Pueblo Veterans’ Voice

By Amy Gillentine Sweet

Mt. Carmel helps service members, veterans with variety of programs

Expanding mission: Mt. Carmel in

Pueblo

helps service members and veterans with a variety of programs

At Mt. Carmel Pueblo, the goal is to empower veterans and inspire hope for a bright future through a variety of programs and services geared toward veterans and their families.

Founded by Jay Cimino, president and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships, Mt. Carmel is headed up by COL (U.S. Army, Ret.) Bob McLaughlin. Mt. Carmel officially opened its doors in 2016 and recently expanded to Pueblo and Trinidad to offer services to more veterans in Southern Colorado. Today, the nonprofit has offices in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fountain, Trinidad, and Ft. Carson, with plans to expand to the Western Slope during the next few years.

“It’s not just patriotic speech at Mt. Carmel, it’s boots-on-the ground support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of our nation,” said Sal Katz, Director, Rural Colorado Services.

“Through the offices and partners, Mt. Carmel provides transition and employment assistance, behavioral health and wellness, supportive services, connection to other community resources and safe event space for veterans, military members and their families.”

Last year, the Pueblo veterans service center assisted 256 veterans and family members, who received support through core programs – 106 families received nonclinical case management, housing assistance and supportive services; 64 clients received transition and employment support; and 84 people connected to behavioral health services, benefits support and other comprehensive resources. Additionally, more than 930 families were supported through Mt. Carmel’s food distributions. This year, through the first week of July, the center has helped 689 veterans and family members through its service centers. Another 102 families received food assistance, and a total of 170 were connected to partner organizations.

The family support provided includes nonclinical case management support services, with case managers providing short-term assistance that include both financial and non-financial resources. The managers help families set goals and provide aid for food, rent, mortgages and utilities. The long-term goal: teaching veterans and their families how to manage finances and build money management skills, personal finance concepts, financial coaching, and credit counseling.

Navigating services provided by state, local and federal governments, and a host of nonprofit agencies, can be challenging. That’s where Mt. Carmel in Pueblo comes in. Its model allows veterans to meet with partners for a variety of needs in a single, easily accessible location with a dedicated team that ensures every veteran, military service member, family member, first responder, and Gold Star family receives the support they deserve.

An independent study conducted by the National Institute of Social Impact showed that for every dollar invested, Mt. Carmel doubles its value in services to veterans. The study found that Mt. Carmel helped people find jobs, behavioral health counseling, and wellness support. In addition, thanks to Mt. Carmel, there’s been a decline in homelessness, veteran arrests, and suicides.

“Our team makes a difference in the lives of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families,” Katz said. “Undoubtedly, veterans and their families need our help, and we are here to serve those who sacrificed on our behalf. Supporting military members and veterans is embedded in Pueblo culture and is part of our long-lasting legacy.”

In partnership with the state of Colorado and UCHealth, the Next Chapter program opened in Pueblo this month. At Next Chapter, veteran leaders, health care professionals, and community partners join in a collaborative team initiative to deliver the best support for the variety of challenges veterans and their families face as they write their next chapter.

As service members and veterans find a welcoming home in Pueblo, the transition and employment team at Mt. Carmel helps them create their new lives as civilians through one-on-one peer navigators and support of the entire Mt. Carmel team. The nonprofit also provides job fairs, networking events, employer days and job search research skills, along with resume prep, career goal development and interviewing skills.

To support Mt. Carmel or learn more about how they can help Pueblo veterans, go to veterans center.org or call 719-309-4719. Stop by in person at 1925 E. Orman Ave., Suite 156. The Pueblo Center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Note: If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, Mt. Carmel’s partners can help with immediate support. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255, press one. Or call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. Colorado Crisis Services are available at 844-493-TALK.