Second Wind Fund

By: Ms. Emerson Smith, Grade 10

Please consider donating to our fundraiser for the Second Wind Fund, sponsored by our Social Inclusion Club!

​Second Wind Fund is an organization that helps to provide resources and therapy to youths age 19 and younger.  As stated on their website, "Our organization focuses on improving access and delivery of suicide care. Our unique program provides an avenue for families to obtain actual treatment services for children and youth at risk for suicide by breaking down financial and transportation barriers."

How was it started?  In 2002, four students at a Jefferson County school took their own lives within a nine-month period.  In response, Jeff Lamontagne, Dr. Marjorie Laird, and Scott Fletcher decided to organize a community walk/run to exhibit solidarity of the school.  A modest amount of money was raised by the 66 people who attended, and the money was used to give direct support to other struggling students at the affected school.  Second Wind Fund was subsequently created to continue giving youth at risk for suicide access to professional counseling services.  Since then, the Second Wind Fund organization has spread throughout the state of Colorado, serving an expanding total of 30 counties, and has provided access to services for over 6,500 teens at risk for suicide.

The Second Wind Fund values access, involvement, respect, and inclusivity greatly.  Their inclusivity statement is as follows: “Second Wind Fund actively seeks to promote access, equity, and inclusiveness. We have the conviction that inclusiveness benefits everyone and is not only compatible with but also promotes excellence”.

Suicide is reported as the leading cause of death for youth in Colorado.  Recent data has proved that within one school year, 17% (roughly 1 in 5) high schoolers reported the serious consideration of suicide.  With your help, we can assist Second Wind Fund in continuing to make a difference in the lives of innumerable students and their families.

For more information about Second Wind Fund and its mission and fundamentals, watch this video: https://youtu.be/q_ttHhtcSJ8 or visit https://thesecondwindfund.org/.

To donate to our fundraiser, visit:  
https://ofp.jeffco.k12.co.us/psc/ofp/EMPLOYEE/PSFT_EP/c/JCI_CASH_INCOME.JCI_DONTAN_RECV_FL.GBL?&, select D’Evelyn Junior/Senior from the dropdown menu, and enter a donation amount in the “22 - Suicide Prevention Fundraiser” slot.  You can also access this page by:
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1. going to the D’Evelyn website:  https://develyn.jeffcopublicschools.org/
2. clicking on the purple heart with a dollar sign: 

3.  clicking on the purple “donate” button to the left of “Donate to a School or Program”

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.  If you have any questions about the fundraiser itself, please feel free to talk to Mrs. Roberts ([email protected]), Emerson Smith ([email protected]), Maya Walthall ([email protected]), or Ms. Young ([email protected]).  If you know a youth struggling with suicidal ideation, please talk to a school counselor or visit Second Wind Fund’s website to get/make a referral.