs will result in a decline in schoolbased violence, so kids can get back to learning. Stacey Weisberg is a licensed professional counselor with more than 28 years of clinical experience. She directs Mental Health Services at Jewish Family Service, including Mental Health Specialists, Refugee Mental Health, and KidSuccess/International KidSuccess. During her 26 years at JFS, Stacey developed the school-based mental health program that reaches hundreds of children and their families, who would otherwise not have access to mental health services.
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MENTAL HEALTH Matters
Work Stress—The Silent Epidemic
By Betty Tullius, LMFT, Psychotherapist, JFS Mental Health Specialists
JOIN US FOR
In recognition of Mental Health Month, this
article addresses a common form of stress for Americans which can lead to significant mental health problems— work stress. When thinking of stressors people face in current times, many people cite wide-reaching concerns, such as racism, divisiveness, hatred, and violence. We often view these stressors as ones in which we have little or no individual control over nor method to escape, leaving us feeling powerless and hopeless. For some, work stress produces similar feelings to those we have when we think about larger societal ills; we feel that we have no control over our work climate and believe that we cannot escape it. The feelings Betty Tullius we have in response to the world not being a good place right now seem to parallel how many people feel about their jobs; these feelings of distress become amplified when we face them every day. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes that there are three qualities that comprise a satisfactory work experience, “autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward.” When I work with clients who report significant work stress, they often identify experiences which are the opposite of the above: micromanagement, work that is not engaging or meaningful, perception of having little control while having lots of demands, not being heard, belief that their expertise and opinions don’t matter, little recognition of positive contributions, and low salaries. In some settings, employees say they are operating in a climate of fear with implied or stated threats to their job security. According to The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America survey, work is consistently identified as a “significant source of stress by a majority of Americans.” This type of stress can lead to symptoms of anxiety and 8
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depression, feelings Work is consistently of hopelessness identified as a significant and disillusionment, source of stress by a problems with majority of Americans. sleep, irritability, fatigue, and overall apathy. In a nutshell, it is more difficult to face life stressors— much less to feel healthy and engaged—when our workday leaves us feeling powerless and the solutions seems outside of our control. So, what can we do when we are faced with this significant stressor? Recognizing symptoms and linking them to our jobs can be an important first step, as is focusing on healthy self-care. APA identifies making healthy choices in response to stress (such as doing physical activity when stressed as opposed to eating junk food or drinking alcohol), engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities outside of work, and practicing relaxation techniques as positive ways to manage work stress. Identifying the most problematic work situations, and our responses to them, can be beneficial in terms of gaining perspective on the problem. Consulting with a coworker or friend can help in identifying work triggers and practicing new responses to these triggers. Finally, engaging in therapy can be a helpful and rewarding way to address work stress. A mental health professional can provide support, help you identify healthy coping strategies to manage stress, and provide a safe place to explore potential changes that might be beneficial to you. If you are experiencing mental health symptoms which you believe are linked to work stress, contact JFS Mental Health Specialists at 720.248.4701 and see if therapy is a viable option for you. Betty Tullius is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s in clinical psychology. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has been with Jewish Family Service for 14 years. She works with adults, adolescents, families, and couples dealing with life changes, stress, depression, and anxiety.
SENIORS Matter
The Changing Dynamic of Counseling for Older Adults
By Jennie Creasey, LCSW, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Operations Manager
Throughout my almost 20 years
as a licensed clinical social worker, I have had the honor of providing counseling services to older adults and, at times, their families. Traditionally, our counseling services for older adults have offered support and expertise around life transitions that come with aging, which may include grief, loss, social isolation, sadness, depression, and/or anxiety. We are eager to support our clients through these valid challenges. In recent years, however, as some of our clients are living longer—either because of good health or increased health care interventions and options—the concerns that cause them to seek counseling support have become more varied and complex. For our clients in their late 60s and older who are in good health, their concerns have included how to cope with a troubled marriage or becoming divorced or widowed. Some are struggling with how to approach dating (including online dating) at this point in their lives after decades of marriage, and evolving life-stage priorities. There has been a lot of life already lived, which creates unique challenges in terms of how to integrate existing family members and social networks, assets and liabilities, and serious consideration of whether legal marriage is a wise choice and if not, how to creatively express and live out their commitment to one another. For others, it may be the desire to reenter the workplace, addressing issues at their current workplace, or how to successfully navigate the transition to retirement. Folks in this demographic may also be addressing caring for a terminally ill adult child or their 97-year-old parent dealing with late onset Alzheimer’s. On a lighter note, I once had a client who found himself wishing his 98-year-old father would stop giving him advice on being a senior! Some of our older adult clients are experiencing a serious health issue, and sometimes multiple health issues. Their concerns in counseling include needing
emotional support to stay in their home as long as possible, either on their own, with a partner who is well, or with a partner who is also in decline. They are dealing with the depression and anxiety that can come with illness and need a place to explore their hopes and fears around end-of-life and the dying process; how to communicate their wishes to their family, friends, and medical care team; and when to consider hospice care. These are some of the concerns that our Senior Solutions Center counseling services can assist clients and their families in addressing. Each client brings unique life experiences and concerns and it is our honor to support them in individualized and Jennie Creasey creative ways. For more information on our services please contact Hannah Nusz, central intake specialist, at 720.248.4701 or hnusz@jewishfamilyservice.org. Jennie L. Creasey, LCSW, who later this year will be celebrating 20 years of service to Jewish Family Service, is the operations manager of the Senior Solutions Center and provides consulting and counseling services to older adults and their families.
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Meet the 2019 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year
EVAN SILVERMAN
For the past 11 years, Evan Silverman has
been a fixture at JFS, volunteering in 12 different capacities and logging more than 550 hours of service. Whether it’s distributing lunches aboard the Lunchbox Express, serving older adults kosher meals at the JCC, or stuffing envelopes, Evan gives his all to support the mission of JFS and the people it serves. For the past three years, Evan has been facilitating the JFS Group Home Reading Club. He visits every other week—books in hand—for an engaging reading session that has become a favorite activity for the residents. Evan gets their input on the books they want to read and goes to the library every month to borrow the books they have requested. He creatively encourages them to participate and read if they are able. “I enjoy the reading club and the chance to interact with the residents,” says Evan. “I feel honored to be invited into their home and given the opportunity to cultivate love and
sharing. It’s become something that’s bigger than myself and I find that to be very rewarding. I want to thank JFS for the opportunity to serve in so many ways—and for this incredible honor.” Evan will be recognized for his extensive volunteer service to JFS at the Celebrate JFS event on Monday, June 24, at Palazzo Verdi. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS.
JFS volunteer Evan Silverman leads the JFS Group Home Reading Club with a reading circle every two weeks.
JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE YOU! Join us Monday, June 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a brief program as we celebrate and appreciate everyone who makes the life-transforming work of JFS possible, including you! We will also present the 2019 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year to Evan Silverman. Please RSVP by Monday, June 17 to Melanie Foster at 720.248.4630, or online at jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER RABBI DAYLE FRIEDMAN
DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 23 TIME: 9:30 AM TO 3:30 PM TEMPLE EMANUEL | 51 GRAPE STREET | DENVER
FREE CONFERENCE focused on positive aging with complimentary breakfast and lunch, resource & exhibitor fair, three sessions of breakout workshops, keynote plenary and concert featuring Rabbi Joe Black.
Information & Registration: KavodSeniorLife.org/LCHAIM2LIFE Presented by: Co-presented by:
Do You Shop at King Soopers? It’s now even easier to support Jewish Family
Service when you shop! Simply link your SooperCard to Jewish Family Service of Colorado and 5% of all your purchases will be donated to JFS. Register for a loyalty card or connect your existing one, then link your account to “Jewish Family Service of Colorado” or RP395. Any transactions moving forward using the SooperCard number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program.
• Pioneer in the development of a Jewish spiritual vision for aging, care and healing • Listed in The Forward’s 50 most influential American Jews and American Women Rabbis • Author of Jewish Wisdom for Growing Older: Finding Your Grit and Grace Beyond Midlife
FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo www.instagram.com/jfscolorado
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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF COLORADO Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4360 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 jewishfamilyservice.org
Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way
Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217