Legacy of Care

Legacy of Care.

Griffith Centers is an experienced nonprofit service provider supporting vulnerable children and families across Colorado with trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy and programs. The Legacy of Care Campaign will provide upgrades to technology and facilities so that Griffith Centers can provide critical services to more Coloradans and can ensure programs are provided in a safe and modern environment.

Issue

Colorado Springs is one of the fastest growing cities in Colorado. As the population grows, so do the issues the community is facing. Substance abuse, mental health, and trauma are just a few of the growing challenges. Vulnerable populations such as young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are also affected by these issues.

With substance abuse on the rise and the introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply, Colorado Springs has experienced a 46% increase in overdoses from fentanyl over the last several years. Griffith Centers has recently seen dramatic increases among teenagers requiring substance use treatment.

Mental Health services are in high demand with waitlists for psychiatric and mental health support topping three months in 2023. Children’s Hospital identified an acute need for mental health treatment for young people and declared a mental health state of emergency in 2022. And of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, only 19% receive long-term support and services through agencies such as Griffith Centers.

Opportunity

Griffith Centers has provided expert care to young people, adults, and families dealing with tough issues for nearly 100 years. Since 1927 when Emily Griffith opened a boys home in Denver, the organization has been addressing emerging needs in Denver, Colorado Springs, and throughout the state. Over the years, Griffith Centers has expanded programs to include supports for children and families interfacing with the foster care system, therapy and services for mental and behavioral health and substance abuse disorders, and services for adults with disabilities.

Recently, Griffith Centers reevaluated its real estate needs and identified an opportunity to relocate programs to buildings it owns on Farragut Avenue in Colorado Springs. By renovating existing buildings Griffith Centers can expand services to make a greater impact in the Pikes Peak region and across the state. Griffith Centers is creating a block-long campus dedicated to mental health, substance use support, education, and well-being for the Colorado Springs community and beyond. With this plan, Griffith Centers is positioned to take on what are seemingly intractable issues affecting families and communities throughout Colorado.

Proposed Solution

The plan involves renovations to properties,
10 Farragut Avenue and 17 Farragut Avenue, as well as upgraded technology, and additional staff.

Increased Clinical Capacity:
The addition of sixteen new treatment rooms and two positions to the clinical team will provide psychiatric and psychological treatment for patients and will begin to make a dent in the long waitlist for psychiatric visits.

Telehealth Expansion:
Telehealth services mean the mental health center expansion can reach people within and beyond the Colorado Springs region, extending into underserved, rural areas of the state.

Opportunity School Improvements:
Griffith Centers’ Opportunity School provides a safe educational environment for teens to earn credits with a social and emotional approach to learning. The remodeled school will be designed with trauma-informed principles and key lock doors, cameras, and new windows will create a safer environment for students and teachers.

Extending Substance Use Disorder Treatment:
Griffith Centers will add substance use disorder treatment for vulnerable teenagers, adults, and families so that they can receive dual access treatment between mental health and substance abuse.

P.A.S.A.—Expanded Center for Adults with Disabilities:
P.A.S.A expanded specialized habilitation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will offer life skills, employment training, and mental health services, and will include daytime and evening respite care for families.

By renovating existing buildings Griffith Centers can expand services at this location to make a greater impact in the Pikes Peak region and across the state.

Responsibility to Our Community.

As we have learned over the years, especially after navigating a global pandemic, there is no “going back” to how things once were. We’ve seen an elevated need for mental health services. We have seen high usage of drugs and alcohol, and mental and behavioral health support needs to be met, especially within the adolescent age groups. And it is our responsibility to meet our clients and communities where they are.

What does this mean for Griffith Centers?

Our goal is to build a multi-discipline approach to treat mental health for underserved populations by removing all the barriers to meet clients’ needs.

We will do this by developing and expanding our programs to address the current mental health challenges that Colorado is facing while making safety a top priority.

Logistics for Success.

Achieving the goals of the Legacy of Care campaign requires a strategic approach to ensure every donation and every effort leads to meaningful outcomes. Here’s how we’re setting ourselves up for success:

1.    Comprehensive Planning and Execution:
The Legacy of Care campaign is built on a foundation of meticulous planning and effective execution. From outreach efforts to donor engagement, we’re using best practices to guarantee long-term sustainability for our mental and behavioral health services.
2.    Collaborative Partnerships:
We are working closely with community organizations, corporate partners, and individual donors to create a unified support system. Together, we can ensure that the continuum of care is accessible to children, families, and individuals who rely on our services.
3.    Transparent Financial Management:
Every dollar raised through the Legacy of Care campaign will be carefully managed to maximize its impact. We are committed to transparency, ensuring that our donors know exactly how their contributions are being used to support mental and behavioral health resources.

4. Measurable Outcomes:
We track the impact of our services through key performance indicators that measure success in areas such as improved mental health, family stability, and long-term healing. Regular updates will be provided to our supporters to showcase the tangible differences being made.
5. Sustained Support:
To ensure ongoing success, we’re focused on building long-term relationships with our donors and stakeholders. By fostering an engaged community, we can continue to expand our services and meet the growing needs of those we serve.

This approach ensures that the Legacy of Care campaign not only reaches its goals but also creates lasting change in the lives of those we support. Together, we can build a legacy that lasts for generations to come.

Care that Lasts a Lifetime

Griffith Centers is accepting tax-deductible contributions to the project, including multi-year pledges. Additionally, Griffith Centers is working with funders and donors on low-cost, impact-first loans to get the project off and running. Investors will be repaid with earned income from program expansion.