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AT&T helping fund Pueblo D60 mental health awareness initiative for high school students

Pueblo Chieftain - 12/26/2020

Dec. 26—One of the biggest side effects from the COVID-19 pandemic has been the toll it has taken on the mental health of people around the globe.

Students have been no exception, stuck more indoors and away from friends in a time of their lives where they should be having the most fun possible.

In order to help with arising mental health issues, Pueblo School District 60 and AT&T are partnering together to provide high school students in the district counseling through State of Grace Counseling.

"State of Grace Counseling offers 25 full-time professionals who will be available to serve students from the district's four comprehensive high schools and one alternative education school through a strategically scheduled model of support," D60 said in a press release. "State of Grace will develop relationships with each school community and provide ongoing support as needed for any student and/or their families."

Funding for the program will come from a 2019 donation of $25,000 from AT&T to the D60 Education Foundation to help with the district's "Vision 2020" college and career readiness program. D60 is redirecting those funds to the mental health program, along with another donation from AT&T of more than $15,260.

"Through our giving initiative, Believe Denver, we are supporting organizations that help create sustainable progress for underserved communities," Roberta Robinette, Colorado President of AT&T External Affairs, said in a press release. "Through Believe Denver, AT&T leverages resources and employees to raise awareness around economic empowerment and mental wellness by supporting impactful programs that will inspire hope for Colorado."

D60 director of communications Dalton Sprouse said the meetings with students will begin virtually, with the hope of moving to in-person when possible.

All four high schools, plus D60's alternative online school in Dutch Clark at Paragon, are eligible for the program, and there is no limit on individual sessions each student can have.

Students can sign up by reaching out to their school counselors or teachers, or students could be recommended for the program.

"Although we haven't seen a significant increase, we know the need is there," Sprouse said on whether or not the district has seen an increased need for mental health help. "In D60, it is important for us to provide resources to our students to help them achieve in the classroom and in their personal lives.

"Although the AT&T grant is specific to high schoolers, D60 has other programs to support mental wellness for elementary and middle school students as well."

The program will include group and individual counseling, mentoring, education on the negative impacts of drugs and alcohol, and other interventions designed to address students' social/emotional needs.

With Pueblo hosting an AT&T call center, the company and D60 have had a long-standing relationship trying to help students in the city.

As for the length of the program, Sprouse wasn't sure but said the district will continue to look for resources to help students and maintain the relationship with AT&T.

"Partnerships with community resources for our families are always something the district pursues on an ongoing basis," Sprouse said. "We are fortunate that AT&T was able to partner with us and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."

Chieftain sports reporter Austin White can be reached by email at awhite@chieftain.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/ajw_sports.

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