Do Something Good

We each rely on different coping mechanisms when dealing with stressful situations. When I was growing up, my mother developed a “formula” to help our family deal with stress, especially when we felt overwhelmed by negative situations. Given the challenges our Jeffco community has faced recently, I thought it would be a good time to share this formula: 

1. Do something good for your body. 
2. Do something good for your mind. 
3. Do something good for your spirit. 
4. Do something good for your job. 
5. Do something good for others. 

The theory behind this formula is that by focusing your time and energy on meeting these five objectives, you actively invite positivity into your life and have no time to focus on the negatives. If this formula resonates with you, there are several opportunities to “do something good” right here in Jefferson County. 

First, to do something good for your body, explore the resources provided by our Jefferson County Public Health department (JCPH). JCPH is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting health and preventing injury and disease. You can find a variety of programs to support a healthy lifestyle, such as scheduling a vaccine appointment, arranging home radon testing, or accessing tools for quitting and preventing substance abuse. 

Next, to do something good for your mind, I recommend visiting a Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL). JCPL is the third largest public library in Colorado, providing a space where all generations can connect, discover and create. With thousands of programs across its 12 locations—from author visits and book groups to Story Time and technology classes—JCPL offers a wealth of opportunities to enrich your mind. Regardless of your interests or age, our libraries have something for everyone. 

To do something good for your spirit, I recommend visiting Jeffco’s stunning parks and open spaces. The Jeffco Parks and Open Space program features 27 parks, more than 269 miles of trails, and over 58,000 acres of preserved land, offering an array of nature-based recreational activities. For me, nothing is more uplifting than being surrounded by nature and enjoying breathtaking views from places like Deer Creek Canyon Park or South Table Mountain Park. 

To do something good for your job or profession, including students, consider visiting the Jeffco Business & Workforce Center. They offer free services to support people at all career stages, from newcomers to experienced professionals, and those re-entering the workforce. Services include workshops, job listings, career counseling, recruitment, and training assistance for businesses. With a wealth of resources, the Business & Workforce Center is your one-stop shop for achieving professional success. 

Finally, consider volunteering to do something good for others. Jefferson County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities through agencies such as Jeffco Parks and Open Spaces or the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office, and there are still vacancies on several county boards and commissions. To learn more and find the perfect volunteer role for you, visit the Jeffco Volunteer page. Your contribution can make a real difference in our community.

While I can’t promise that this five-step formula will work for everyone in every situation, it can serve as a guide for developing a more positive mindset. However, if you’re feeling particularly down or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can call the crisis line at 988 or contact mental health agencies like the Jefferson Center. But if you’re just looking for some inspiration, I invite you to follow my mother’s advice and ‘do something good’ today! 

Impact of the Federal Shutdown to the County: Due to Congress's inability to pass a funding resolution, the Federal government has shut down. Many Federal employees are required to work without pay or face furloughs and potential job loss. Jefferson County is closely monitoring the situation to assess potential impacts on county services, particularly those that rely on Federal funding. While some federal funded programs or services may experience delays, no funding cancellations are anticipated at this time. The county has operating reserves in place to support services for a few months should Federal or state reimbursements stop. The community is encouraged to check the Federal Impact Updates page and the Human Services Federal Impacts to Services page on the Jeffco website for the latest information.

Statement Regarding Act of Vandalism: Over the weekend, county staff and leadership were made aware of a swastika displayed on Jeffco Open Space property, visible from I-70. The Board of County Commissioners issued the following statement in response:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Last week, the Board of County Commissioners highlighted Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness, educate our community, and support survivors. Domestic violence affects millions globally, transcending race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, often hidden behind closed doors. CDC data shows that 1in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the U.S. experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. We are grateful to have organizations in Jefferson County like Family Tree and Porchlight Family Justice Center that provide critical support services for survivors of domestic violence.

Coordinated Election Ballots Mailed Out: As the 2025 Coordinated Election approaches, remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 4th and get your ballots turned in on or before that date. For election information and to sign up for BallotTrax, visit www.jeffco.us/3901/Election-Information. Additionally, don't forget to stay informed about the two state ballot measures, Proposition LL and Proposition MM (follow the links to learn more from the Colorado Sun). Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of local elections for city council and school board--these decisions have a direct impact on your community!

Recording of Recent Town Hall Now Available: The Board of County Commissioners recently held a Virtual Town Hall on October 2 from 6 - 7 pm, providing an opportunity for residents to connect with key county staff and discuss important topics. The event covered federal impacts on the county budget, programs, and services, as well as updates on homelessness, sheltering, and extreme weather response. If you missed the live event, a recording of the Virtual Town Hall is available for viewing at www.jeffco.us/townhall, ensuring you can stay informed on these crucial issues.

Jeffco Clerk and Recorder is Hiring Election Workers: The Jeffco Clerk and Recorder’s office is hiring Colorado residents who are aged 16+ for paid and temporary election work. You can help make a difference by ensuring our elections in Jeffco run smoothly. No prior experience is required. For more information, to apply, and to help spread the word about this opportunity, visit the clerk’s website or click HERE.

Colorado Healing Fund Activated for Evergreen High School: In response to the tragic mass violence incident at Evergreen High School, the Colorado Healing Fund (CHF) has been activated and is not accepting donations to support students, teachers, and the broader community. Those wishing to contribute can visit ColoradoGives.org to donate directly to the fund, ensuring that their support reaches those affected by this devastating event. The CHF is dedicated to providing essential resources and assistance as the Evergreen community heals and recovers.

Denver Zoo Free Admission for Evergreen Residents: In response to the recent tragedy at Evergreen High School, the Denver Zoo is offering free daytime admission to Evergreen residents through September 30, 2025. To register, one adult per household can reserve up to seven free tickets via the online portal at DenverZoo.org. Alternatively, residents can call 720-337-1400 for assistance with reserving their free admission tickets. This compassionate gesture aims to provide solace and support to the Evergreen community during this difficult time.

Feeding Jeffco Together: Addressing the issue of food insecurity in Jefferson County the Feeding Jeffco Together fundraiser aims to increase access to healthy food for residents. This initiative is led by 10 local food pantries, the Jefferson County Food Policy Council, and Food Bank of the Rockies. To support the cause and help reach the goal of raising $12,000, visit ColoradoGives.org and search for "Feeding Jeffco Together" to make a donation. Your contribution will help combat hunger and ensure that more families have access to nutritious food.

New Escrow Payment Option for Property Taxes: The Jefferson County Treasurer's Office has introduced EscrowTaxes, a convenient new payment options allowing residential and commercial property owners without a mortgage company to split their annual tax bills into manageable monthly payments. This automated payment plan aims to simplify property tax payments and make them more affordable. For more information, including a comprehensive FAQ section, visit the Treasurer's Office website at www. jeffco.us/treasurer.