Colorado Gives Connects Donors with Nonprofits

A nonprofit facility that provides treatment to youth with psychiatric disorders and addictions in a residential setting, El Pueblo Boys' and Girls' Ranch Inc. helps young people overcome undesirable and unsafe behaviors and gain the life skills needed to become productive community members. To help raise funds for its vital mission, El Pueblo Boys' and Girls' Ranch Inc. participates in Colorado Gives.

A fundraising website that involves more than 1,700 charities throughout the state, Colorado Gives was established in 2007 by the Community First Foundation with the mission to make it easy for people to learn about and support nonprofit organizations. Visitors to the Colorado Gives site can search for nonprofits by name, zip code, keywords, or type of cause. After finding a charity of interest, individuals can go directly to that organization's page to learn more about it and click on the donate button to make a contribution. Donors receive an on-screen acknowledgement letter right away, along with an emailed copy for record-keeping purposes.

When making donations, individuals can use credit cards or eCards they have received as gifts. Colorado Gives helps spread the word about worthy causes, such as El Pueblo Boys' and Girls' Ranch Inc., while allowing year-round fundraising for the state's nonprofits.                            

Tips for Parents to Promote Good Mental Health in Their Children

Based in Colorado, the El Pueblo Boys’ & Girls’ Ranch, Inc., provides treatment for youths with 

mental and behavioral health challenges. At El Pueblo…an Adolescent Treatment Community, 

young people with behavioral disorders gain access to therapeutic care, drug and alcohol 

education, and psychiatric services. Maintaining positive mental health in young people often 

begins with encouraging parents to model healthy behavior in the home. The following tips can 

help parents to promote good mental health in their children: 


1. During adolescence, children experience emotional and physical transitions that can cause 

intense feelings of anxiety. If parents establish themselves as honest and open communicators, 

teens may feel more comfortable discussing their fears and anxieties, leading to a deeper level of 

trust in the relationship. Parents who maintain a trusting relationship with their teenagers can 

help to make them feel more secure. In addition, it may make it easier for parents to address 

areas of concern in a productive manner. 


2. Parents can learn to look for specific signs that their teenagers may be experiencing a mental 

health disorder. Excessive sleep, a diminished academic performance, and substance abuse are 

examples of behaviors that can all point to a larger mental health issue that needs to be 

addressed. 


3. For parents who are unsure of how to help their children maintain a positive mental state, it 

may be a good idea to consult a professional. Pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other health 

professionals can help point parents to resources that specifically cater to the mental health needs 


of their adolescents.

Evidence-Based Approaches Support Youth with Addiction Challenges

Colorado's El Pueblo Boys' & Girls' Ranch Inc. provides high-quality care for children and adolescents in both residential and non-residential settings. In addition to providing programs for youth with mental and behavioral challenges, El Pueblo...an Adolescent Treatment Community treats young people with addiction disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), specific evidence-based treatment approaches can have positive effects on adolescents dealing with drug addiction.

With behavioral approaches, adolescents can become active participants in their recovery and improve their ability to resist using drugs. Therapists can provide incentives for adolescents to abstain from using drugs and help youth develop the skills needed to cope with stressful circumstances. In addition to working with individual therapists, adolescents can participate in group therapy with peers to develop the social support needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Adolescents may also benefit from family-based approaches, which can engage parents, siblings, and other relatives in the adolescent's recovery. By seeking out skilled professionals and a quality treatment facility, adolescents can gain the support they need to overcome challenging addiction issues.                            

Anxiety Disorders in Teenagers

At El Pueblo Boys' & Girls' Ranch Inc., young people have access to a variety of services for mental and emotional well-being. For youth aged 10 to 17 who struggle with anxiety and similar disorders, El Pueblo...an Adolescent Treatment Community provides residential, short-term, or outpatient treatment as appropriate.

Most adolescents experience short-term or situational anxiety every now and again. The feeling is a normal stress response and can help teens to avoid dangerous behaviors. However, for some teens, anxiety becomes persistent or constant. It can interfere with the teen's education, social life, and everyday functioning. This level of anxiety is dangerous not only to the teen's immediate well-being, but also to his or her future functioning, as untreated anxiety in teens can have enduring implications on mental health.

Teenagers with anxiety disorders often feel or seem tense, restless, or agitated. They may worry disproportionately or expect the worst case scenario and are often unable to calm themselves. Teen anxiety may also present itself with physical symptoms, such as sore muscles, heart palpitations, sleeplessness, or headaches. Anxiety may cause a teen to become socially withdrawn, isolated, or unusually self-conscious. Teens who show these symptoms may require outside intervention, and it may be up to a caring adult to suggest and encourage such support.                            

Inpatient Treatment Can Be Good Option for Adolescents in Crisis

A Colorado-based facility, El Pueblo Boys' & Girls' Ranch Inc. treats children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health challenges. In addition to providing longer-term support for patients, El Pueblo…an Adolescent Treatment Community provides short-term care for adolescents who are displaying unsafe behaviors. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strategies to support adolescents in crisis are important measures that can help prevent suicide among individuals in this age group.

As the American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP) explains, suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19. Although there is no test to definitively identify an individual’s suicide risk, adolescents with a personal history of depression or family history of psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of suicide. Any adolescent who expresses suicidal ideation and has a clearly defined method or plan for self-harm should undergo evaluation by a mental health professional.

A residential stay at a mental health facility is often the best option for adolescents contemplating suicide. During residential care, adolescents can receive a full psychiatric and medical evaluation, along with commencement of needed treatment.

Considerations for Residential Mental Health Treatment for Youth

Colorado-based El Pueblo…an Adolescent Treatment Community (also known as El Pueblo Boys’ & Girls’ Ranch Inc.) provides non-residential and residential treatment for young people facing mental health, behavioral, or addiction disorders. At El Pueblo Boys’ & Girls’ Ranch Inc., children and adolescents can receive short-term residential care for specific conditions with options for continuing outpatient care.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), parents should learn about residential treatment options if their child does not respond well to community mental health offerings.

Each year, private residential facilities in the United States treat between 10,000 and 14,000 children. When considering a residential treatment program, parents should conduct upfront research to ensure that the facility provides a caring environment and focuses on evidence-based therapies. The most reputable facilities offer quality psychotherapy, social skills training, and alcohol and drug treatment options.

In addition, good-quality facilities seek to keep children in residential care for as short a term as possible to minimize stress on families. Parents should look for facilities with appropriate national or state accreditation to ensure the best possible outcome for their child.