The Denver metro and beyond is still reeling from the Sept. 10 shooting at Evergreen High School. We’ve compiled this list of resources to help support the community, from monetary donations to mental health support to advocating for change.
Donate to the Victims
The Colorado Healing Fund is a verified source collecting donations that will be distributed directly to the victims of the shooting and other community support partners. There is also a GoFundMe for one of the injured students who remains hospitalized in critical condition. Evergreen’s own Cactus Jack's Saloon and Grill is planning a community event to raise funds for the families impacted by the shooting tentatively planned for Oct. 4.
Resources for Parents and Teachers
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers some easy-to-use guidance on how adults can talk to children when something like this happens. It includes signs of trauma to be on the lookout for, and how to offer comfort and support.
The NCTSN also has some guidance for teachers on how they can engage with their students following an event like this. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) even breaks down its advice by grade and age.
Resources for Students
Resilience 1220 is a local organization offering confidential counseling services to young people in Evergreen and surrounding mountain communities. I Matter Colorado provides up to six free counseling sessions for kids under 18. The Rebels Project is a peer-to-peer support program founded by survivors of the 1999 Columbine massacre. The Jefferson Center for Mental Health has a 24/7 walk-in crisis center at 4643 Wadsworth Boulevard — the center is currently working with the Jeffco School District to deploy on-site crisis clinicians.
Educate Yourself
Colorado Ceasefire is an organization dedicated to reducing and preventing all forms of gun violence, so you can know the facts and learn how to advocate for change. Additionally, the Colorado Office of Gun Violence Prevention was created to foster public awareness campaigns, educate Coloradans about state and federal gun legislation, and continue the research on gun violence in the state.
