Connecting Residents with Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

The H.O.P.E. (Healing Opportunities through Prevention Efforts) Fund was established in July 2022 in response to a troubling increase in suicides and overdoses within the Grand County Community. To address the crisis, families affected by these tragedies set up memorial funds through the Grand Foundation. Their collective goal was to create a dedicated fund aimed at supporting mental and behavioral health initiatives in the county.

In its initial months, a committee comprised of family members and local stakeholders was formed to tackle these pressing issues. After three meetings, the committee recognized the necessity of a centralized resource for mental and behavioral health support.

This led to the creation of BuildingHopeGrand.com, a website dedicated to providing comprehensive mental and behavioral health resources for the community. The Grand Foundation's newly-added marketing assistant was instrumental in getting this $45,000 project across the finish line in July 2023.

The committee also identified several key areas of "low-hanging fruit," or unmet needs, that required immediate attention and support. These areas included:

Office Space & Housing for Providers

To support mental health providers, we rented an office at Winter Park Station under a two-year lease, offering the space at no cost to providers for the first six months. In 2023, the rent for this office was $7,200, with an additional $1,000 spent on utilities, internet, and office upgrades such as paint and furniture. The total investment in this initiative through May 15, 2024, is approximately $41,650. Additionally, we are seeking to purchase housing that can be used as a home base for providers from the Front Range, allowing them to stay locally while offering their services.

Scholarship Program

To date, we have provided approximately $95,603 in scholarship grants, benefiting 117 unique individuals. These grants support providers and individuals who do not qualify for, or have fully utilized, the Grand County Rural Health Network's Mental Health vouchers and Employee Assistance programs.

Behavioral Navigator Outreach Program

The H.O.P.E. Fund has also committed $10,000 to support a Behavioral Navigator at Middle Park Health.

Mental Health First Aid Training

We worked with Mind Springs Health to fund Makena Line's training as a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. Through this partnership, free Mental Health First Aid training and mentoring programs are being offered across the county. This initiative includes both community-wide sessions and training for individual businesses. To date, we have funded 12 classes, totaling over $25,000.

The Need is Great. We're Not Done Yet. 

We're continuing to increase awareness of BuildingHopeGrand.com through press releases, social media posts, and distributing business cards and other branded materials around the entire county. We're regularly making updates to BuildingHopeGrand.com, ensuring information about individual applications, provider applications, office space availability, and other resources remains current and accessible.

The largest challenge we've faced is the overwhelming need for mental and behavioral health support within our community. Despite this, our committee has achieved significant progress in the nearly two years since its inception.

If you would like to support the H.O.P.E. Fund's continuing efforts, donations can be made online or by contacting us.

Help is Available If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available at BuildingHopeGrand.com Find Support

In Loving Memory of Roger Hedlund

Contributed by Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District, Grand County Search and Rescue, Grand Foundation, and Headwaters Trails Alliance

On Tuesday April 9th, the heart of Grand County grew a little heavier as we bid farewell to a truly remarkable soul, Roger Hedlund. For over four decades, Roger dedicated himself to the enrichment and betterment of our community, not just through his entrepreneurial ventures such as Home James, Mad Adventures, Trailblazer Snowmobile Tours, and Elevation Pizza but through his relentless commitment to service and leadership. His passing leaves a void in the fabric of our community that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Roger was a beacon of hope and progress in Grand County, having lent his expertise and passion to numerous organizations including the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District, Grand County Search & Rescue, Grand Foundation, Headwaters Trails Alliance, Grand County Advocates, Grand County Pet Pals, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust, Grand Youth Adventures, and Grand Huts Association. He was also the visionary behind the Oslo Foundation, focusing on critical areas such as early childhood education and social justice, embodying his belief that active involvement is key to community growth. Named Citizen of the Year by his peers in 2013, his legacy is one of boundless generosity, leadership, youth empowerment, outdoor education, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

As we mourn the loss of Roger, we are reminded of his philosophy: “It's a wonderful feeling to give back to the community as much as they have given to me.” In honoring his memory, let us support his family during this time of grief and continue his work in strengthening the bonds of our community. For those in need, The H.O.P.E. Fund stands as a testament to Roger's compassion, offering support for mental health needs (details available at BuildingHopeGrand.com) alongside the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255. Roger Hedlund's impact will forever be cherished, and his absence profoundly felt. Rest in peace, dear friend and humanitarian. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.

Thank You for a Successful 21st Annual Grand Gala

The 21st Annual Grand Gala, held at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, was a great success Saturday April 20th, 2024. This year's theme was Black and White giving Grand County a chance to show off their black ties and high heels. The secondary beneficiary was Grand Kids Learning Center to help in support of their mission to expand and improve early childhood education in Grand County. The event raised more than $100,000, a testament to the dedication that Grand County businesses and residents have for their community.

Thank you to all of our Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Guests for your continued support of the Grand Foundation and the Grand County Community and for embracing our commitment to Give Where You Live, Work, And Play!