“In a CDC survey of 5,412 Americans during June 2020, 40.9 percent of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9 percent), symptoms of trauma, and stress-related disorder arising from the pandemic (26.3 percent).” – Psychology Today
Thursday, May 12, Karis Community will host its first in-person event in almost three years. I can still remember enthusiastically planning the spring fundraiser early in 2020. I was blissfully unaware of the looming pandemic and worked diligently to secure sponsors and auction items. Then came a sudden lockdown that was supposed to last a few weeks. I was sure things would go back to normal quickly. I even lost a $10 bet with one of my friends who had a different (perhaps more realistic) outlook. Sadly, I learned that I should never gamble, and the event was postponed to the fall of 2020, then the spring of 2021, until we finally settled on May 12, 2022.
COVID-19 had an immense impact on most people’s mental health. In March 2020, individuals around the world watched as businesses and schools shut down, and friends and family spent their days living in uncertainty. Many of us were forced into isolation and removed from our critical support networks. “In a CDC survey of 5,412 Americans during June 2020, 40.9 percent of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9 percent), symptoms of trauma, and stress-related disorder arising from the pandemic (26.3 percent).” – Psychology Today
Quickly, a virtual meeting space became a daily staple in countless lives. Board meetings switched to Zoom, game nights took place via mobile apps, and friends hosted Netflix viewing parties. Pajama bottoms and a professional top became the new normal. The convenience of the internet meant that Karis Community could celebrate its 45th birthday and the retirement of E.J. Barklage (our Executive Director for 22 ½ years) without even leaving our homes. Alumni, friends, family, colleagues, and even founders of Karis could join us from all over the country. We raised a whopping $75,000. Nine speakers, ranging from founder Swanee Hunt to Alumni to Board of Directors to Interns to Community Members, shared their unique experiences of what Karis was like, what it’s like now, and what they hope for the future of mental health.
As Director of Development and Communications at Karis, a position I began less than three months before the lockdown, I have learned to pivot and be flexible. Most of all, I’ve been given a chance to be creative with online campaigns, our monthly blog, social media, and welcoming new supporters who are passionate about mental health. These past two years, we have gained several new generous foundation supporters. Thank you to the Caring for Denver Foundation, Harmes C. Fishback Foundation Trust, Kettering Family Foundation, The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation, The Viking Foundation, and the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP).* Thanks to grant support, we can continue to carry out our mission and provide our life-changing Empowerment Program for years to come.
Here we are, less than one month from our spring fundraiser. I’m thrilled to finally meet many of our donors who I’ve only been able to chat with over email or phone. I look forward to seeing our Board Members, who I see monthly but only via Zoom. I am grateful to honor Drew Pounds, one of my colleagues and also my friend. The pandemic has been challenging for those managing serious and persistent mental illness. They need our support now more than ever, and we hope you can attend 46 Years of Hope & Healing at Topgolf Centennial.
Lisa Andersson
Director of Development and Communications