As Breckenridge Ski Resort enters the winter season, it is usually dedicated to the psychological well being of the group. This 12 months's “Wake Up Breck” occasion supported Constructing Hope, a neighborhood nonprofit devoted to offering psychological well being help and assets.
C.B.S.
Constructing Hope affords a wide range of providers, together with suicide prevention, disaster intervention and remedy, with the chance to obtain a scholarship to offer periods with a therapist freed from cost primarily based on want. Staff mentioned it's additionally a precedence to cut back the stigma surrounding psychological well being and assist folks navigate the advanced well being care system.
The occasion supplied free cups, with a suggestion to donate to the group that has helped so many individuals through the years, together with Pierina Reyes. Reyes got here to Constructing Hope whereas nonetheless residing in Summit County, as an undocumented immigrant and home violence survivor coping with the stress of working and residing in probably the most costly locations in Colorado. Her work with the nonprofit impressed her to proceed her journey in psychological well being and now she is on the opposite aspect, working for Constructing Hope and attempting to deal with the distinctive psychological well being challenges the group faces that aren’t at all times seen.
“We have to destigmatize psychological well being as a result of, culturally, Latinos don't consider in psychological well being,” Reyes mentioned. “That's the hardest combat for Latino males, and to date my caseload in Summit County is about 20 folks, and most of these 20 individuals are males, Latino males.”
It’s rewarding work for these concerned in serving to underserved communities in an space the place there isn’t any scarcity of challenges. Kellyn Ender, a therapist who works with Constructing Hope, says she understands the necessity to deal with psychological well being in Summit County, much more than the final Colorado group.
“We’ve plenty of transient inhabitants that comes and goes with excessive alcohol consumption,” Ender mentioned. “It's a resort group, so there are lots of people on trip, and that may result in difficult selections and behaviors.”
Ender believes the help they obtain from Wake Up Breck and Vail Resorts is a giant assist. When the group donates to the trigger, they’re addressing one thing that may make an actual distinction to their neighbors, a few of whom is likely to be struggling in silence.
“When folks put their cash, their hard-earned work, into that cup, which means they're paying it ahead to another person who wants it,” Ender mentioned. “And all of us want it.”
Reyes believes the group has finished wonders for her and believes the worth of the nonprofit is immeasurable.
“It's having a huge impact on Summit County,” Reyes mentioned. “With out them, I believe there could be no entry to psychological well being for some…Nobody else is offering any kind of psychological well being help, for minority, documented and uninsured teams.”
Reyes mentioned it's not nearly with the ability to present a bilingual expertise; bicultural can be extremely vital.
“They gave me a group,” Reyes mentioned, smiling.
Spencer Wilson
