Religious communities often provide their members with services that can improve mental health and quality of life. At Fostering Hope, we are dedicated to supporting adoptive parents in their mission of caring for abandoned and abused children. Our volunteers and community partners act as an extended family for both the adoptive parents and the children they take in, and we remain with them into adulthood to ensure they always have someone they can trust. The Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Program, funded in part by the OVC Fund for Victims of Crime, can help victims offset the financial burden associated with funeral, mental health, medical, and other expenses. It includes strategies to help first responders prepare for their task, take precautions to reduce stress during the task, and manage stress during the recovery phase.
Rick Athey, deacon of the Catholic Church of the Holy Apostles in Colorado Springs and a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, emphasizes that in these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are essential for successful trauma recovery. Most people will experience trauma at some point in their lives, whether it's a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to war violence, or a natural disaster. The American Bible Society's Trauma Healing Institute (THI) offers effective program models, materials, and training for groups in more than 150 languages across 42 countries. Youth workers from Young Life, an international youth ministry based in Colorado Springs, mobilize to help local students when teenagers commit suicide. The SAMHSA disaster app is also available to provide first responders with resources for any type of traumatic event; it includes tip sheets; guides for first responders, teachers, parents and caregivers; and a directory of behavioral health service providers in the affected area. The Colorado Springs Club Q page provides updates to keep the community informed about the incident and offers information about local services.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are two of the most commonly used treatments for trauma. These therapies can help individuals process their emotions and develop coping strategies that will enable them to move forward with their lives. Instead of avoiding these painful problems, you can receive training to bring hope to trauma survivors and help them relate to the Scriptures in ways that bring healing and restoration. Dream Centers Colorado Springs exists to provide health and hope to people in the Pikes Peak region who are working to rebuild their dreams.
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