Since 1949, the U.S. has observed Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May. This month spotlights a national movement to raise awareness about mental health, fight stigmas, provide support, and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.
Earlier this month, The Center on Colfax welcomed Jaylin Goodloe (she/her) to our team as our new Director of Mental Health Services. Jaylin will be directing the formation of and facilitating services for our new Lawler Mental Health Program, which will be opening to the public later this fall! We are so excited about this expansion of our programming, and we hope to help address the pressing issue of mental health in the local LGBTQ+ community.
The Lawler Mental Health Program is named for Carmah Lawler, a community member, social worker, and activist.
Carmah and her longtime partner, Kathy Glass, were very politically active and involved in organizations such as OLOC, the League of Women Voters, and the Jefferson County Rainbow Democrats. Carmah and Kathy testified at legislative hearings on behalf of marriage equality and joined in celebration the legislature’s approval of civil unions in 2013.
In 2020, Carmah passed away. She left bequests to the University Michigan School of Social Work and to The Center on Colfax. We made the decision to use this bequest as seed money to start the Lawler Mental Health Program.
Recently, we had a chance to sit down with Jaylin for a Q&A about Mental Health Awareness Month, her role at The Center, and the new Lawler Mental Health Program.
Q: What does Mental Health Awareness symbolize to you? Why is it important that we have this month of recognition?
A: To me, Mental Health Awareness Month symbolizes the significance, importance, and value we’ve been placing on mental health. As a society, we used to not talk about mental health or put a focus on it, but now it has become more of an open conversation to have.
This month also shows me how far we’ve come as far as taking accountability for neglecting mental health in the past goes. Now we’ve got this whole month to focus on, and that is so exciting to me!
"As a society, we used to not talk about mental health or put a focus on it, but now it has become more of an open conversation to have."
Q: Could you tell us about your background and your position here at The Center?
A: I got my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, and then I completed my Master’s at Texas Tech. I started providing therapy with an agency for about a year, and now I am here at The Center!
My position at The Center is the Director of Mental Health Services. As the program director, I will be making policies, building the program up, starting services, and going into the community to ask what they need.
Q: The Lawler Mental Health Program will be kicking off later this year. Can you speak a little about what people can expect from the program?
A: The program will operate on a 12-session model. Community members will be able to sign up for services. Once you have qualified for the program, the services are all free – no insurance or anything will be required. Each participant will receive 12 sessions of therapy. The program will also include referral resources for after your 12 sessions with The Center.
We will have graduate-level interns that will be coming in to kick off our initial services. They will be here to get experience and gain knowledge from the community.
In addition to our therapy offerings, the program will also host and attend community events!
"The fact that we are here and we get to lend a helping hand, listen to people’s voices, and cater to their needs is very exciting."
Q: What are you most excited for in your future with The Center, and for the future of the Lawler Mental Health Program?
A: Personally, I am really excited about PrideFest – it’s my first Pride here in Denver!
As far as the program goes, I’m really excited to start mental health services here at The Center. The fact that we are here and we get to lend a helping hand, listen to people’s voices, and cater to their needs is very exciting.
I was sitting at the front desk one day, and we were frequently receiving calls from people asking for mental health resources. It’s been spoken into existence – this is what the community needs, and now The Center can provide for that need.
Q: Do you have any general advice on ways to take care of yourself and your mental health?
A: I have three tips!
- Be mindful and grateful for where you are. Give yourself grace.
- Breathe!
- It’s okay to say no, and its okay to not be okay.
Q: Any other comments?
A: Be on the look out for events and more information about the program – its all coming soon!