Inspire Food Pantry & Family Needs Program: At Inspire we aim to support all of our families. If your family would benefit from additional food each week during the school year, we invite you to sign up for the Inspire Elementary Food Pantry Program. The pantry is managed by the Inspire Elementary PTO, however, all student and family information is kept confidential. In addition to our food pantry program we are sometimes able to offer other supplemental supports such as housing, utilities, gas or bus assistance. The only requirements are that you have a child attending school at Inspire Elementary and indicate your interest by contacting our School Counselor Michelle Hauck at michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net. There is no cost to join.
Denver Public Schools (DPS) Resources
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is a Denver Public Schools (DPS) Department that provides support for families within DPS. They provide access to resources (housing, transportation, food insecurity, etc.), information, education and support. You can access services by connecting with our School Counselor, Michelle Hauck at michelle_hauck@dpsk12.net.
School Based Health Centers: DPS partners with Denver Health School-Based Health Clinics in schools located across the district. Medical providers assist with non-urgent medical questions, medical refills and help connect students to other Denver Health resources including mental health services. Students/families needing care can call the Denver Health School-Based Health Center Line at 303-602-8958 to access care. More information and locations of school-based health care clinics can be found here.
Community Hubs: Denver Public Schools is working with the City of Denver and community partners to open community hubs. These hubs are a key part of our strategy. We understand that some students find it hard to learn because they are hungry, tired, hurt, sad, or have other basic needs. The hubs will provide services to address these needs. We know that families and communities work hard to care for their kids, so the hubs will also support family and community members. We will use research to guide how we provide services. With these supports, all students will have an equal chance to learn and thrive.
Care Solace: Care Solace connects students, staff, and their families to care. At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs. A multilingual team is available 24/7/365 to help you understand options, call providers on your behalf, and schedule an appointment. Connect to care with any coverage including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance. Use Care Match, the self-serve website, to find a provider on your own.Get connected to care today: 888-515-0595 or caresolace.com/dps.
Mental Health Resources
Safe2Tell Colorado, 1-877-542-7233: An anonymous report line for anyone to call. You can report someone struggling or hurting. You can report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friend, community and family. They are open 24/7.
988-Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (English/Spanish/DHH), 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
Colorado Crisis Services (English/Spanish): Colorado Crisis Services is the statewide behavioral health crisis response system offering residents mental health, substance use or emotional crisis help, information and referrals. Its mission is to strengthen Colorado’s mental health system by providing Coloradans with greater access to crisis services wherever they are at 24/7/365 regardless of ability to pay.Offers walk-in centers around the Denver-metro area and provides free and confidential services. Phone: 1-844-493-8255. Crisis Text Line at 1-844-493-8255.
Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS): RMHS in collaboration with DPS works to ensure that any child with a developmental delay (ages 3-5) or diagnosed Intellectual/Developmental Disability (age 5 and up) has access to services.
The Trevor Project, 1-866-488-7386: This is a national suicide prevention line that specializes in helping the LBGTQ population. They have professional counselors to call and talk to 24/7.
I Matter Colorado: Program to Connect Youth to Free Counseling Sessions. Youth and their parents can visit I Matter Colorado to take a confidential online survey about their mental health and schedule sessions with a licensed behavioral health clinician, primarily online over telehealth. All Colorado youth ages 18 or younger—or 21 and younger if receiving special education services—are eligible to receive free services. State law allows youth ages 12 and up to use this platform independently; youth ages 11 and younger will need their parent or guardian’s consent to sign up. For general inquiries about the program contact elizabeth.owens@state.co.us.
Judi’s House: Universal Grief Education for Students: Judi’s House is a grief center providing free care and support to bereaved children and families.
TherapyDirect: Provides programs and services for the entire lifespan. Services include Child & Family, Teen & Young Adult and Adult services. Therapy Direct provides quick access to a counselor for a full 55-minute, online session – no medical insurance needed. We welcome all metro Denver residents ages 18 years and up, including those new to counseling. TherapyDirect is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Other services can be accessed here.
211 Mile High United Way: A statewide community resource center connecting individuals and families with critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, child care and more. www.unitedwaydenver.org
Clothes to Kids provides new and quality used clothing in a boutique setting to Denver area students from low-income or in-crisis families, free of charge. Our vision is that all students will have the clothing they need to feel comfortable, confident and prepared to thrive.
Food Bank of the Rockies: Visit their website and enter your address to find a food distribution site near you. For the most accurate results, please include the name of your city and zip code.
WellPower: Community behavioral healthcare located in Denver.
Jewish Family Services: Nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency offering comprehensive, integrated, customized for individuals and families.
Maria Droste Counseling Center: In-person and/or online counseling services and psychotherapy for adults, children, teens, couples and families.
TALKING TO STUDENTS ABOUT VIOLENCE
When children are impacted by unexpected crisis events. Following are resources for how to support children impacted and supporting them in recovering a sense of physical and psychological safety. It is important for adults to continue to monitor children’s needs by being present, providing space to talk and answer questions. Reminding children to engage in, and modeling for them, healthy coping strategies and talking with trusted adults.
