A note from Our Executive Director:
My favorite characteristic of Second Wind Fund (SWF) is how grounded in the community it is. We are not the result of one person’s ideas or even experience, but rather the outcome of an entire community of people who decided youth suicide could no longer be tolerated. That origin story, initiated by the Green Mountain community in Jefferson County, did more than form a nonprofit. It formed a long-term commitment to ensuring youth struggling with suicide have access, despite financial and social barriers, to treatment. That movement and commitment grew well beyond Green Mountain and is now shared by many across the entire State of Colorado.
Nothing is more evident of this collective effort than how SWF raises resources to carry out its mission. Every year, hundreds of individuals and dozens of foundations and corporations help us raise more than $1.4 million to make it possible for us to move our mission forward. We don’t have one or two big funders who take care of us, nor do we have an endowment to depend on. We raise that money each and every year, and we do it with and because of all of you.
This past December was my first with SWF. Past data would suggest that the end of the year is one that best represents that commitment or coalition of giving. However, nothing sufficiently prepared me for what I witnessed. I have worked for many nonprofits, all of which receive donations in December. For SWF, though, the generosity that came through throughout the month surprised me. From families who lost a member to suicide to businesses who took a risk in asking all of their clients for a donation during the holidays season, the spirit of giving was extraordinary, and SWF was able to raise more than $100,000. That, in addition to several grants we received, gave us an important springboard into the second half of our fiscal year. Receiving so much, from so many, told me two things. One, suicide prevention for youth is more important than ever, and two, that every part of this State is invested in a solution, of which SWF is considered a meaningful contributor.
To the many of you who gave to SWF, thank you! We are grateful for your trust in us, your passion for this cause, and your commitment to the wellbeing of our community’s future. Our gratitude is expressed by ensuring those donations are used well. Not only do we spend 80% (and often more) directly ensuring youth with suicidal thoughts have access to qualified therapists within a week, but we also strive to improve our partnerships and reach those who serve youth in schools or after school programs know who we are and how to refer youth to us. Your donations do more than provide dollars, they contribute credibility to SWF and to our mission.
In the year to come, SWF will continue to do what it has done so well and for so many. While the dynamics youth face everyday have changed considerably since we were formed in 2002, the movement that formed us remains strong, and we remain accountable to it and the thousands of youth we have served over the years.
