Health and Wellness

In addition to the health care acquisition and facilitated access to community providers, Bayaud provides onsite mental health bridge services- Bayaud Bridge. Offering weekly group mental health, substance use, and life skills classes along with one on one counseling sessions while alternative long term mental health services are secured in the community allows Bayaud Bridge to address barriers to consistent, culturally conscious, trauma informed mental health care. A licensed mental health counselor meets participants who have been referred by their Bayaud staff contact for up to six individual counseling sessions per year. A Navigator continues to work with the participant on accessing the most appropriate long term mental health resource during this time. Many people experience long wait times to enter into counseling or have trouble finding a counseling service that can meet their unique needs. Bayaud Bridge is a collaborative member of the mental health services community in the Denver Metro area and facilitates access to other providers as appropriate for each individual. Group mental health services offer a safe forum to learn new coping skills, build community, and inspire participants to support one another as peers. Substance use in our community is a prevalent barrier to self-sufficiency and employment goals for many. In 2016, there for 536 opioid related overdose deaths in Colorado (National Institute on Drug Abuse, February 2018). By confronting this and other addiction issues directly within the context of employment and health and wellness services, Bayaud Bridge joins the network addressing substance misuse in our community.

The food bank is open every Thursday from 11am-3pm. Bayaud clients can utilize the food bank once a month or in cases of emergency. Food distribution is based on the client’s family size. The food bank is meant for emergencies and can be a useful resource for people running low on SNAP benefits or need food for two to three days. Hygiene products are also available.

The Bayaud food bank is run in partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies. Bayaud works to find items that meet our clients’ needs, such as food that can be eaten without utensils or that doesn’t require preparation. Bayaud also accepts food donations throughout the year.

Bayaud Community Academy provides an opportunity to a participant to be an expert in something they love, building their self-esteem and confidence. We serve dinner and members of the community at large can attend a “class” on various different topics taught by a participant.