$714 raised by 10 donors
71% complete
$1,000 Goal
Synergy in the Service Industry
Offering free mental health services for Chaffee County Food and Beverage employees.
Synergy is a community-focused nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Chaffee County's food and beverage workers by normalizing access to mental health services and fostering a culture of mental health awareness in a safe environment.
Make a Difference with Your Donation to Synergy
Your contribution will directly helps food and beverage workers in Chaffee County access free mental health sessions, removing barriers such as cost and logistics.
Support from donors allows Synergy to connect members with affordable health insurance options and cover additional costs for ongoing care, promoting long-term well-being.
Your donation fosters a supportive community by funding quarterly training sessions that equip workers with vital skills in suicide prevention, mental health first aid, and stress management.
Together, we can transform the culture of mental health in the food and beverage industry, empowering workers to prioritize their well-being and seek help without hesitation. Join us in creating a healthier work environment where mental health is prioritized, and every worker feels valued and supported.
Why Support Food and Beverage Industry Workers?
Food preparation and service is one of the largest and fastest-growing occupations in Chaffee County.
Unique Challenges: Service workers face high job-related stress, irregular hours, low job security, and limited access to healthcare.
Lack of Insurance: Many workers are ineligible for employer-sponsored health insurance and often fall into a coverage gap—earning too much for Medicaid but too little for private insurance.
High Stress Environment: Long hours and demanding customer interactions contribute to physical and emotional stress, increasing vulnerability to mental health issues.
Substance Misuse: The food service industry has the highest rate of substance use disorder and third highest for heavy alcohol use among all sectors, according to SAMHSA.
Mental Health Crisis: Reports show 63% of food and beverage professionals suffer from depression, and 53% feel overwhelmed, highlighting the urgent need for support.
Suicide Risk: A 2021 report identified bartenders, chefs, and head cooks among the occupations with the highest suicide rates for women, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions.
Community Impact: Addressing these issues is vital not just for the individuals but for the overall health and well-being of the Chaffee County community.
Your Support Matters!
Help us ensure that every food and beverage worker in Chaffee County has access to the care they deserve.
Thank you for making a difference!
Synergy removes barriers to accessing affordable mental health and substance use treatment options for Chaffee County food and beverage service workers by covering the cost of mental health care sessions. Synergy aims to normalize accessing support and to educate the community about mental health needs and available services.
Synergy was founded in 2021 by local restaurant owners Chief and Angela, who recognized a critical need for mental health support among their staff. Their vision led them to establish Synergy as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Early on, our current Board President, Cassie Stauch, contributed to the initial brainstorming sessions that shaped Synergy’s mission. Chief and Angela, owners of High Side! Bar and Grill, not only created the organization’s name and logo but also successfully secured 501(c)(3) status.
By 2023, the pace of Synergy's development had slowed due to the demands of managing a busy restaurant. In December 2023, Chief and Angela prioritized their own mental health and handed the reins over to Cassie Stauch, a mental health provider and local bartender. Cassie sought out board members with relevant experience and passion for the cause, ultimately assembling a team of five dedicated women. These board members, many of whom are retired or semi-retired from the service industry, bring a wealth of skills and a deep understanding of the stressors faced by service workers.
Our first official board meeting took place in February 2024, followed by a successful fundraiser on May 11th, which marked the official launch of our services. In the past four months, Synergy has raised over $25,000 from local donors and restaurants. Currently, we are providing services to 13 individuals, and have hosted six mental health awareness days at local restaurants, along with one mental health first aid training for the community.
Organization name
Synergy in the Service Industry
other names
Synergy
2024
Tax id (EIN)
86-3073724
Category
Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Education, Health Care
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 551Chaffee County, CO, US