In Pueblo May/June 2015 by Joseph Brewster

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

is…Making a Difference in Pueblo by Amy Gasperetti

Imagine you are a 17 year old girl who has just left a family home where you have been physically and sexually abused far too long. You now have a child of your own and want to finish school. You have dreams becoming a nurse and providing a good life for your child away from the life you’ve been subjected to. Who will help? Where do you go? Imagine that you are a family evicted from your home after losing your job. You have children, no extended family to help and while you may have been living paycheck to paycheck, you were working hard and providing for your family….until now. You’re still applying for jobs but now your family is living out of your car. You have no address to list on your application and you’re starting to lose hope. Who will help? Where do you go?

More than 1500 children were identified as being homeless during the 2015 school year in District 60 alone

Posada of Pueblo is a non-profit organization whose goal is for each of their clients to become self-sufficient and able to live independently in the community. They are where many homeless families, youth and veterans go for help. To start, they offer a safe place to shower, launder clothes and get help. The assistance they offer is truly a hand up; resources and help to get off the street and back on your feet. While they visit the homeless camps and do plenty of outreach, most of their work is to provide transitional resources and housing while their clients secure employment and are able to find permanent housing again. Estimates & counts of homeless currently sleeping outside 200-250

The obstacles that face people when they end up homeless are overwhelming. Coming up with deposits & rent, deposits for utilities Over 24,000 people Pueblo experience while still providing for their families immediate needs – it all adds in food insecurity up fast. 70% of Posada’s clients are families with children. They also encounter a high rate of youth on their own, trying to finish high school, needing a place to shower, make a meal, study, access the internet and just a safe place to relax. Posada’s funding comes through grants, foundation help and donors so in addition to their primary role of running this program, they must look for ongoing funding. I’m happy to report that the teenage girl and family in the beginning of this article are doing well. The teenage girl is now a young woman who worked to receive her Bachelor’s degree, is employed as a Registered Nurse and is now working toward 14

For advertise information call (719) 671-6030

her Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree! Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s providing a better life for her child and achieving her dreams. The family received temporary assistance to find housing and get back on their feet. Both parents are working again, proudly providing for their family and have their own home. When I come across organizations making this kind of difference in our community, all I want to do is help. I hope you feel the same. They have events coming up; I hope you will consider getting involved. They are always in need of volunteers, contributions and additional resources. You can find more information or donate on their website at www.posadapueblo.org. or call 719-545-8776. Please consider helping this incredible organization.

Posada in 2014 175 households were moved off the street 345 people received emergency shelter 1507 received outreach assistance 70% of clients were families with children 392 clients were homeless youth Mustache Dash 5K Run/Walk Saturday, June 13th at 8:00am Boettcher Outdoor Education Center at the River Walk. Register online @ www.posadapueblo.org

2015 Homeless Memorial Tuesday, May 26th from 12-2pm Boettcher Outdoor Education Center at the River Walk.

Community Picnic & Take Care Fair Saturday, June 27th from 10am2pm Grome Park (in front of Mesa Tower) More info @ www.posadapueblo.org

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com

EVENTS Buell Children’s Museum: The Way West Exhibit Here through May 30th 210 N Santa Fe Ave Admission: $8 for adults/$6 for children, military and seniors Buell Children’s Museum: Tues, Thurs, Fri 11a.m.-5 p.m. Wed 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat & Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Al Kaly Shrine Circus 2015 Colorado State Fair Grounds Tuesday May 26th @ 7:30pm Early bird discounts until 5/21/2015 @ http://www. eventbrite.com

Boats, Bands & BBQ by Loaf ‘N Jug Pueblo Riverwalk June 5th at 5pm & June 6th starting at 10am With great food, live music and a festival type Wild Wild West Festival atmosphere, this is one experience your family is May 15-17th sure to enjoy. There is a hot wing eating contest, kid Downtown Pueblo, Union Avenue Enjoy 3 days of family fun including carnival rides, fun zone, and live music. The highlight of the event street vendors, live entertainment, American Bucking is a full-fledged Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off competition! Bull Inc. events and much more! Fri. 3-12am, Sat. 10am-12am & Sun. 10am-6pm Parade of Life on Saturday at the Wild Wild West 4H Foundation of Pueblo Firecracker Demo Derby! Colorado State Fair Grounds Festival! A parade open to all cats and dogs and their person Saturday July 11th at 7pm Tickets available at www.altitudetickets.com to celebrate the life of all rescued animals! Call for entry information: May 16 at 9:00am - Union Ave Bridge Carol Kuhns at 719-583-6576 Happy Hour Cruises NATURAL SOLUTIONS WITH ESSENTIAL OILS Pueblo Riverwalk Happy Hour Cruises start the first Friday in May FREE Class open to the public and run EVERY Friday and Saturday until the end of Every Thursday from 10am-noon August from 5 pm - 10 pm. Live entertainment will Pueblo West Library Room C be featured weekly. For more Events InPueblo, go to inpueblo.com

For local coupons & event information visit www.inpueblo.com