Press Release: Tuchman Family Foundation Donates ‘Supplies for Success’ to Innovative Mental Health Program for Students in Crisis
Media contact:
Amy Fletcher Faircloth
(720) 460-0276
Students of Cherry Creek School District’s new Traverse Academy receive hands-on mindfulness tools to support their growth as they learn healing pathways
Denver, CO – Today, the Tuchman Family Foundation delivered 100 Welcome and 100 Launch bags for students at Traverse Academy, a first-of-its-kind program for Cherry Creek students whose education journey has been impacted by mental health challenges. Traverse staff were invited to create a wish list of items to support students entering the program and those transitioning back to their home school. The tools range from calming fidgets to sensory objects for mindfulness to items with motivational messages.
Traverse Academy, the nation’s first mental health facility operated by a school district, opened in October to students ages 10-18. Traverse’s students face a range of mental health conditions, and the environment is designed to foster care, learning and healing. Now students also will receive extra tools as they enter Traverse and then transition back to their home school.
“I am blown away by the critical work happening at Traverse. It is deeply needed, and my hope is that it will become a model for school districts here in Colorado and nationwide,” said Ken Tuchman, co-founder of the Tuchman Family Foundation. “Our annual ‘Supplies for Success’ campaign is about listening to teachers and providing tools they need to help students thrive.”
The Welcome and Launch bags include a wide range of items, such as sensory toys and puzzles, mindfulness cards, stress relief balls, aromatherapy bracelets and more. The items were selected by a committee of Traverse Academy staff members.
“People facing mental health challenges don’t always feel seen and supported, so I can’t tell you how much it means to receive a donation like this,” said Kim Avalos, principal of Traverse Academy. “It truly takes all of us working together, and we are extremely grateful for this very generous gift to our students.”
The Cherry Creek Schools Foundation (CSSF), in coordination with the Cherry Creek School District, has established the Cherry Creek Schools Mental Health Relief Fund to aid students, families and local communities. The fund helps ensure that any student who is seeking mental health support does not encounter barriers that would prohibit them from getting help. You can
donate here.
About the Tuchman Family Foundation
Based in Colorado, the Tuchman Family Foundation embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, Kenneth and Debra Tuchman, in its efforts to help people build safe, healthy and productive lives. The foundation is committed to advancing K-12 education innovation, breakthrough medical research, positive social change, community well-being and environmental sustainability.
