Blog

In honor of World Mental Health Day, we are pleased to introduce you to our new Mental Health Counselor, Luz Navarrete, LCSW

October 10, 2024

What role does community support play in mental health?

At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, we believe that mental health is not just a personal journey—it’s a collective effort. Our programs focus on nurturing the whole girl, ensuring every participant feels supported, seen, and empowered. We integrate mental and behavioral health into every aspect of our work because we know that thriving mentally is key to thriving in life.

But mental health is not one-size-fits-all. We recognize the barriers and inequities girls and women face—challenges that are magnified for people of color, economically disadvantaged communities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Our approach is deeply rooted in inclusivity and equity, which is why we intentionally focus on meeting the needs of our families through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens.

This important work wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like the Colorado Trust, The Colorado Health Foundation, Caring for Denver Foundation, Caring for Colorado, and Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). Thanks to their contributions, we’ve been able to expand our mental health programming and create environments that prioritize well-being—not just for our girls, but for our staff too.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Luz Navarrete, our full-time Mental Health Counselor, a position partly funded by a grant from the Colorado Trust. Luz will be providing one-on-one therapy, offering both in-person and telehealth sessions, and continuing to build mental health integration across our organization. When we sought a full-time mental health counselor, it was important to bring on someone bilingual in English & Spanish to ensure all families have access to mental health services. This was critical as 30% of our program staff speak Spanish, and it is a shared language of 25% of our girls and families. Luz brings over 13 years of experience in social work and is passionate about empowering individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and service. Her work is a game-changer, and we’re beyond excited to have her join our team!

Why did you choose Girls Inc. of Metro Denver?
As a first-generation Mexican American and college graduate, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of mentors, teachers, and organizations like Girls Inc. who believed in me. Now, I’m proud to help create that same space for girls, where they are seen, valued, and equipped to take on life’s challenges.

What are you most looking forward to in this new role at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver?
I’m excited not only to provide individual and group counseling but also to continue building on the trauma-informed and culturally responsive systems at Girls Inc. to help staff continue providing social-emotional learning.

What does mental health mean to you?
Mental health means being able to show up as your authentic self and feel connected to what matters most in life.

How can the community continue to support girls’ mental health?
It starts with continuing conversations, encouraging self-care, and providing opportunities for growth.

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme—“Prioritizing mental health in the workplace”—is particularly relevant as we unveil our newly dedicated mental health space. From cozy furniture to empowering wall art and calming fidget items, we’ve curated an environment designed for wellness and support.

As we also celebrate International Day of the Girl, we underscore the belief that every girl deserves a safe, healthy, and educated life—because when girls thrive, we all thrive. At Girls Inc., mental well-being is central to that mission, and we continue to prioritize the needs of our girls, families, and staff.

Mental health is a journey, not a destination, and we’re here to walk that path together.