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IN THIS EDITION
Did You Know?
WellMind Connection Makes It Easier to Access Mental Health Services with New Website Launch
Economic Challenges
Nurturing Futures: A Helping Hand for Boulder County Families
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Lea el Boletín en Español
For previously published newsletters, go to the ARPA website or click on the Newsroom link.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments are making an impact in our Boulder County communities by providing resources to people who were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this newsletter, we share examples of the ARPA-supported work that is underway. We invite you to visit the ARPA website
for additional information.
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Boulder County’s ARPA newsletter is now published bimonthly. You will now receive the ARPA publication every two months, which will still include articles, news, and stories to keep you informed about the investment of federal ARPA funds in our communities. |
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WellMind Connection Makes It Easier to Access Mental Health Services with New Website Launch |
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Mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing, and Boulder County is taking a big step forward in supporting its residents. The county recently announced the launch of WellMind Connection and the Crisis Assistance and Treatment (CAT) teams to help residents find the right mental and behavioral health resources.
WellMind Connection acts as a central hub, offering a variety of access points for residents seeking help. People can connect with WellMind Connection through phone, email, and now through their new website WellMind Connection.
Bilingual resource navigators, available in English and Spanish, will be there to assess needs and provide referrals. Whether it is ongoing support services or assistance in a crisis situation, WellMind Connection can guide residents on the appropriate path.
Addressing a Community Need
These programs stem from the Boulder County Behavioral Health Roadmap, a collaborative effort aiming to ensure all residents have access to appropriate mental health support. Recognizing the challenges residents face in navigating the healthcare system, WellMind Connection aims to be the "right access door" to community services. It complements existing mental health resources and is not intended to replace emergency services. For critical situations, residents should still contact 911 or the national mental health crisis hotline at 988.
The WellMind Connection and Crisis Assistance and Treatment programs are part of solutions to expand crisis support services, develop culturally responsive treatment programs, and foster collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations.
The WellMind Connection program, along with the CAT team, is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This $6 million investment allows WellMind Connection to connect residents with the appropriate services and supports their individual needs. The CAT team, activated through WellMind Connection referrals, provides on-site mobile crisis intervention with the goal of de-escalation, assessment, and care plan development. This program prioritizes keeping individuals in their communities whenever possible and focuses on culturally responsive services to bridge historical access gaps.
Need Mental Health Help? WellMind Connection is Here for You.
- Call 303-441-1300 from noon to 4 PM, Monday through Friday
- Send an email to WellMind@bouldercounty.gov
- Or visit the new WellMind Connection website to request mental health services.
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Raising young children is a rewarding experience, but it can also be financially stressful. Between childcare, food, and housing costs, many families today are struggling to afford the basic essentials. If you are a parent in Boulder County facing such financial challenges, there is some uplifting news: A new initiative called Nurturing Futures, overseen by the Boulder County Department of Human Services (BCHS), is set to launch soon to provide assistance.
Nurturing Futures offers a direct cash assistance program that grants qualifying families a monthly payment of $300 for two years. This flexible financial aid can be utilized for various essential needs, whether it is buying groceries, ensuring safe living conditions, accessing healthcare, covering childcare expenses, or any other household needs. This approach reflects the fact that individuals and families are the experts in their own lives.
This initiative is tailored specifically to assist low-income families with young children in Boulder County. BCHS has partnered with the reputable and experienced company AidKit, Inc. to administer the program, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most efficiently.
Nurturing Futures is an investment in the future of Boulder County. By helping families meet their basic needs today, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier community tomorrow. Direct cash assistance programs are designed to be easy to use and get financial support to people quickly and efficiently. Nurturing Futures will provide 725 low-income families with $300 each month to use however they choose for two years.
Besides providing immediate relief from financial struggles, direct cash assistance programs help filter more money into local economies, which can support economic growth for our communities overall. By giving money directly to people who need it, these programs help alleviate poverty and build the foundation for long-term economic security.
Who is Eligible for the Nurturing Futures program?
To be eligible for the Nurturing Futures program you need to:
- Live in Boulder County,
- Have at least one child under the age of 4 when you apply,
- Be at least 18 years old, and
- Have a family income under 30% of Area Median Income (AMI).
The 30% AMI for Boulder County in 2024 depends on the size of your household as follows:
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Stay Updated: More Information Coming Soon
While applications for Nurturing Futures aren't yet available, you can stay informed! Sign up for the Nurturing Futures interest list to receive updates via text messages or email when the application launches.
We encourage you to learn more about Nurturing Futures and explore eligibility requirements. Visit the Nurturing Futures website and be among the first to get detailed information on application deadlines, requirements, and how the money from Nurturing Futures might affect other public assistance benefits.
About AidKit
AidKit is a human-centered organization that supports nonprofits and government agencies to ease the delivery of critical – and much needed – financial assistance to communities in need. With a very specialized software and the expertise of their founders in other cash delivery programs, AidKit is designed to reduce participant burden, facilitate the application process, increase equitable access, and verify program eligibility requirements.
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