LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE PATKE
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LEE PATKE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
BRIAN BAKER
PROJECT DIRECTOR
DON MASSE
DIR. OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
HARLAN HOBSON
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING
MARISHKA BEATY
MANAGING BROKER
JERRY KNAUF
HR & BUSINESS MANAGER
JODI EVERETT
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
QIANA KENNARD
PROGRAMS MANAGER
DOUG ANDERSON
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
WILLIAM STANLEY
COMPLIANCE & LEASING MANAGER
CAROLYN LEGGITT
COMPLIANCE & LEASING MANAGER
WINNIE CLARK
GRANTS & EVENTS MANAGER
ALEXIS MCCLURE
PR & MARKETING MANAGER
OLIVIA WHALEY
BOARD OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
TAMI ZAMBORELLI
VICE PRESIDENT
JARIAH WALKER (2021)
TREASURER
KELLY FITZGERALD
SECRETARY
TAMARA SAUNDERS
BOARD MEMBERS
TYRONE JOHNSON (2024)
DAVID NEVILLE (2024)
THEA PLATT (2015)
STEVE POSEY (2024)
ELIZABETH QUEVEDO (2026)
LEE PATKE (2010)
Hello Friends of Greccio!
We are eagerly jumping into a new year of commitment to our mission through service to you as residents, donors, volunteers, and our community. 2026 is the start of a new era for Greccio, after having celebrated our 35th anniversary in Colorado Springs since our founding in 1990. The timing of such a milestone aligned with the turning of a corner in the organization. You will read about some of those milestones in this issue of our quarterly update and will see more news and events in the coming months.
We are pleased to highlight our new and deep commitment to Teller County after the acquisition of Hybrook Townhomes in Divide, CO. Similarly, you’ll see language shifting from “Colorado Springs” and “El Paso County” to a more accurate description of ‘serving the Pikes Peak region.’ As we join and reflect the needs and values of Teller County, we hope (expect!) to bring even more housing to where it’s needed in our new community, all while continuing our measured growth to meet family and housing needs in El Paso County.
You may also have heard about the imminent opening of our next senior project in northeast Colorado Springs, Sunrise at Shiloh Mesa. This project has been a labor of love for a commonly served population by both Greccio Housing and Woodmen Valley Chapel, a critical contributor for this project. Through years of planning, coordination, construction, and volunteering, 50 new units of affordable
housing for seniors with low incomes are on their way! The interest list is open and leasing begins soon!
The first quarter of 2026 also ends with the retirement of our longtime Managing Broker, Jerry Knauf. Jerry has dedicated much of his life and career to the Pikes Peak region and to Greccio Housing. He has earned his rest, but knowing Jerry, his impact on Greccio and our community will continue. Watch for a deeper description of Jerry’s contributions in a future edition or annual report! Because Jerry’s shoes can never be completely ‘filled,’ our Sr. Director of Operations, Brian Baker, will bring his own skills and expertise, taking on managing broker duties as part of his modified role. With Jerry and Brian’s careful planning for over 2 years, our role as property managers is experiencing a seamless and productive transition. We appreciate them both greatly.
And coming soon, you will experience new programs through our Resident Resource team, easier ways to financially support our mission, benefits from long-term business planning to ensure continuity into our bold new future, and more growth and improvement in our portfolio, our team, and our impact for the next generation.
What a time to be part of such a dynamic and responsive organization! THANK YOU for your part in bringing safety, stability, and support into an exciting new future for Greccio and our community!
Sincerely,
Lee Patke, Executive Director
SUNRISE AT SHILOH MESA
INTEREST LIST NOW OPEN
The interest list for Greccio Housing’s highly anticipated second affordable housing community for seniors 62+ is now open! Designed with comfort and connection in mind, this welcoming community will offer 50 apartment homes for singles and couples who qualify at 30-50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Residents will enjoy amenities like on-site management,
a spacious community room, activity room with fitness area, library, rooftop terrace, garden and patio areas, and more—creating opportunities to relax, socialize, and feel right at home.
For information on important updates and events, including the announcement for our lease-up event , join our interest list today.
Open Doors
Pictured: Interior construction progress
AFTER ENDURING DEVASTATION, THIS RESIDENT HAS FOUND A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL Light After Loss
Laurie’s journey to Colorado Springs began in 1992, when she fled Southern California during the Rodney King riots. With her brother and three children, she left everything behind in search of safety and security.
For decades, she built a life in Colorado Springs, working consistently, raising her children, and doing everything she could to build stability. After 9 years in the same apartment, Laurie learned that her unit would soon undergo renovations, requiring her to move out. As she began searching for a new place to live, she was accepted into Greccio
Housing, an opportunity that offered both affordability and hope for a more secure future. She started preparing for the transition, expecting a fresh start after years of working and saving. Before she could make the move, though, her life was upended by tragedy.
In 2017, her 36-year-old son died suddenly of a heart attack. Overwhelmed with grief, Laurie reached a breaking point. “I got up, turned off the TV, locked the door, and left everything,” she said. She boarded a bus and returned to California to be with her mother, leaving behind her
home and most of her belongings.
After eight months in California, Laurie knew she needed to return to Colorado Springs, the place she felt most at home. In the aftermath of her son’s death, though, Laurie’s financial stability had been depleted, leaving her with limited housing options as she returned to the Springs. Laurie moved into a motel, doing her best to hold things together.
Just as she was establishing a new routine, she faced another tragedy: the loss of her mother to cancer. The grief was another heavy blow, but it also provided a small opportunity: through her mother’s insurance, she received a modest financial cushion.
With that support, Laurie was finally able to move out of the motel and into a Greccio Housing community. “That was always the ace in my pocket,” she
said. “Greccio has saved my tail a million times over.”
Since moving in, Laurie has experienced a safety net she never had before. Through unexpected hardships, Greccio’s programs provided the support she needed to stay stabilized. When she caught pneumonia and then had to have surgery, the recovery period kept her out of work for a month. With workers’ compensation only covering 60% of her salary, Laurie knew she needed help. She applied for rental assistance through our Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) and qualified, keeping her from falling behind and losing the stability she had worked so hard to achieve.
“They kept my feet underneath me,” she said. “Without this place, I don’t know where I would be.”
“THEY KEPT MY FEET UNDERNEATH ME. WITHOUT THIS PLACE, I DON’T KNOW WHERE I WOULD BE.”
Today, Laurie continues to work, save money, and plan for her future, which she hopes will include a home with several animals and a garden. She’s proud of maintaining her independence and even growing her savings, which is something she credits directly to having stable, affordable housing.
For Laurie, Greccio provides more than housing. It provides security, dignity, and second chances for those who face unexpected struggles. “This isn’t a handout,” she said. “It’s a hand up. If people don’t support places like this, you’re going to see more people on the streets. People like me just need a little help sometimes.”
After everything she’s endured, Laurie’s message is simple: “Without this place, I would not be here. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for me, and that light is because of Greccio.”
“THERE’S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THIS TUNNEL FOR ME, AND THAT LIGHT IS BECAUSE OF GRECCIO.”
Pictured: Greccio Programs Manager, Doug Yamaguchi, and Laurie at the Greccio Admin Office
THE POWER OFPartnership
The recent acquisition of Hybrook Townhomes in late 2025 has created a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of partnership. As we expand into Teller County, we are building relationships with well-established organizations that not only share our values but also offer their own unique strengths and expertise. To best support the Hybrook community, recognizing its distinct characteristics and needs, we have partnered with Community Partnership Family Resource Center, a deeply rooted organization in Woodland Park. Through this collaboration, we are able to extend our impact, providing enhanced support for residents while creating meaningful opportunities for community connection.
STRENGTHENING SUPPORT THROUGH COLLABORATION
Our partnership with Community Partnership Family Resource Center began during our initial work in Teller County with Valley View Place and has continued to grow ever since. “I knew about them for a long time,” shared Lee Patke, Greccio’s Executive Director. “We reached out, and they invited us in and said, ‘Let’s partner however we can.’ The relationship just developed from there.”
Serving Woodland Park and the surrounding area since 1992, Community Partnership has long been a trusted resource in the region. Focused on empowering individuals and strengthening communities, they provide both personalized support and opportunities for connection through a wide range of services and events. “We are a community center… we really feel like strong families and strong individuals are what build strong communities,” shared Taylr Robinson, Program Manager at Community Partnership.
“STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG INDIVIDUALS ARE WHAT BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES.”
The center offers a welcoming space where individuals and families of all ages can participate in 20 different programs and a variety of enriching events. Their services include early childhood programs, wellness activities, emergency food assistance, and even private spaces with internet access that community members can use for remote job interviews and telehealth visits. As the only GED program provider in Teller County, they offer a vital opportunity for residents to continue their education and expand their career options. “A lot of what we do comes back to awareness and education. There’s no handbook for being a parent… or even finances, right? There’s so many resources that people need. Our programs are for everybody,” Robinson explained.
LOOKING AHEAD IN TELLER COUNTY
Through this vital partnership, Greccio’s Teller County residents receive the full strength of our internal services, enhanced by expanded access to community-based resources and connections. Together, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to meeting residents where they are and ensuring they have the tools, relationships, and opportunities needed to thrive. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to strengthening this partnership while continuing to build new ones. Through these collective efforts, we will expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that every resident has access to the strongest possible network of support.
Pictured: Taylr Robinson of Community Partnership
Pictured: Community Partnership Family Resource Center Team Members at the Organization’s Community Center in Woodland Park, CO
Pictured: Community Gardens and Emergency Food Assistance Are Two of the 20 Programs Community Partnership Offers
CELEBRATING JERRY KNAUF’S IMPACTFUL CAREER
We are proud to celebrate our friend, supporter, and longtime Greccio champion, Jerry Knauf, as he concludes his career and transitions to his well-deserved retirement. Jerry’s commercial real estate career began in 1983, during which he earned multiple prestigious nominations and awards, including the Birtcher Bronze Spike Award in 2001. Jerry was known, valued, and loved in our community long before his involvement with Greccio (and since!). His guidance and expertise have been evident through the acquisition of many of Greccio’s properties, on the Board of Directors, through a large capital campaign, as lead of the Emeritus Group, as Managing Broker, and by his enthusiastic generosity toward his community. Jerry is widely known and respected for the human touch he brings to his real estate acumen, and as a friend to all who work with him. We are grateful to be a part of his work’s legacy and wish Jerry and his wife, Kathy, great fulfillment in the years ahead.
WELCOMING BRIAN BAKER AS GRECCIO’S NEW MANAGING BROKER
Greccio Housing welcomes our very own Sr. Director of Operations, Brian Baker, as our new Managing Broker. Since 2023, Brian has passionately served Greccio, overseeing operations alignment, strengthening execution, and supporting consistent performance across our portfolio. Brian obtained his real estate license in 2024 and Managing Broker’s license in 2026, having trained under Jerry’s leadership to ensure a seamless transition. With extensive hands-on experience, he brings an operator’s perspective to brokerage, grounded in real-world asset management and compliance with prevailing regulations. We are thrilled to welcome Brian into this role and look forward to the continuity of professional performance he brings to our organization.
If a Greccio employee has gone above and beyond for you or our organization, we want to hear about it! Submit your positive feedback by scanning the QR code or using the link below. Surveys are collected and reviewed quarterly for consideration towards our Honored Employee nomination.
GRECCIO HOUSING INDIVIDUAL DONOR FUND BECOME A SUPPORTER!
JOIN THE GRECCIO HOUSING VOLUNTEER TEAM
Whether you are a single volunteer looking for an ongoing opportunity or a group looking for a one-time project, we have many ways you can make a difference!
Scan to learn more about our volunteer opportunities or fill out the volunteer inquiry form.
For more info, reach out to our Resident Resources Team: Email: info@greccio.org | Phone: 719.419.5597
How it works: Any transactions with a linked shopper’s card number will be applied to the Community Rewards program at no added cost to you and won’t impact your rewards! Every quarter Greccio Housing will receive a percentage contributed.
Individual Donor Fund names and amounts based off of 24-25 Fiscal Year.
CHAMPION ($15,000+)
Josephine Langer Reichardt LEADER ($10,000-$14,999) Jerry & Kathy Knauf
SUSTAINER ($5,000-$9,999)
Dan & Jodie Boedigheimer
Bette Large
Brian & Lisa Baker
James Barry
Donald Ray Bavor Sr.
Aaron & Andrea Boyles
Carol Beckman & Jim Davies
Terry & Susan Darby
George & Cynthia Edie
Fran & Charles Amos
Leslie Ballard
Pat Ballard
Dave Bergacker
Robert Bentzen
Gary Bradley & Anne Bradley
Kent Borges & Stephanie DiCenzo
Patrick & Deborah Galaska
Jill & Matt Gaebler
Sandra Guenther
Marilyn Bishop
Tom Bogard
Margaret Brower
Bowman Family
Eve Campbell
Claudia Deats Rodgers
Lisa & Charlie Foster
John & Margaret Fuller
Jackie & Jesse Hofflin
Marilyn & Don Bosenbecker
Randi Davis
Marilyn & John Goodloe
Randy Harrelson
Donate today! Your support helps us provide affordable housing, vital resources, and enrich the Colorado Springs community.
Thomas & Sue Neill
Chris & Paul Nervig Laine Smith
ADVOCATE ($1,000-$4,999)
Kelly & Michael Fitzgerald
Michael Heritage
Braden Hammond
Charles Howard
John Lundberg
Lee & Laura Patke
Diane Miller
SUPPORTER ($250-$999)
Donald & Virginia Hansen
Jan & John Henry
Scott Johnson
David Lord
John Osborn
David Neville
David & Leah Niedringhaus
Peter Michelin
Gregory & Vicky Manlove
Mark Reilly
Marty & Rhonda Rickett
CELEBRATOR ($100-$249)
Jack & Kathleen Hood
Adrienne Kania
Alvin Knauf
Barbara McKinney
Becky Medved
Reta Martinez
David Raymer
Thomas & Mary Jo Resman
Thomas & Gail Rollinger
FRIEND ($25- $99)
Jesse Lipson
M. Doyle Lyons
Edward Maynard
Ione Railton-Henneman
Margaret Snodgrass
Michele Saad
Marsha & Don Smith
Thomas Titsworth
David & Cathy Wagner
Robert Willson
Lenard & Lynn Rioth
Steve Posey
Curtis Payne
Nancy & Tom Scott
Tamara Saunders
Mark & Patricia Stanforth
George & Kay Smith
Jan Strycker
RaiLynn Vaughan
Tami Zamborelli
Martha Rosenau
Jane Smith
Phyllis & Victor Smith
Mark & Kristine Strauch
Margaret Quinn & Christopher Hohn
Bonnie Van Gorder
Calvin & Lisa Wulf
Aimee Theelen
Mikki Tramaloni
Margaret Zimmerman
THANK YOU FOR EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY!
Your individual contributions directly impact the lives of those we serve here at Greccio Housing and help further our mission.