If you’re passionate about making a difference with Greccio Housing, we’d love to have you on board. Whether it’s supporting our food pantry, helping with our libraries, or assisting with our resident resource programing, there’s a role just for you!
Reach out to Resident Resources at 719-419-5609 or ResidentResources@greccio.org to get started. Let’s build a stronger community together!
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE PATKE
Greetings from the warmth of the middle of summer!
As with every changing season in Colorado, our weather, focus, and activities shift to new experiences to fit the time of the year. The following are just a few of Greccio’s changes this summer season.
Early this year, you read about what’s to come in 2024, including new housing projects, partnerships, and a look toward the future. Now, I’m very happy to report that summer gardens are in full bloom, with the promise of fresh and tasty vegetables within arm’s reach (literally) of many residents and properties. For those who have donated to support the efforts, are tending the soil, weeding, and watering the gardens, or are preparing for the first harvest, THANK YOU! Many hands make light work, and we hope you enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long.
I’ve watched as Doug (Programs Manager) and our Resident Resources team have entered a new season, renewing and reenergizing our highly valued Resident Council. We count on their experiences and input to inform and guide what future programming is made available through Greccio. Other Resident Councils have even directed how new properties are designed, how community spaces are laid out, and what types of services and partnerships are included. Their voice
is important in shaping our programs, buildings, and as a feedback loop to the team, Management, and Board of Directors.
Each summer, our Board of Directors considers new members as longer-serving members ‘term off’ and go on to other ventures, though most stay connected to Greccio and supportive of our mission. This year, we said “farewell” to Zach Bunney and Braden Hammond. Each were significant contributors to Greccio over 3 terms and 9 years of service. And after over 2 decades of service, stewardship, contributions, and friendship, we reluctantly allowed Chris Nervig to leave the Board. Chris’s impact can’t be overstated and was part of the foundation that made Greccio impactful locally, and known and respected throughout the State (and beyond). We greatly appreciate all who volunteer, and especially those with such long tenures of commitment. Your presence will be missed.
Watch for an announcement in August welcoming an outstanding new class of Board members!
By the time the next quarterly newsletter is released, I suspect we’ll be on the verge of cooler nights, our first snowfall, and looking forward to the holidays. Until then, thank you for being part of Greccio, and enjoy this season of warmth and sunlight!
Sincerely,
Lee Patke, Executive Director
BEYOND THE HARVEST: THE PEOPLE AND EFFORT BEHIND GARDEN GROWTH
Community gardens are often a focal point for people to come together, not only for the initial, often modest, harvest, but throughout the entire process. They give people a chance to start conversations with one another and broaden their connections with neighbors. When people think of a garden, they often focus on the outcomes—the fresh fruits and vegetables that a garden can supply— but they don’t always consider the process of preparing the garden for the season and the work required to keep it alive. Success in community gardens often requires a collective effort, highlighting the truth of the saying, “It takes a village.”
Early in the season, when the weather was still too cold to even think about growing, Greccio Housing partnered with a local organization, COSILOVEYOU, to help jump-start the gardens. Volunteers from this organization came out, as they have for the last two years,
for a day of weeding, pruning, and preparing the gardens for residents to plant a variety of things just a couple of weeks later. This group of dedicated volunteers consisted of both families and individuals, all ready to help wherever they could to make a difference for our residents.
Not everyone has a green thumb, but many residents still appreciate and engage with the gardening program. They take care of their assigned plots, ensuring everything is watered on hot days and weeded on cooler days when it’s more comfortable to be outside. While not all properties have a designated garden space, that doesn’t stop residents who are truly interested in growing during the season from getting involved and coming up with
their own solutions. For instance, residents at the Atrium use raised beds on their patio to grow a variety of flowers and vegetables throughout the season.
I have never gardened using containers on a 3rd floor balcony. Some things are doing great, some of the plants are struggling. I’m very grateful for the plants and soil that Greccio supplied. I have been enjoying gardening and I find gardening to be healing. I’m hoping other residents are enjoying the plants and flowers that are growing on the balcony.
- Cindy O’Keefe, Current Resident at Greccio Housing
A SPECIAL THANKS TO
Pictured: COSILOVEYOU volunteer weeding gardens in early spring.
FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HOMEOWNERSHIP: A RESIDENT INTERVIEW
Vivian Sparrow’s journey with Greccio Housing spanned 3 years, during which she called the Atrium Property home. The Atrium at Austin Bluffs, a vibrant 54-unit community, offers 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom apartments specifically designed for seniors aged 62 and older. Recently, Vivian took a big step forward, leaving Greccio Housing to fulfill her dream of homeownership, moving to Pueblo, Colorado, where she enjoys life with her loyal dog, Joey. Delve into an inspiring interview with Vivian and Joey, exploring their exciting new chapter and the journey that led them there.
Greccio Housing (GH): How did you first learn about Greccio Housing, what was the application process like, and how did it differ from other senior housing options?
Vivian Sparrow: I lived at another senior apartment, and I was looking for something different. I went to the Veterans Affairs office (VA) and asked, “Where can I go, where can I find an [apartment] I can afford?” They sent me to Greccio. From the time I signed the waiting list it was about 3-4 months before I moved in... When I walked into my apartment I was so shocked, it was so beautiful. I was one of the first move-ins [at the Atrium], so I got to see it with hardly anybody in there. It was cool, I felt really privileged. All the senior housing I had seen [before] was scary, in bad neighborhoods or it had been so neglected that people were kinda sorta in danger [in their own apartments]. I was so surprised [when I saw Greccio’s senior housing] I thought it was wonderful.
Pictured: Past Greccio Resident Vivian Sparrow and her Dog Joey at their new house in Pueblo, CO.
GH: When you became a resident of Greccio Housing how did your quality of life change?
Vivian: Greccio Housing helped me a lot and they did a lot of things that I didn’t expect. Greccio has made me appreciate what other people can do for people. But you have to ask [for help], they can’t expect things to show up at their door.
GH: Was homeownership always a goal for you, and have you owned a home before?
Vivian: I owned a townhouse and liked it, but it was kind of like an apartment, so I decided I’m not going to own and just went and found a couple of senior housing options, and moved into those [which brought Vivian to Greccio]. Well, I was sitting with neighbors at the Atrium, whom I love, and we were having this conversation, and I said, “Ya know, it would be really nice to leave something behind. So I could say that I actually bought a house and I’m going to let someone else live in there when I pass.” [To which they replied], “Vivian, no, no, rent, rent!” And I said, “No, I really want to leave something behind.” It took a lot of work, but I did it.
GH: Can you describe the initial steps you took toward homeownership and how long the journey was to achieve your goal?
Vivian: The first thing I started to do was look at mobile homes and mobile home parks... And I realized we’re talking close to $2000 just to move into a mobile home and [even if its a] horrible mobile home, it’s still a lot of money because lot rents are expensive. So I moved to looking at houses with my realtor.
Please please who ever buys a house do an inspection! One the first houses that I put an offer on I did an inspection and it came back that the house was inundated with meth, so of course that was off. I did two more offers and I lost out. One offer my realtor said, “I will put on here that we will go $2000 over any offer.” And we
did that and I still lost the house and thats when I said okay lets go to Pueblo, Colorado. We looked at houses and when we came down [my current street] my realtor said, “wow this is a nice neighborhood.” We drove up to this house and I thought, “THATS MY HOUSE.” I didn’t really care about the weeds because I could take care of that. The entire journey to ownership was about 6 months, because of the housing market in Colorado Springs I couldn’t qualify for the houses in the area.
GH: Now that you’re a homeowner living in Pueblo, what motivates you to remain involved with Greccio Housing?
Vivian: Most of it is because I love my neighbors... And the ladies in my group oh my goodness. We were all family and we did a lot of things together, and sat in the community room talked a lot. I just can’t give them up!
GH: What message would you like to share with current Greccio Housing residents who feel that homeownership might be out of reach?
Vivian: It is possible. You have to find the right help, and there are a lot of programs out there. I ended up with two down payment assistance programs, and that was because my loan officer found them for me and four months later I bought this house. It just worked out. I want people to understand that theres help, you don’t have to sit there and say, “Nobody’s going to give me a house.” No they’re not, you have to save some money and it doesn’t have to be a huge amount! There’s a lot of down payment assistance. You can do it! I did not have what they were asking for, for the down payment... And they just kicked in the rest. YOU GOTTA ASK. You can’t just sit there and go, “Well why isn’t anyone helping me.” You gotta ask. You cannot just take it for granted that somebody is just going to offer you what you want.
PREP TO PLATE: MEALS THAT MAKE MORE MEMORIES
Gathering around a table to share a meal is a magical experience, and it becomes even more special when everyone contributes to preparing it— and, of course, cleaning up afterward! This was beautifully showcased during last month’s Cooking Matters series with residents. In collaboration with Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado and Cooking Matters El Paso County, Greccio Housing embarked on a month-long culinary adventure that went beyond teaching cooking skills; it fostered lasting connections among residents and their families.
experience before joining. Cooking and the life skills that follow are among those focus areas.
During this special series, families gathered in The Ridge property community room for three engaging weekly classes. These sessions not only focused on the fundamentals of nutritious meal preparation, but also emphasized passing essential kitchen skills to children. The classes were about more than just food—they were about forging connections, learning together, and getting to know fellow Greccio Housing community members.
The weekly rotating menus began with the fun of making pizza and Greek salad from scratch. Care & Share instructors shared useful tips with parents, such as hiding veggies under the sauce and cheese to please those picky eaters many families have. The series concluded with a vibrant stir-fry and smoothie-making class, where families enjoyed the handson experience of chopping familiar produce alongside some new veggies, getting comfortable with ingredient selection.
Last year, the program was introduced to Greccio Housing residents, and this year, a new group of excited families signed up to participate. Greccio Housing is always working on developing programs that benefit residents and their families, particularly in areas where they might not have had extensive
With around 9 to 12 participants each week, the program’s small class size facilitated easy interactions, allowing residents to meet others, ask questions, and share stories. Greccio Housing eagerly anticipates hosting this event again next year, continuing to bring families together through the joy of shared meals.
I loved the offerings of healthy ideas and for the recipes, for example using garbanzo beans in the brownies. I never would have thought to use them in brownies and they were so good. The healthy list of ingredients that were used were just awesome to me!
- Jacqueline Wilson, Current Resident & Member of Resident’s Council at Greccio Housing
Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch “Chef’s Choice,” our new monthly cooking class series running through the end of the year. Each month, different instructors, including Greccio residents, will share unique recipes and tips. This series provides a great chance to learn, enjoy delicious food, and connect with the Greccio community. Attendees can also win kitchen appliances and dishware in our free raffles, equipping them with the tools to cook with confidence.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO
Pictured: Greccio Residents chopping veggies during the last night of classes.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
ENTERPRISE ZONE CONTRIBUTION PROJECT PROGRAM
Make your donation matter with Greccio Housing! Support our Affordable Housing Preservation Initiative and boost your impact with a 25% state tax credit, in addition to regular tax deductions. To be eligible for a tax credit, individuals must donate $250 or more by check to “El Paso County Enterprise Zone,” with “Greccio Housing” and the last four digits of your social security number in the memo line. Send it to: Greccio Housing, 1015 E Pikes Peak Ave, Ste 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. You’ll receive a tax receipt within 30-60 days, so take action now to make a difference! Questions? Contact our Development Department at drocha@greccio.org or call 719-419-5606. We’re here to assist you!
Do you shop at King Soopers? Do you have a rewards card? Did you know you can link that rewards card to a non-profit of your choosing?
Greccio Housing has become part of the King Soopers Community Rewards program, but we need your help! How it works: any transactions with a linked shopper’s card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you!
Are you a Target Circle member? As a Target Circle member, guests earn a vote for each Target trip they make. You can vote for Greccio Housing with each Target trip you make. Use the Target app to scan your rewards card each visit or purchase, and help direct funds to support nonprofits in their community and across the nation. Vote for us during the JulySeptember quarter!
RESIDENT
Marilyn Gomez is a new resident of Greccio Housing, having secured housing this past quarter after being homeless for over a year. She became homeless due to a combination of living paycheck to paycheck while trying to afford rent and increasingly expensive medical bills for herself and her two children. This situation led them to live in their car with family pets until she found Greccio’s services. When told that she would be able to move into a temporary property while her new apartment was being finished at the Village of Solid Rock, she responded, “I was thinking about doing a cartwheel, but I couldn’t do the cartwheel, so we jumped and screamed instead,“ and “I would love not only use the resources, but [also] find a way to help the resources.”
– Marilyn G., Greccio Housing Resident, 2024
CHAMPION ($15,000+)
Jan Strycker
LEADER ($10,000-$14,999)
Anonymous (1)
Dan & Jodie Boedigheimer
Carol J. Overby
SUSTAINER ($5,000-$9,999)
Robert L. Bunch & Betty Large
Bob & Sandra Guenther
Thomas & Sue Neill
Alan Severn
Carl & Laine Smith
ADVOCATE ($1,000-$4,999)
Anonymous (12)
Brian & Lisa Baker
Michael A. Heritage
David Lord
Jack Lundberg
Diane Miller
Lee & Laura Patke
INDIVIDUAL DONOR FUND
Marsha & Don Smith
Thomas O. Speer
Tamrin Apaydin & Carl Stevens
SUPPORTER ($250-$999)
Anonymous (18)
Fran & Charles Amos
Kent Borges & Stephanie DiCenzo
George & Cindy Edie
Bart & Jeanette Givens
Jan & John Henry
Paul Malek
Marilyn Neidens
Christine, John D., & John C. Orsborn
Mark Perrault
Michael Phan
Dana & Randy Rocha
Sue & Casey Scott
Nancy & Tom Scott
Mark & Patricia Stanforth
CELEBRATOR ($100-$249)
Anonymous (12)
Zach Bunney
Terry & Susan Darby
Jill & Matt Gaebler
Jack Hood
Denise Lucas
Thomas & Mary Jo Resman
Carol Sandoval
Calvin & Lisa Wulf
FRIEND ($25- $99)
Anonymous (6)
Gary & Jill Altman
Marilyn & Don Bosenbecker
Rev. Louis & Mona Konopka
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Aimee Theelen
IN MEMORY OF RICH STRYKER
Jan Strycker
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.
READY TO BECOME A SUPPORTER?
The philanthropic support from individual donors, foundations, and corporations enhances our capacity to offer secure, affordable housing, essential resources to our residents, and positively enrich the greater Colorado Springs community.
For more information about ways to donate, or if you have specific questions regarding your donation please contact Director of Community Impact, Dana Rocha at 719-419-5606 or drocha@greccio.org, or visit our website Greccio.org to make a direct donation.
Open the camera app on your smart phone. Point the camera at the QR code. Tap the banner that appears on your Android, iPhone, or tablet.
Send your check to: Greccio Housing, 1015 E Pikes Peak Ave, Ste 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. If making a donation Enterprise Zone please contact drocha@greccio.org or call 719-419-5606 for specific instructions.
