Student health and safety is BaMidbar’s top priority. During the off-season our team spends countless hours preparing for emergencies and working with a variety of public health officials to ensure a safe and healthy experience for our participants. In March, in accordance with public health guidelines and recommendations from our medical team and board, BaMidbar cancelled its first two young adult programs (March 31st – May 24th). We have now determined that we will cancel our third session as well (May 26th-June 21st).
Given the dynamic nature of the unfolding pandemic, we plan to delay any decision about programming in July, August, and September – including our inaugural adolescent Etgar BaMidbar program – until June 1st. Our goal is to continue maintaining transparency while doing our best to navigate the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, and appreciate your patience and understanding in this process.
What We’ve Been Up To
Sunrise
Despite our inability to offer immersive experiences at this time, BaMidbar is still actively working to address mental health and wellness in the Jewish community. Some of our current programming includes:
Jewish Professionals Support Group:
This weekly process group is designed for individuals working with youth and young adults in the Jewish communal sector. Each week, we focus on a different theme, provide related content, a coping skill, and a bit of Torah, and cultivate space for deep reflection and conversation. Themes thus far have included connection, resilience, balance, and secondary trauma. Though originally only slated for three weeks, we have decided to add an additional four sessions to the calendar as participants are grateful for the chance to take a step back from their work and find community, validation, and support. Are you a Jewish community professional? Learn more about our support groups and register here.
Secondary Trauma, Red Flags, and Self-Care for Caregivers:
BaMidbar’s team presented to the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council on April 13th. The presentation explored secondary trauma and its impact on those in caregiving roles. Presenters explored ways caregivers can practice self-care and maintain their own mental health and well-being while playing a support role for others who are experiencing trauma or hardship.
Self-Care During the Pandemic: BaMidbar’s Director, Jory Hanselman joined Rabbi Sandy Cohen and clinician Seren Waldman on a virtual panel hosted in collaboration between BaMidbar, Jewish Family Services, JEWISHcolorado, Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council, and the Hebrew Educational Alliance on Wednesday, April 22. The event was facilitated by Rabbi Dollin, and open to the local Denver community.
Empowering Teens during the Age of Coronavirus:
On Friday, April 24, Jory Hanselman and BaMidbar’s Clinical Director, Nick Magle-Haberek, facilitated a webinar for teen educators in the UpStart network. As a result of overwhelmingly positive feedback, we look forward to offering continued sessions for teen educators in partnership with UpStart.
Future Community Offerings
Bamidbar’s year-round staff
As we all struggle with prolonged periods of isolation, change of routine, and a collective trauma, we at BaMidbar recognize the impact of coronavirus on our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. We want to be a resource to the Jewish community during this time. Our team is available to facilitate support groups, lead webinars, and provide content for Jewish community professionals and the populations they serve. We integrate therapeutic content through an experiential and Jewish lens. Example programs include:
- Self-Care During Coronavirus
- Empowering Teens at Home
- Understanding and Managing Anxiety
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Experiential Online Facilitation
Contact Jory Hanselman at JoryH@BaMidbarTherapy.org if you would like the BaMidbar team to facilitate a program for your community.
Calming Corner
Snowmelt in Spring
Need a little grounding? As the spring weather begins to take hold, try standing barefoot outside. Plant your feet firmly in place and take a few deep breaths. See if you can engage all five senses while standing in that single spot.
- What are 5 things you can see?
- What are 4 things you can hear?
- What are 3 things you can feel?
- What are 2 things you can smell?
- What is 1 thing you can taste?
We’d love to hear about what other things you’re doing to take care of yourself during quarantine. Take a photo while you’re doing something to prioritize your mental health and wellness and send it to office@www.bamidbartherapy.org to be featured on our Instagram.