Dear FRCC Community,
Recent wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range in Larimer, Boulder and Jefferson counties have impacted a number of FRCC students, faculty and staff. As firefighters and other first responders work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from the ongoing fires, we want to remind you of resources available to those in need of assistance.
For many members of our college community, dealing with yet another round of fires so close to home feels overwhelming. Traumatic events like this can be difficult to process, even for those not directly impacted by the fires. Your health and safety are our first priority, and we encourage you to use the supports mentioned below.
FRCC’s leaders are working to ensure everyone in our campus community has access to the resources and support they need—and we are carefully monitoring the situation, including the air quality in our communities.
We also know that our college community is full of caring people who want to help—so we’re sharing a few ways you can support people who are impacted by the fires.
Resources
Whether you’re directly affected by the fire or simply need someone to talk to, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to support you.
- If students are feeling overwhelmed, remember that Front Range Community College offers free mental health counseling.
- If faculty or staff members need someone to talk to, we encourage you to take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program.
- Staff & Faculty Emergency Fund – The purpose of the Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund is to award monetary assistance to FRCC employees who are experiencing unforeseen financial hardship due to an emergency.
How You Can Help
Some of you have asked if you can make donations to support staff and faculty impacted by the fires. You can directly support FRCC community members who are in need by donating to the FRCC Foundation’s Staff & Faculty Emergency Fund. (Our existing high-needs fund has enough funding for students impacted, but others in the FRCC community have immediate needs.)
There are many other great organizations collecting donations for victims of the fires—but be wary of possible giving scams. These tips from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office can help you identify ways to give safely and legally.
Lastly, remember that much of the Front Range is in a moderate to severe drought. This summer’s hot, dry conditions make wildfires difficult to contain. Please recreate responsibly and remain vigilant of the fire danger forecast.
Be Safe, Wolves
Again, the health and safety of everyone in the FRCC community remains our top priority. Please take necessary precautions and reach out to friends, family and neighbors who may need assistance.
Thankfully yesterday’s rain seems to be providing some assistance to the firefighting efforts. FRCC leadership will continue to monitor the fires and provide updates to the college community as needed.
Thank you, everyone, for being such a supportive and caring community. Let’s continue to look out for each other during this stressful time.
Take care,
Rebecca Woulfe, Acting President
Provost/VP of Academic Affairs
and
Gabriel Castaño
VP of Enrollment Management & Student Success
