2016 Gift of Giving: Nonprofit News

Gift of Giving Nonprofit News

In partnership with these organizations and many more local nonprofits.

Find out how you can make a difference through the stories of local donors and volunteers.

Fall 2016 • gazette.com/nonprofit

The Resource Exchange presents

POSITIVE EXPOSURE The Spirit of Difference Opening October 8 through December 31

Photography Exhibition Opening Night Saturday, October 8 - Chapel Hills Mall (Lower Level Former JCPenney Space)

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and Entertainment Join The Resource Exchange as we welcome internationally renowned photographer and founder of Positive Exposure, Rick Guidotti, as he unveils his compelling and inspiring photography exhibition. These spectacular photographs celebrate the richness, beauty and the diversity of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pikes Peak Region.

You'll also hear Rick speak on his global work which provides new opportunities to see beyond all labels and differences and to see these individuals first and foremost as joyous human beings. $50 per person. Tickets available at www.tre.org or call 719.785.6459 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Special Thanks to our Champion and Defender Sponsors:

Amazing Care Home Health Services • American Overhead Door • Ent Credit Union Kaiser Permanente • MGA Home Healthcare • Penrose-St. Francis Health Services • Total Office Solutions

418 South Weber Street • Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • (719) 380-1100 • www.tre.org

From the Publisher:

‘Gift of Giving’ opens doors for our community to be generous this season OCT. 5, 2016 PUBLISHED BY THE GAZETTE 30 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 100 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Dan Steever VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING Wanda Artus-Cooper EDITOR, NONPROFIT NEWS Hannah Blick GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gina Pietramale PHOTOGRAPHER Erica Fellion CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nanette Anderson Susan Joy Paul TO ADVERTISE: 719-476-4890

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIPS:

4 OUR VETERANS: Jay Cimino is serving Springs military families ....................... 6 Funding helps local teen hone love for music .........................

COMMUNITY SERVICES:

Springs Rescue Mission works to open new winter warming shelter ......................................................

8 THE 2016 EMPTY STOCKING FUND: Your dollars can help support 20 area agencies ...................... 9 FROM PIKES PEAK UNITED WAY: How one local nonprofit is helping solve housing crisis ....... 10 HEALTH & SAFETY: No matter the Colorado disaster, the Red Cross is there ..... 12 EVENTS CALENDAR: Mark your date book for upcoming galas, activities ............. 15 ARTS & CULTURE: Celebrate Arts Month this October........................................ 18 SENIOR SERVICES: Silver Key’s new location extends its reach ........................... 20 ANIMALS: Corporate volunteers serve Humane Society ....................... 22 YOUTH SERVICES: CASA advocate fights for abused children ........................... 24 THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Get down and dirty with Rocky Mountain Field Institute ... 26 VOLUNTEERS: Meet Toni West, tireless food bank volunteer ...................... 27

Whether you were born here or relocated to the Pikes Peak region, you know our community is marked by an independent spirit, remnants of our pioneering predecessors who took on blizzards, mountains and wild animals to give us a beautiful home.

Our community is also full of generous individuals, who won’t hesitate to come together in support of their neighbors.

We have witnessed this multiple times over the past few years, after wildfires, floods Dan Steever, President and Publisher and even tragic shootings.

This holiday season, I encourage us all to be generous — with our time, our resources, our energy and finances.

For inspiration, take a look around the region at all of the philanthropic organizations dedicated to helping our neighbors in need. From at-risk youths to abandoned animals, struggling seniors and families who need a helping hand when hard times hit, there are countless stories of community members who have received what they needed to find hope in dark moments.

Not sure how you can help?

You’ve certainly come to the right place.

Among the nearly 2,000 charities in the county, there are incredible examples of unsung heroism.

Inside The Gazette’s “Gift of Giving” magazine, discover stories of nonprofits, volunteers and donors making a difference in our community, and start writing your own giving story.

Read about corporate donors and volunteers from businesses of all shapes and sizes and learn how local employers and employees are serving those in need. Choose from a variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities to get your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers involved!

No matter what you do, take this opportunity to read, share and dream up your own way to give back.

If you live here, you love it here — let’s work together to make it an ideal home for all our neighbors.

Dan Steever President and Publisher The Gazette NONPROFIT NEWS:

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

3

Education & Scholarships ALL THE RIGHT NOTES:

Scholarship helps Harrison student discover love of music

By Nanette Anderson

Nathaniel Sheppard, a junior at Harrison High School, is in his second year at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, thanks to the generosity of Colorado donors.

Sheppard first caught the attention of program director Ian Ferguson a little over a year ago through a partnership program the Conservatory has with Harrison School District 2. Knowing Sheppard couldn’t afford to attend Conservatory classes, Ferguson encouraged the teen to apply for scholarships. Sheppard did, and when he learned he would be able to study at the Conservatory on a full scholarship, he knew it was an opportunity he would treasure.

“Being here lets you escape.

I learn from the other students and it’s really helping me grow,” Sheppard said.

The Conservatory strives to serve students who want to pursue a passion for the arts, regardless of socioeconomic status, said the school’s founder and CEO Linda Weise. Community benefactors are key to their success.

“It is through the generosity, trust, support and shared vision of those that believe in the power of quality arts education that we are afforded the opportunity to bring programming to those students who would otherwise go without,” Weise said.

The scholarships provided by individuals and community foundations result in training for young actors, singers and musicians who come from across the region to study at the Conservatory. Sheppard does not take his inclusion in that group lightly. While most teens might head straight for imitating their favorite rock guitarist, Sheppard is starting with the fundamental 4

NONPROFIT NEWS:

Harrison High School junior Nathaniel Sheppard practices classical guitar at the Colorado Springs Conservatory.

A scholarship has made it possible for Sheppard to hone his music skills under professional Conservatory instructors.

Photo by Erica Fellion

skills learned from playing classical guitar. Instead of Beck, he is learning Beethoven.

“Nathaniel is unique,” Ferguson said. “He’s among the 20-30 percent of students here on full scholarship who do a great job practicing and learning while he’s had to overcome some obstacles.”

Sheppard’s father once played the saxophone and bass, but after suffering a stroke, was unable to manage his instruments. He also cannot drive, but that didn’t stop him from proudly taking a cab ride to register his son for classes at the Conservatory on Sahwatch Street on the south end of downtown. Ferguson has often provided rides home for Sheppard, who is determined to make it to his classes.

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC

To learn more about supporting a local student’s talent and ambition through the Colorado Springs Conservatory. visit csconservatory.org or call 577-4556 and ask for Linda Weise or Denise Schall.

“He’s just the nicest, most hard-working and respectful young person,” Ferguson said.

“He has high expectations for himself.”

Sheppard practices each morning and in the evenings.

Ferguson said when Sheppard returned to the Conservatory after the summer away, his diligence was evident.

“You know when you have mastered a piece is when you can play it to the beat of the metronome, when you can hear the emotion in the piece but you can play it

to correct speed,” said Sheppard, who plans to study law. Ferguson said Conservatory staff meet with college-bound students to find out how the school can help them reach their goals.

For now, Sheppard understands the importance of developing his foundational musical skills, though he’s looking forward to expanding his talent.

“My family listens to more oldschool jazz music,” Sheppard said. “My stepmom likes to hear everything I play, but my dad is waiting to hear some jazz.”

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Our Veterans CASTING A VISION

Colorado entrepreneur builds center to serve local vets, families

By Susan Joy Paul

J

ay Cimino had a vision.

The prominent Colorado entrepreneur, businessman and CEO of Phil Long Automotive Group knew there were organizations helping military veterans, but he didn’t feel the assitance was as accessible or convenient as it should be for vets and their families.

“There is nothing I can do alone,” Cimino said, “but I’ve found that if something is worth doing, people will want to help. Everything I do involves partnerships.”

One of Cimino’s most important partnerships began in 2009 when he met Bob McLaughlin.

At the time, McLaughlin was the U.S. Army Garrison Commander at Fort Carson. He was involved with the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site northeast of Trinidad and was getting some flak from area ranchers who bristled at the threat of the site’s possible expansion.

“There was a lot of controversy,” McLaughlin said, “but I had just come from fighting an insurgency in Iraq, and I knew that when you deal with disgruntled people sometimes you have to bring in good people to offset the boisterous minority that operates on rumors and unfounded information. That’s when my staff introduced me to Jay.” Cimino chuckled, remembering the incident. “They were ready to burn him at the stake!” he said.

Fortunately, Cimino was from Trinidad and had a history of giving back. He was involved in helping homeless people through Greccio Housing and had built 11 playgrounds in his hometown; he’d also supported the Marian House, a Catholic 6

NONPROFIT NEWS:

Jay Cimino speaks on July 29 at the grand opening of Mt. Carmel Center of Excellence, 530 Communication Circle. Courtesy photo

Charities of Central Colorado soup kitchen in downtown Colorado Springs.

Partnering with Cimino, a Fort Carson “Good Neighbor,” over the Piñon Canyon project turned out to be a good move for McLaughlin.

“Thanks to Mr. Cimino, together we were able to change the narrative and achieve civil-military cooperation, and two years into our campaign they made me the Grand Marshall of their Memorial Day Parade,” he said.

Amidst the Piñon Canyon work, Cimino was busy with another project: tackling his hometown’s health care problem. “At the time, there were only two counties in the state with worse health care than Las Animas County,” Cimino said. “That burned in my heart.”

Cimino purchased his childhood church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and converted it into a

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

health care center. The Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness & Community Center opened in Trinidad in 2011. Cimino serves as chairman of the board, and as the center was opening its doors, he was already thinking about partnering with McLaughlin on another endeavor.

“He would ask me, ‘What are you going to do when you grow up?’ and I didn’t know how to answer that question,” McLaughlin said. “Then I went to Afghanistan for a year. Jay and his wonderful wife, Emily, kind of looked out for my wife and five kids while I was deployed.”

After McLaughlin returned and was set to retire from military duty, Cimino asked him again: ‘What are you going to do when you grow up?’

“This time,” McLaughlin said, “he gave me the answer.”

Cimino said together they were going to do something in Colorado Springs to help veter-

ans and their families, and told McLaughlin about his vision for a one-stop shop that served the “whole soldier” — from military service through career.

In March, the Mt. Carmel Center of Excellence opened its doors. The center houses a Veteran’s Family Resource Center, Veteran’s Career and Employment Center and a Partner Space where other support organizations can provide services.

“We have four peer navigators — all veterans — that are working with troops in transition, helping with resumes and job interviews, and doing social events to bring veterans together with future employers,” McLaughlin said. “What soldiers want is the opportunity and ability to sustain themselves and their families after they leave the military.”

Cimino and McLaughlin have seen thousands of people come through the center’s doors since March, and have received plenty of kudos, including a high compliment from the Acting Under Secretary for Veterans Benefits, Danny Pummill, who participated in a roundtable discussion at the center.

“He looked around at what we’d accomplished and said, ‘We need one of these in every state,’” McLaughlin said.

Meanwhile, Cimino is enjoying the sight of his vision becoming a reality.

“Veterans and families have sacrificed so much for the basic freedoms of the nation,” he said.

“If citizens feel patriotic in their hearts and they want to support veterans and their families, the Mt. Carmel Center of Excellence is a place that’s doing it and they are welcome to come on board with any support they can give us.”

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Mosaic is a faith based nonprofit here in Colorado Springs. Mosaic helps create a life of possibility for people with intellectual disabilities in our community. You will hear stories told by the people who know Mosaic best – the people we serve, their families and volunteers. These one-hour presentations open our doors in an attempt to share our mission, vision, and passion for those being served.

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5765 North Academy Boulevard 719.598.1164 • fermentations.biz NONPROFIT NEWS:

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

7

Community Services GIVE ME SHELTER

Rescue Mission asks for community’s help in expansion

By Hannah Blick

O

n Jan. 4, the Springs Rescue Mission’s 60bed overnight warming shelter on the south end of downtown was full.

“We had a gentleman show up, he was No. 4 on the wait list,” said Stu Davis, community relations director at the Springs Rescue Mission.

Four days later, the same man was found dead from weather exposure in a downtown parking garage.

“I don’t want to see that happen again,” Davis said. “We have to do better.”

The Springs Rescue Mission broke ground this summer on the first of a $13.8 million two-part expansion project on its campus off West Las Vegas Street. Part of the funding will be used to finance property acquisitions that expanded the existing campus to nine acres.

The nonprofit is on track to open its new 150-bed warming shelter Nov. 1 and an 11,000-square-foot day center this year, said Springs Rescue Mission President and CEO Larry Yonker. The day center will provide guests with access to showers, laundry facilities and a resource center with case-management and veteran services from organizations like AspenPointe, Pikes Peak Library District, Pikes Peak Workforce Center and more.

The second phase of the project will produce a 10,500-squarefoot kitchen and dining area that can host up to 200 and a 4,025-square-foot welcome center and storage space, including kennels for guests’ pets. Yonker estimated phase two would be complete the first part of 2018.

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NONPROFIT NEWS:

Crews work in September to meet the Nov. 1 opening date for a new warming shelter and day center at the Springs Rescue Mission campus on the south end of downtown. Photo by Erica Fellion

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS

To give to the Springs Rescue Mission’s campus expansion project, visit donate.springsrescuemission.org/donate to contribute either a one-time or monthly amount.

For Davis, this project is more than a bold capital campaign — its completion is crucial to the health of the region.

“This is not a Springs Rescue Mission issue or a homeless issue but a community issue,” he said.

“There are a lot of community and economic issues tied into how we care for those who are less fortunate in our city.”

What will it take to get us there?

“Our greatest need right now is the get the funds,” Davis said.

As of Sept. 22, the Springs Rescue Mission reported having raised just over $9 million, with over $4 million left to go.

“It’s audacious, but we’ve just got a couple laps left around the fundraising track and we would love for people to respond.” Davis said.

As the campus expands, Springs Rescue Mission will also have a greater need for volun-

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

teers.

Paul Lavigne has been volunteering at the Springs Rescue Mission since March 2014. As a military veteran with PTSD, Lavigne has found his niche investing time and energy in the facility’s guests.

“I identify with their struggles; I put myself in their position because I know that could easily be me,” Lavigne said. “There are so many crazy situations that happen in life; sometimes we all just need a little help to make it through.”

Lavigne is proud to volunteer his time at a nonprofit he said is deserving of the community’s trust. “(Springs Rescue Mission) does so much with so little,” Lavigne said. “If you’re going to give money or your time, this is the place to do it. Not an ounce will go to waste.”

Lavigne cited opportunities

like the New Life Program — an on-site 12-month residential addiction recovery program — with being part of the Springs Rescue Mission’s success in rehabilitating homeless citizens, but said it starts with offering respite to those who need it most.

“If you don’t want to have to see a person suffering in the cold on the street, then you need to make sure we have the capacity to bring these people in on a daily basis,” Lavigne said.

With each new donation and volunteer, Davis said the Springs Rescue Mission gets one step closer to accomplishing its goals.

“This project is going to be built not by an organization or corporation, but by the community,” he said. “We’re probably 10 years behind where we need to be when we compare ourselves to other communities our size, in terms of the kinds of services available. The more we catch up and try to provide a full spectrum of services, the more friendly our climate becomes for business and tourism, the more we’ll see ourselves becoming the kind of community we all want to see Colorado Springs become.”

IN THIS TOGETHER

Family grows from generosity of Empty Stocking Fund agency

By Leslie Massey

T

owing three children with her, a young mom realized in order to save her life she had to get away from her abusive husband. He had already tried to kill her on more than one occasion.

After finding their way to Colorado Springs, she was eager to start over and build a healthier life. Fortunately, this mom connected with three organizations that could offer resources to keep her family safe and help them build a vibrant future.

“It was hard walking through the door the first time,” she said.

“But we needed a way to start over.”

With a hand from a three Empty Stocking Fund agencies — TESSA, The Resource Exchange and Tri-Lakes Cares — this young family was soon making progress, becoming self-sufficient and building the kind of life they had hoped for.

TESSA arranged a safe, confidential place for her family to live without persistent fear of being tracked down by her ex-husband, as well as legal advice and guidance to reinvent their lives.

The Resource Exchange helped this mother care for her developmentally disabled son.

“His disability is not visible, so it’s hard for people to recognize he is disabled,” she said. “The Resource Exchange trained him in appropriate ways to interact with other people.”

The only human services organization in northern El Paso County, Tri-Lakes Cares helps families in the area whose income does not sufficiently cover basic needs like housing, groceries, utilities, transportation and health care. “Tri-Lakes Cares gave me stability,” the mother said. “There’s not another place like it. They bring humanity to their services — you don’t feel like just another number.”

The organizations that made it possible for this family to grow are three of the 20 recipient agencies of the Gazette-El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund. Over the past 31 years, ESF has raised more than $17 million to help meet the growing demand for services in the Pikes Peak region. Each year, 100 percent of the funds directly benefit local health-and-human-services agencies on the front lines of helping people in need and assisting others in achieving self sufficiency.

Growing Together MAKE A GREATER IMPACT WITH YOUR GIFT: 100% of your donation goes directly to our local nonprofit partners.

EVERY DOLLAR YOU GIVE GROWS UP TO 45% ■ ■

Bruni Foundation Match: $10,000 for every $100,000 El Pomar Foundation Match: $1 for every $3

FILLANEMPTYSTOCKING.ORG SUPPORT EMPTY STOCKING FUND

EmptyStockingFund

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Visit fillanemptystocking.org or call 476-1673 to make a donation to this year’s Empty Stocking Fund in support of 20 health-and-human-service agencies that serve our community’s children, families and seniors.

NONPROFIT NEWS:

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

9

Solving quiet housing crisis in our community

By Dianne Reitan, Pikes Peak United Way

M

ary Stegner, executive director of Partners in Housing, leads a local nonprofit dedicated to combatting the growing number of families experiencing homelessness in Colorado Springs.

“They’re different than the folks that you imagine when you imagine homelessness,” Stegner said. “There are moms with kids living in their cars, there are moms whose kids are at different friends’ homes ... there are moms who are couch surfing in a relative’s basement.”

As a homelessness survivor and a single mom, Sarah described her situation.

“I didn’t feel that I was homeless. In my head, homeless meant going from homeless shelter to homeless shelter, you’re

10

NONPROFIT NEWS:

From left, Kerri, Sarah, Sharon and Stephanie have each spoken out about the housing assistance they’ve received from local nonprofit Partners in Housing. Courtesy photos

living on the streets, you might be panhandling — that was my brain’s picture of homelessness,” she said. “Having joined the Partners in Housing program, I realize that’s not all that homelessness is. It’s so much more than that. I was homeless with my children.”

Stephanie said those she met in the PIH program were just like her.

“They’re not there because they don’t want to work,” she said. “They want to be viable members of society. But when

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

you’re homeless, you can’t get a job because you need an address to apply for work.”

The issue is exacerbated for the homeless who are trying to find a place to rent, but have poor credit or evictions in their history. PIH can step in to provide a housing unit for a family, however, there are responsibilities families must commit to.

“The first thing we do is sit down and write out goals with them,“ Stegner said. “A caseworker will then help the client to reach those goals with services

from Partners in Housing, which includes things like life skills classes and budget counseling.”

Kerri is a former client and now serves on the PIH board of directors.

“The program is about empowering you and giving you hope,” she said. “They gave me the foundation I needed to stand on my own two feet.”

Sharon, also a former client and current board member, said PIH gave her the skills and accountability she needed to build a better future. Stegner said this

accountability is tangible, but it is also emotional.

“When someone has been beaten down, been through chaos, it means a lot to them that someone believes in them enough to enforce these guidelines they’ve set up for themselves and meet the goals they’ve set for their families,” Stegner said.

The need for transitional housing and support services for homeless families in Colorado Springs is greater than the re-

sources available. PIH is unique in the transitional housing units that they provide and the program that they have developed and delivered for 25 years.

“Our offering continues to improve,” Stegner said. “Last year we had an almost 90-percent success rate — 90 percent of our families moved on to permanent housing, they’re working, their kids are in school. These families are contributing back to Colorado Springs.”

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GIFT OF GIVING 2016

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Health & Safety IN TIMES OF NEED

Red Cross counts on generosity of local business when disaster hits

By Susan Joy Paul

Red Cross volunteers offer comfort and bring supplies to victims of the Black Forest Fire in June 2013. This summer, volunteers showed up to provide similar support for those battling the Hayden Pass Fire. Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado

W

hen the American Red Cross responded to the Hayden Pass Fire this summer, Bill Fortune wasn’t surprised by the outpouring of support.

“People in Cañon City reached out to help. Safeway stepped up, hardware stores jumped in and people from Salida contacted us to help,” said Fortune, communications specialist for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado. “The first couple of days we fed firefighters, which allowed them to keep doing the work that they were doing. We also provided coordination with local government and were embedded in the emergency operation centers on both sides of the fire.”

While the Red Cross depends on its disaster relief fund 12

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to provide speedy emergency responses, area businesses also get involved.

“On short notice, it’s often the small local business that supports us,” Fortune said.

Businesses support the Red Cross during emergencies and with disaster prevention and preparedness.

“Hardware stores have been very helpful. They lend us power screwdrivers, for example, for our fire campaign, so we can install a hundred smoke detectors in one day,” Fortune said, noting that large companies make contributions on a national level and local stores provide more direct support.

Kyle Reynolds, general manager of the Home Depot at Woodmen Road and Academy Boulevard, said his store receives 20-30 requests for donations from var-

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

ious organizations every week, and the store can’t always help.

“We don’t make cash donations, but we can provide products, and that’s what we do for the Red Cross,” he said. “Sometimes it’s pallets of water; for example the five stores here in Colorado Springs and Monument donated 20 pallets for Fountain and Security when they needed clean water. During the Black Forest Fire ... we provided shovels, rakes and other tools to help clean up and get places in order.”

Home Depot also pitches in with man hours when they can.

“We’ve gone out with associates on our days off and helped people clean up,” said Reynolds, who acknowledged supporting the Red Cross is an easy decision. “With the Red Cross, we know that whatever we donate ... it’s going to help people in

need.”

Fortune said businesses that want to help should get on the Red Cross list of supporting organizations or just reach out.

“We do get restaurants that will just call and say, ‘Hey, I want to give you a hundred meals,’” he said.

Individual volunteers are also crucial to Red Cross success, like Disaster Action Team Captain and Case Work Supervisor Cori Tanner.

“The fact is, none of us is Mother Teresa and we have to get something out of this, so if we can be passionate about our volunteering we will stick with it and not get burned out,” Tanner said. “You can give as much or as little as you want to the Red Cross, but a lot of us find it feels so good to be doing what we love that we kind of get sucked in.”

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GIFT OF GIVING 2016

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An Inclusive Campus where people of all abilities can learn, socialize and interact — overcoming significant barriers to thrive.

Your Donation will help provide

Free Support Groups Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Colorado Springs Chapter

for people living with Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, and Anxiety, and for their families

9 Peer-facilitated Support Group meetings Every week at 3 convenient locations 719-477-1515

2132 E. Bijou St., Suite 112 Colorado Springs, CO 80909

40% of high school transition program students fail to integrate into their communities, ending up in jail or in day programs that do not meet their needs.

The percentage of working-age people with disabilities in the labor force is about one-third that of persons with no disability.

In all 50 states, the poverty rate is higher among families with members with a disability than among families without.

Those with I/DD often struggle to find community. Studies show that the subjective feeling of loneliness increases the risk of death by 26%.

Building for Change will provide: Personal development & life skills training Accessible community meeting & office space Computer lab, library & more thearcppr.org ¡ 719.471.4800

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GIFT OF GIVING 2016

www.DBSAColoradoSprings.org help@DBSAColoradoSprings.org

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT helps survivors absorb the impact of the self-inflicted death, offers the comfort of empathetic understanding and acceptance and role-models healthy resolution of grief in the aftermath of suicide.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

IT HELPS TO TALK ~ IT HEALS TO SHARE

MONTHLY ADULT GROUP MEETINGS 1st Tues ~ 7pm ~ January thru November East Methodist Church ~ 1505 E. Monument ~ 80909 719-229-9657 ~ heartbeatcos@gmail.com www.heartbeatsurvivorsaftersuicide.org

Memory Tree & Candle Lighting

December 6, 7:00 pm Chapel of Our Saviour Episcopal Church ~ 4th & Polo Children Left Behind by Suicide Groups ~ Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention ~ 719-573-7447

Calendar of Events OCTOBER 8 JDRF One Walk

8 a.m. at Rock Ledge, 3105 Gateway Road. Benefiting research for type 1 diabetes. Info: walk. jdrf.org.

Bells Across America Memorial

9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 5354 S. U.S. 85/87, Security. Hosted by the National Fallen Fighters Foundation Pikes Peak Region.

Info: 339-9604.

Opening Night Reception of Positive Exposure: The Spirit of Difference

7–10 p.m. at Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd., in the former JCPenney space on the lower level. Info: tre.org.

Run for the Realm 5K

5 p.m. on the southwest corner of Prospect Lake, Memorial Park, 801 Prospect Lake Drive.

Benefiting Realm of Caring.

Info: theroc.us/run.

20th Anniversary Vintner Dinner

Event

6 p.m. at the Garden of the Gods Club, 3320 Mesa Road.

Benefiting the Children’s Literacy Center. Info: childrensliteracycenter.org.

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. breakfast and 5 – 6:30 p.m. cocktails at Antlers Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave. Benefiting CPCD … Giving Children a Head Start. Info: cpcd.org.

OCTOBER 21

NOVEMBER 5

5:30 – 9 p.m. at The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St. Benefiting students of Abrams Elementary.

Info: koats4kids.org.

6 – 10 p.m. at The Historic Colorado Springs Day Nursery, 104 E. Rio Grande St. Benefiting Early Connections Learning Centers.

Info: earlyconnections.org.

Koats 4 Kids Benefit Party

Center for Spiritual Living Colorado Springs 50-year Jubilee

6 – 11 p.m. at Johnny Martin’s Car Central, 1 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 110. Info: cslcs.org/ dinner-dance-silent-auction.

OCTOBER 22

Waldo Waldo 5K Fun Run and Walk

OCTOBER 13

7:30 a.m. starting at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St. Benefiting Rocky Mountain Field Institute. Info: waldowaldo.com.

6 p.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Info: signaturechefs. marchofdimes.org.

6 p.m. – midnight at the Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St. Info: themat.org/matsgala-party-oct-22.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Heroes of Mental Health Luncheon

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Benefiting AspenPointe. Info: aspenpointe. org/heroes.

OCTOBER 14 Catwalk for Cancer

6 p.m. at the Garden of the Gods Club, 3320 Mesa Road.

Benefiting the Memorial Hospital Foundation. Info: mhf. thankyou4caring.org/gala.

For the Love of the Troops Dinner

5:30 p.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Benefiting The Home Front Cares. Info: 4341407, thehomefrontcares.org.

OCTOBER 15

Book Signing and Awards Event 2 – 4 p.m. at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Ave. Barry Weinhold will present the Servant Leader Award to Joyce Aubrey. Info: 520-1899.

Big Bold Bodacious Bash

OCTOBER 23

2016 Concert Series with Mark and Sadie Rucker 3 p.m. at Antlers Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave. Benefiting the Shrivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District. Info: 593-8400, ppld. thankyou4caring.org/shivers.

OCTOBER 25

17th Annual Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame 5:30 p.m. at the Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd.

Info: coloradospringssports.org

OCTOBER 29 GothGlam Halloween Bash

7:30 p.m. – midnight at the Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Info: csfineartscenter.org

NOVEMBER 2

CPCD’s Annual Community Giving

22, 29 at Colorado Springs City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St. Noon-1 p.m. on December 8 at ILC Organ Gym, 828 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

DECEMBER 3, 10 Christmas Tea

Gingerbread & Jazz Gala

NOVEMBER 9 Breakfast of Champions

7:30 – 9 a.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lave Ave. Benefiting Peak Vista Community Health Centers.

Info: peakvista.org.

NOVEMBER 10 Senior Holiday Dinner Dance

5 – 8 p.m. at Colorado Springs City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St. Hosted by the Senior Resource Council. Info: 260-0744, srccos.org.

NOVEMBER 12 Business Alliance Annual Gala

6 p.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Hosted by the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance. Info: coloradospringsbusinessalliance.com.

NOVEMBER 17

Zoya’s Footprints of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Show 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Benefiting Newborn Hope. Info: newbornhope.org/ event/coloradosprings.

Night Out to End Youth Homelessness

Overnight in downtown Colorado Springs. Benefiting Urban Peak Colorado Springs. Info: urbanpeak.org/colorado-springs/ events.

IN DECEMBER

Pikes Peak Area Theatre Organ Society Christmas Sacklunch Serenades Noon-1 p.m. on December 1, 15,

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The McAllister House Museum, 423 N. Cascade Ave. Info: 635-7925, mcallisterhouse.org.

DECEMBER 9

Paul Franco’s Holidays for Hope In the evening at The El Paso Club, 30 E. Platte Ave. Benefiting Empty Stocking Fund. Info and time: fillanemptystocking. org.

DECEMBER 10 Breakfast with Santa

In the morning at the Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd.

Benefiting Empty Stocking Fund. Info and time: fillanemptystocking.org.

DECEMBER 12

Old North End Holiday Home Tour 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Old North End neighborhood. Benefiting TwoCor. Info: 632-9179, csholidayhometour.com.

Banning Lewis Ranch Santa Sprint 5K

10 a.m.-noon at Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, 7094 Cottonwood Tree Drive. Benefiting the BLRA Foundation. Info: tinyurl. com/zjggu44.

DECEMBER 15

Empty Stocking Fund’s Inaugural Chef Tasting Event In the evening at the Plaza of the Rockies, 111 S. Tejon St. Info and time: fillanemptystocking.org.

DECEMBER 16, 18 Tri-Lakes Music Association’s Holiday Concerts

7 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Sunday at Palmer Ridge High School, 19255 Monument Hill Road, Monument. Info: trilakesmusic.org

NONPROFIT NEWS:

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Photos by Teryn O'Brien/Colorado Collective

Endless Possibilities at Discover Goodwill

IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT that you are an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability that limits your ability to live to your full potential. Perhaps you get frustrated when you try to communicate with other people, even your close friends and family. Or, maybe you are living with a condition that derails your train of thought when you try to focus on a task, making activities that should be enjoyable often frustrating and difficult.

Now, imagine a place, where regardless how you arrived, you could forge a path forward toward a more promising future. Where you could be whatever you wanted to be—a place where the possibilities were endless. Happily, this place does exist. And it was created especially for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, where their dreams can become real.

Discover Goodwill’s “Possibilities” program empowers its participants with opportunities to explore their potential and the confidence to fully realize what they can do— rather than feeling defined by a diagnosis.

Possibilities is a community at Discover Goodwill comprised of 185 participants and built around a spacious town square with a credit union, fitness center, apartment, and an art studio. Most importantly, the foundation of Possibilities is built on respect and support—on “can” rather than “can’t.” Possibilities’ participants learn and practice life skills such as making a deposit into their checking account, doing laundry, and working out. They create art that feeds their souls so their spirits can take flight.

The beautiful artwork you see here was created by Possibilities participants. Given the materials, some gentle guidance and encouragement, the outcome often defies preconceptions, much like the participants themselves.

Above: Possibilities participants painted on a huge canvas using wheelchairs, walkers, shoes and even their hands. Right: Books were reimagined into centerpieces by Possibilities participants for Discover Goodwill’s Annual Dinner.

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If you would like to learn more about Possibilities, please contact Jaimy Criswell at jcriswell@discovermygoodwill.org.

Possibilities Where the Journey Begins

Imagine the Possibilities!

When you support Discover Goodwill through your financial or material donations, your generosity helps individuals in need, right here in our community.

Nearly 90 percent of Discover Goodwill’s revenue funds life-changing programs like Possibilities. In 2015, Discover Goodwill helped over 76,000 people achieve greater independence— including military veterans, seniors, youth, job seekers and individuals with developmental challenges.

Your donations are also tax-deductible.

Visit DiscoverMyGoodwill.org or call 719.635.4483 and change a life today!

NONPROFIT NEWS:

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17

Arts & Culture CREATIVITY UNLEASHED

Celebrate Arts Month this October Courtesy of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region

ABOVE: Pottery works by Mark Wong, courtesy photo BELOW: Ormao Dance Company, photo by Alberto Leopizzi

T

his October, the Pikes Peak region is celebrating Arts Month, an annual initiative to raise awareness for the quality, diversity and value of the arts in our community.

Building on the popularity of National Arts & Humanities Month, the local initiative is orchestrated by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region and is open to participation by all area artists and arts organizations. COPPeR is a nonprofit organization whose mission is connecting residents and visitors with arts and culture to enrich our communities.

The official call to action during Arts Month is to have at least one new cultural experience with family or friends during the month.

“Arts Month is an opportunity for us to highlight the arts in the local media, to encourage broad-based participation in the arts, to provide an opportunity for local business, government and civic leaders to declare their support for the arts, and to generally raise public awareness about the essential role of arts & culture in our community,” said Andy Vick, executive director of COPPeR. This Arts Month, COPPeR has taken a themed approach to marketing events, with a focus on different artistic genres during each of the four weeks in October.

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arts organizations and other community partners, COPPeR will work closely with area elected officials to recognize and promote the importance of Arts Month through formal public proclamations.

This is an exciting time for our local creative community, and Arts Month is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible arts and cultural happenings in the Pikes Peak region.

Visit peakradar.com/artsmonth for more information about the program, as well as a link to a toolkit of resources designed to help you support and promote Arts Month. To learn more about how you can engage, contact 634-2204 or info@CulturalOffice.org.

GET INVOLVED

 Visit the peakradar.com calendar to

The themes for each of the four weeks align with several of the category headers on peakradar.com: week one will highlight visual arts; week two will focus on theater and film; week three will revolve around poetry, prose and comedy; and week four will promote a variety of music and dance events and performances.

In addition to collaborating with artists,

discover all the cultural events happening during the month of October and throughout the year.  Sign up for the “Last Minute Deals” ticket discount program by texting “ArtsOctober” to 76626.  Share your inspiring or newsworthy Arts Month stories by emailing info@ culturaloffice.org.  Plan to have at least one new cultural experience with your family or friends during the month of October!

For more information, contact Robert Manning at 719-232-4114 or rwgmanning@comcast.net trilakesmusic.org

Bringing the performing arts to the Tri-Lakes area for over 18 years with FREE memorable concerts. A free-will offering collected at each concert helps fund local charities and provides student scholarships to qualified seniors.

Christmas concert schedule in the Nov. 24 Gazette Holiday Guide

The Pikes Peak Area Theatre Organ Society Curators of the 1927 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ from the Colorado Springs Chief Theatre Now playing in the Historic City Auditorium

Come - hear the Power of Theatre Pipes!

Christmas Sacklunch Serenades begin Dec. 1st Full Schedule will be in the Gazette’s Holiday Guide Published November 24th

Preserving and promoting the theater pipe organ in Colorado Springs since 1972

For more information contact, Dave Weesner at 719.473.2010. • theaterorgans.com/ppatos

A Christmas to Remember AT GLEN EYRIE

No other event compares to Glen Eyrie’s Madrigal Banquet!

Set in the grandeur of The Great Hall of The Castle, our 16th century-style banquet is sure to fill you with awe this Christmas season.

Full of festive entertainment by talented musicians and performers, this classic Colorado tradition is guaranteed to be unforgettable! Our award-winning Culinary Team has hand-crafted the evening’s four-course meal with sensational new flavors that pair perfectly with your one-ofa-kind experience.

Doors open at 5:00 PM and the performance begins at 6:00 PM.

10 Performances: December 2–21

OVERNIGHT STAYS AVAILABLE!

Make your Madrigal Banquet complete GLENEYRIE.ORG/MADRIGAL with an overnight stay at Glen Eyrie!

719-265-7050

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GIFT OF GIVING 2016

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Senior Services ROOM AT THE TABLE

From new home, Silver Key offers aging population nutritious meals

By Nanette Anderson

A

fter savoring the chicken cordon bleu in the new Golden Circle dining room at Silver Key Senior Services, retired pastor Timothy La-Fond reviewed the month’s menu and pointed to several other dates on which he had enjoyed a delicious lunch. La-Fond and his workout partner, Robert Clostio, are vocal advocates for the program that offers dining facilities at its new location on south Murray Boulevard.

“We have been telling everyone we know when we workout at the (YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region),” La-Fond said. “I would recommend the hamburgers, the taco salad and the roast beef.

Every meal I have eaten here has been something that was good for me.”

Silver Key Senior Services moved to its new location in August, and organization leaders hope others will soon join LaFond and Clostio in discovering the new dining room. The cost is $2.25 per meal for diners 60 and older, though no one is turned away if they are unable to pay.

Guests under 60 can also pay $6.50 for a meal.

The location is quickly becoming a neighborhood gem as senior citizens can dine in or pick up food from the Silver Key pantry; more services and amenities are also in the works.

Chief Development Officer Lorri Orwig said the move from the former location on Bott Avenue was the culmination of a three-year search.

“After reviewing studies about where the Colorado Springs and El Paso County senior populations are growing — and with the knowledge that our Bott location was not senior friendly 20

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Viola King eats lunch in the new Silver Key Senior Services dining center on South Murray Boulevard. Photo by Erica Fellion

DRIVERS NEEDED

Silver Key Senior Services is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to our community’s seniors. Contact Linda Arguello at 884-2319 or larguello@silverkey.org to sign up or visit silverkey.org/volunteer for more information.

— our board began searching for other locations,” Orwig said.

“We looked at 25 possibilities.”

There were three specific criteria: a new building must have an elevator if it was more than one story high, a loading dock for the food inventory needed for the dining services and capacity for growth to expand the pantry.

The facility on Murray Bou-

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levard is 68,000-square feet, and Silver Key operates in 35,000-square feet while leasing the other space to Rocky Mountain Optical, QCMI Electronic Contract Manufacturing and three other organizations.

Orwig said she hopes El Paso County will move its Adult Protective Services program to the location because many of those programs complement Silver

Key’s mission of supporting and improving the quality of life for senior citizens.

“The population of people over 65 years old in this county is projected to grow more than 179 percent by 2040,” Orwig said.

“People sometimes ask where are they moving from, but it’s people who have been here 3040 years, raised their children, still live in their own homes.

They’re aging in place.”

Plans for the building include a community room that would offer fitness classes, games and movies. The facility also has space for other groups to meet, and the kitchen can offer catering services. Orwig said the organization is only limited by its number of volunteer drivers. In the last four years, Silver Key went from providing about 26,000 meals in 2011 to 66,000 in 2015. Service has recently been extended to the Monument community, but Orwig would like to be able to offer services in Calhan, Black Forest and other outlying areas.

More neighborhood connections have emerged as students from the Atlas Preparatory School across the street became interns in the Golden Circle’s kitchen under the direction of Chef Jeremy Coleman. As head chef, Coleman blends a fine-dining experience with his extensive knowledge of healthy eating and taste, particularly when it comes to serving seniors. He works closely with a nutritionist to develop the menu, providing healthy meals with variety and flavor. “I get to work in a state-ofthe-art kitchen,” Coleman said.

“It’s a real joy.”

Coleman strives to prepare foods high in fiber and low in sodium, and uses fresh ingre-

Silver Key Senior Services employees prepare trays for lunch at the new dining facility. Photo by Erica Fellion

dients whenever possible. The chef also specializes in Southern comfort foods that his diners enjoy. This winter, seniors can look for Coleman and his staff to prepare hearty braised pork and roast beef.

While filling stomachs is also a big part of what the Silver Key team does, they know a hot meal can mean so much more that just that.

Orwig recalled an older gentleman who recently stopped by

the new facility to stock up on food from the pantry. When one of the staff members told him the dining room was open and he was welcome to stay and eat a home-cooked meal, tears welled up in his eyes as he learned he could have not only hot and nutritious food but also social interactions with other area seniors.

“We’ve arrived at the right neighborhood,” Orwig said. “It’s so gratifying when I think of how this all came together.”

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Animals CORPORATE CARE

Comcast volunteers support Humane Society rescue efforts

By Susan Joy Paul

J

ason Wichman knows how easy it is to get caught up in the workday grind.

“We get so in depth in the day-to-day that we forget that we also have to find ways to give back to the community,” said Wichman, who manages customer loyalty for Comcast in Colorado Springs. So, when he took over his company’s community service program, Comcast Cares, Wichman jumped at the chance to do something for one of his favorite nonprofits, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

“One of the things that we do every year is meet with a business that holds special interest to our employees,” he said, noting that HSPPR “is a special group — most of our employees share the same vision” as the organization, which is the largest shelter for homeless and abused animals in southern Colorado.

Wichman’s team at Comcast has volunteered to support the nonprofit two years in a row.

“It was an easy decision to go back,” he said, “and we look forward to helping again in 2017.

Our annual event matches perfectly with Fur Ball, the biggest fund raiser for HSPPR.” Comcast Cares Day is the largest single-day corporate volunteer event with more than 100,000 volunteers serving in 21 countries. Locally, Comcast Cares has a large turnout of volunteers for its annual day of giving.

“It was very eye opening to see the operation and understand all that HSPPR takes on,” Wichman said. “I remember the first year when I stated that we could bring several hundred volunteers if needed; I think we 22

NONPROFIT NEWS:

Members of the local Comcast Cares team show up to assist at the Humane Society last winter. From left to right, Jason Wichman (kneeling, with dog), LaShawn Stephen, Robbi Lavely, Dianah Terrell-Gray, Robert Days, Adriana Wichman and Ben Martinez. Photo courtesy of Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

HELP LOCAL PETS FIND HOMES

For more information on corporate or individual volunteer opportunities at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, email volunteers@hsppr.org or call 302-8759.

took a few people aback. This year was similar, and while the project to us seems small in volunteer hours, it has a huge impact on the HSPPR annual fund raiser.”

Gretchen Pressley, HSPPR community relations manager, said the nonprofit relies on the generosity of local businesses and initiatives like Comcast Cares to help out with a variety of needs.

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

“Throughout the year we find ourselves in need of a few extra hands, especially around our two annual fundraisers, Fur Ball and Pawtoberfest. It’s so valuable to us to have volunteer groups from local businesses offer to come in and assist us,” she said.

Pressley is always looking for new corporate and small business groups to support the events.

“Due to liability issues, unfortunately, we can’t allow volunteer groups to handle our homeless pets,” she said. “We still have lots of ways you can help the furry friends in our care.”

Pressley said groups can participate in fundraisers like the Fur Ball or Pawtoberfest, or pitch in around the HSPPR facility.

“Group volunteers do everything from making dog beds to painting rooms to doing cleanup around our facility,” she said.

“We’ve also had groups spend a day making cat blankets or toys for our homeless pets and they bring in the day’s work for our furry friends to enjoy. Really, the sky’s the limit.”

HSPPR also relies on individual volunteers to fulfill its mission.

“Volunteers are at the heart of making HSPPR compassionate and caring,” Pressley said.

“As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on the assistance of our caring, dedicated and hard-working volunteers.”

Wichman hopes other businesses will join in to volunteer for the HSPPR and support their annual fundraisers.

“I do it for the love of pets,” Wichman said. “We should consider how fortunate we are in this country to be able to give back. A lot of places, like HSPPR, only work because of the volunteer efforts within the community to keep them afloat.

“If you think of how important these types of business are it is vital to help out. I would highly recommend partnering with HSPPR if a company could help.

Their cause is a great cause for the community.”

SUCCESS

to us is knowing Amy won’t go to sleep hungry.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Assisting Families in Homeownership Financial a Partner Homebuyer Foreclosure Become in Homeownership!

Fitness Education Mitigation Sometimes homeowners life happens Start with NWP learn: Both Pre & Post-purchase • Help buildand sustainable communities by building successful & you need assistance setting goals, debt classes and one-on-one in El Paso and Pueblo counties navigating challenges; our management, maximizin coaching in order to are educated •income, Be recognized as a viableprepare and integral componentcounselors of the community g budgeting, and educate and care about helping families for successful saving,to and •credit, Contribute the stability and economic impact fostered by find your through. homeownership protecting your assets.

homeownership • Help us guide Future Homeowners thru the Roadmap Housing Mortgage Loans & Affordable Development Down-Payment Rental Housing & Rehabs

Invest in Success - One Life at a Time!

Donate at CCharitiesCC.org

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

Marian House

3 WAYS TO HELP

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is a local, independent nonprofit that relies on your support to fund its many humane programs for the community.

Assistance

NWP is always creating new construction and rehabilitating affordable homes for sale in the community.

On the way to homeownership, quality rental homes are rare; that's why we believe in providing the community with this solution.

A variety of mortgage & DPA programs are targeted to helping families obtain the dream of homeownership.

Community Development

Resident Leadership

Operation Paintbrush, since 1983, more than 500 home completed

Partnering with local nonprofits and businesses, we help make community projects happen: clean-ups, gardens, events and more.

Working side-by-side with residents, NWP helps develop skills and create training opportunities for effective leaders in the community.

Helping to revitalize distressed areas, NWP coordinates the painting of homes for low income, disabled & elderly one block at a time.

O.P. the Block

Contact us to become a Partner in Homeownership with NeighborWorks of Pueblo

719-544-8078 www.NWpueblo.org 1241 East Routt Street, Pueblo, CO 81004 NWP Partners in Homeownership

Contact us for more information on our programs: 719-544-8078 www.NWpueblo.org 1241 East Routt Street, Pueblo, CO 81004

Join the Legacy Guild

Including HSPPR in your estate plan ensures innocent animals will have your support for years to come.

Donate items for animals

Our shelter is constantly in need of certain items.

Find our wish list online and follow us on Facebook.

Become an Animal Ally

Your automatic, monthly donation, no matter the amount, provides steady support and helps animals year-round.

Donate now at hsppr.org/donate or call 719.302.8737.

Photo Credit: Bogi Photography NONPROFIT NEWS:

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Youth Services A VOICE FOR THE DEFENSELESS

CASA volunteer advocates for abused, neglected children

By Nanette Anderson

G

iving a child a voice in the often-intimidating atmosphere of a courtroom is the goal of each CASA volunteer caseworker. Knowing that voice makes a real difference is part of the reward.

Jenny Elliott’s first case as a CASA advocate involved a child who had been the victim of domestic abuse. Later on, she’d take a case revolving around a young girl who had been molested by her stepfather.

The circumstances of the cases are often heartbreaking, but CASA advocates exist to serve as a support system solely focused on representing the children involved, providing one-to-one advocacy for abused and neglected children. The hope is each of these children move through the court system smoothly and be placed in safe, loving homes where they can thrive.

“Becoming an advocate was an eye opener for me,” Jenny said. “The staff is incredibly supportive and always available to answer any questions.

Sometimes you want to take the children home with you, but the goal is to do what’s best for families.”

Jenny said she’s always moved to tears at the annual CASA Light of Hope Breakfast. Guests hear powerful stories about local families and children who have been served well by CASA. However, CASA Executive Director Jenny Bender said more awareness needs to translate to more volunteers.

As outlined in a Vision 2020 strategy, Bender and her team hope to double and diversify their advocate base. CASA now serves about 60 percent of 24

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Through CASA, Jenny Elliott advocates for local victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Photo by Erica Fellion

the abused and neglected children who need assistance. That means nearly 400 children are waiting for an advocate who will fight for their rights.

More customization of advocate training is one way CASA hopes to grow its number of volunteers.

“We realize that training is basic to the success of an advocate but we need to make it fit into people’s lives,” Bender said. “We need adults of all ages to be advocates.”

The commitment for training has been reduced from 40 to 30 hours, and training options now include a flex training program that is partially conducted online. In December, CASA will offer a two-weekend intensive training program, and a CASA volunteer information hour is scheduled from noon-1 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the CASA headquar-

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BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER

Visit casappr.org for more information on how you can support CASA of the Pikes Peak Region and help local children find safe, loving homes.

ters, 701 S. Cascade Ave. Bender said the agency needs more male advocates and a more diverse pool of volunteers to match the children who are caught up in the court system.

She said LGBT youths also need advocates, and all children can benefit from a diverse spectrum of supportive adults.

Bender is also encouraged by the recently influx of young professionals who are seeking volunteer opportunities to give back to their communities.

CASA’s volunteer retention rate is high, at 87 percent. CASA is also an attractive investment for donor dollars. Eight-six cents

of every dollar raised goes towards programs, and Colorado residents who support CASA may also qualify for a 50-percent state income tax credit in addition to state and federal income tax deductions.

During the holiday season, CASA invites individuals to donate an honorary gift to honor or to commemorate a favorite teacher or any loved one who provided a positive influence.

CASA is also looking to partner with local businesses to aid in serving children, to help break the cycle of violence and to set a positive course for future generations.

s!

November 5, 2016 Featuring Phat Daddy and the Phat Horn Doctors For tickets visit earlyconnections.org

cpcdheadstart.org

cpcdheadstart.org

Forging trust, providing direction and creating hope for youth through discipleship and work ethic development.

TwoCor thanks its donors and volunteers for your support in 2016.

Your generosity helps youth overcome their troubled past and become productive members of your community.

To learn more about TwoCor programs and how you can help, please visit our website at www.twocor.org or call our office at 719.471.6916.

625 Arrawanna Street • Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Peterson Air and Space Museum

150 E. Ent Ave., Peterson AFB, CO NONPROFIT NEWS:

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The Great Outdoors GET OUTSIDE, GIVE BACK

RMFI’s new projects drive organization’s growth, need for volunteers

By Susan Joy Paul

VOLUNTEER IN THE OUTDOORS To sign up for open enrollment workdays with the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, visit rmfi.org/events/ calendar. To schedule a custom group workday call 471-7736 Ext. 4.

Undergraduate students live, work and learn in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains during RMFI’s signature summer education program, Earth Corps. Photo by Justin Peterson

I

n southern Colorado, we love our great outdoors.

That’s why the Rocky Mountain Field Institute exists and is growing like a weed.

The public lands conservation and stewardship nonprofit increased its field staff from five to eleven this year to accommodate an increased demand for their services. According to Executive Director Jennifer Peterson, new contracts and a drive to market Colorado Springs as an outdoor recreation destination helped fund the expansion.

“In 2016, RMFI added eight new projects in addition to the dozen or so ongoing, multi-year projects we have on our docket,” Peterson said. “Perhaps the biggest contributor to our growth this year is being awarded the stewardship contract from the City of Colorado Springs for 26

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open-space properties purchased ... This stewardship contract formalizes a partnership we’ve had with the City since the late 1990s and creates a sustainable framework to increase capacity and impact.”

The organization is also getting support from other sources.

“RMFI participates in a number of community working groups, coalitions and committees, and among participants, there seems to be general agreement that overall awareness and support for taking care of our natural public landscapes are at an all-time high,” Peterson said.

Peterson said the push to “market our region as a world-renowned outdoor recreation destination” as an additional driver for the support of RMFI’s reach and growth, citing a “much greater priority being placed on

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conserving and stewarding our public lands, which are enormous catalysts for tourism (and which) create tremendous economic impact in our region, and add to our quality of life.”

The growing organization required more office space and other resources this year, and the business community stepped up to help. Peterson was quick to thank Phil Long Ford for “an amazing deal on a new-to-us truck,” Harris Corporation for donated furniture and supplies, and Tayco Screen Printing and Embroidery and Angler’s Covey for helping RMFI acquire affordable staff and work apparel.

Still, RMFI relies heavily on volunteers. Volunteer coordinator Molly Mazel said volunteers are critical to RMFI’s mission, and she would like to see more

get involved.

“Without an increase in volunteers and volunteer workdays, I’m afraid we won’t be able to keep up with all the work prescribed. In my ideal world, every single person who visits a park or uses a trail in this region would spend at least one day each year volunteering to give back. Imagine that — we’d be set for life,” she said.

Mike Scott’s hands have put in plenty of volunteer hours caring for local trails and parks.

“RMFI has a great reputation for doing it right, so your efforts can make a lasting difference,” he said. “Pitching in under the leadership of experts is easy: You show up and go to work.”

Scott’s advice to those considering volunteering?

“Just sign-up. Once you get out and learn what sustainable access is all about, you’ll gain a new appreciation of the outdoors. “We get dirty, work hard, do good, and have a lot of fun doing it.”

Finally, Peterson said RMFI is always in need of of equipment.

“We accept donations of working and reliable trucks and smaller fuel-efficient vehicles, shovels, leather-palmed work gloves, 5-gallon buckets, waterproof cameras, GPS units, computers, backpacks, tents and other gear, materials and supplies,” she said.

Volunteers MEET TONI WEST

Retiree donates time, energy to local food bank

By Hannah Blick

Chicago, where she’d also volunteered for 15 years at a local children’s hospital.

“It’s been in my blood, so I guess I just picked up where I left off,” she said. “I think people should at least volunteer once in their lives just to see the process of helping your community.”

West helped sort and package food through both the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires and has volunteered at portable food banks around the community at locations like Mitchell High School.

She said every time she sees

a people line up for food, it’s enough motivation to keep her coming back to Care and Share each week. “Helping those who need it most, that’s why I do it,” she said. “That’s all it takes.”

Not only is West a valuable resource for Care and Share when it comes to daily tasks, she’s proven her leadership abilities in stepping up to train new volunteers.

From teens to retirees, West has helped a variety of volunteers learn new roles. “We help each other out, and that way, the staff can get back to their jobs and we can all help feed the city.”

WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Check out these volunteer opportunities around town Toni West helps sort and package food in the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado warehouse. Courtesy photo

W

hen Toni West moved to Colorado Springs six years ago, she knew she wanted to volunteer in her new community, but wasn’t sure where to invest her time.

Luckily for Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, she quickly found her niche.

“I was headed to the grocery store and I passed the food bank, and thought, ‘I’m going to have to stop in there and see what’s going on,’” West said. “And that’s how it all started, simple as that.”

West started in the food bank’s sorting and packing department, checking product expiration dates and ensuring the quality of food coming in and going out of Care and Share’s

warehouse, but she didn’t stop there. “I’ve worked in the welcome office and administration and whenever we have special events, I volunteer those, too,” she said.

For five hours a week, in the mornings on Mondays and Thursdays, West faithfully shows up to help feed her neighbors.

“It makes you feel wonderful, putting packages together for these families,” she said. “It’s overwhelming just to think about the hunger in this community.”

When West started volunteering with Care and Share, she was no stranger to philanthropy: she had recently retired after working 36 years at the Lions Clubs International Headquarters in

FROM HAPPY CATS HAVEN Happy Cats Haven is building a fun, innovative and organized volunteer program to take care of our homeless cats and kittens.

Our volunteers are the soul of our organization, and the cats depend on us to make their stay here as healthy and happy as possible. For more information or to submit a volunteer application, visit happycatshaven.org/ volunteer.

FROM KOMEN COLORADO SOUTH Are you a leader, a thinker or a doer? Use your talents in our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. We need you now more than ever. Volunteers provide countless hours contributing their skills to fur-

ther the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® promise. For more information or to submit a volunteer application, visit komencoloradosouth.org/get-involved/volunteer.

FROM THE SALVATION ARMY, EL PASO COUNTY Volunteers are critical partners in helping us fulfill our promise of “Doing the Most Good.” With your help, we are able to stretch our donor dollar for maximum impact and build a stronger community. We also encourage donation drives for food, clothing and other items to support our programs. For more information on available projects, contact Volunteer Coordinator Alma Scott at 636-5266 or alma.scott@usw. salvationarmy.org.

NONPROFIT NEWS:

GIFT OF GIVING 2016

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$10 FEEDS A SENIOR FOR A WEEK

$25 SHELTERS A FAMILY

EVERY DOLLAR RESTORES A LIFE

VISIT www.TSACS.ORG or CALL (719)884-1050

When you give to The Salvation Army, your donation helps right here in our community.