One Bright Futures student was able to turn her required volunteer hours into an internship that helped shape her career path.
Denise Prado, a senior at the University of Northern Colorado, volunteered at North Range Behavioral Health, a mental health service provider in Greeley. Bright Futures requires students to volunteer 12 hours each year.
“It was such a great opportunity for me,” Prado said. “After I accumulated those hours I needed, I stayed because I really liked it. I stayed the whole semester, and it just aligned perfectly with what I want to do.”
Prado transferred to UNC from Aims Community College and is pursuing a psychology degree with a minor in human services. While volunteering at North Range Behavioral Health, she worked one-on-one with clients helping them search for jobs, build resumes and apply for various benefits.
“I got to do a lot of focus on individuals who wanted to speak with someone,” Prado said. “It was amazing work.”
After volunteering for the full semester, Prado spoke with leadership at North Range Behavioral Health about applying for the internship program. As an intern she took on more duties and gained more hands-on experience including sitting in meetings with clients.
“It has helped me in so many ways to be able to work in a clinical setting,” Prado said.
Prado has always envisioned working with children and the internship gave her insight into what it would be like to work with adults. Next, she plans to get her graduate degree in social work and become a play therapist for children.
Prado said she is grateful to Bright Futures for helping open these doors.
“Eliminating financial barriers while working was really nice,” Prado said. “But the networking and the awareness I got working with the Weld County mental health environment all arose from the volunteering I did.”