Future Leaders Feed Hope
The Junior Livestock Sale is held each year on the final Saturday of the El Paso County Fair The Sale allows youth exhibitors to sell the animals they raise as part of their market livestock projects
The youth participating in these projects are not just learning to raise healthy, natural protein They are developing critical life skills, including work ethic, public speaking, advocacy, and volunteerism The Sale committee empowers these youth with guidance, resources, and opportunities to become contributing leaders in the community
"It is rewarding to witness kids who went through these programs now showing up as leaders, volunteers, and buyers," said Patty Woodard, El Paso County Livestock Sale Committee Manager "Seeing them invest and support the next generation is a fullcircle moment "
Many former youth participants have returned to the El Paso County Fair and Junior Livestock Sale as volunteers and livestock buyers Their commitment to the program and the youth of El Paso County is a testament to its relevance and a source of hope for our future
Two individuals who share a passion for the Fair and Sale are friends Dayna Buffington and Amy Jo Fields, current volunteers, former youth participants, and former El Paso County Fair Queens "We owe much of our success and who we are to this program We developed healthy competitive natures We learned the value of hard work and perseverance It is essential for us to give back, offer support, and invest in our community's next generation of leaders "
The El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale Committee valued continuing its legacy. The committee began looking for ways to connect with the community and provide more opportunities for El Paso County youth One of those opportunities came in 2021
The Sale Committee was presented with an opportunity to meet a community need through a partnership with a local nonprofit, Protein 4-Helping Others (P4-HO). Protein 4-Helping Others uses donations made to their organization to purchase natural meat protein at market value through the Sale, and donate it to the Springs Rescue Mission The donations provide needed food (protein), and the Mission also uses the whole carcasses to teach culinary skills Clients at the Mission develop life and job skills, giving them an opportunity for a better future
This opportunity allowed the youth to make a meaningful impact and add another element of community involvement
“Through our partnership with the El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale, participating youth know they aren't just investing in their lives but helping offer hope and life transformation for others," said Cheyrl Nunnali, Protein 4-Helping Others Chair
For food banks and shelters like the Springs Rescue Mission, meat remains the most needed and difficult-to-obtain resource Their partnership with El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale and Protein 4-Helping Others helps them reach their goals and transform lives
In 2023, the Springs Rescue Mission served over 200,000 meals As the 2024 fair approaches, everyone is eager to see the success of these young participants and how many meals will be served through the partnership this year
To learn more about the El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale and Protein 4Helping Others, visit their website at www epcjrlivestocksale com/p4ho
Ring stewards help spot bids for 4-H and FFA livestock projects during the 2023 El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale
Photo by Flying M Photography
Message from the County Administrator
El Paso County is proud to share that we have earned eight 2024 NACo Achievement Awards, including a "Best in Category" award in Financial Management The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognizes outstanding county government programs and services, celebrating innovation and effective public service
Our Finance Department's Digital Data and Financial Transparency Dashboard has set a new standard for tracking and reporting on the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Other awards highlight our Public Health initiatives, Human Services' Bridge Program, and the Parks Department's innovative projects
Looking forward, we are also excited to engage with you in upcoming commissioner town halls These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss projects and programs, and gather your input on future initiatives Visit our website or our social media for more information on these town halls
Lastly, we continue to focus on employee development, with training programs designed to support our staff's growth and success Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Crystal’s Corner
In El Paso County (EPC), Colorado, we believe that economic development is more than just financial growth; it's about fostering a thriving community. Our office is uniquely positioned to serve a region that is continually expanding and evolving. We navigate this dynamic economic landscape with a focused approach, offering a variety of incentives for businesses and leveraging federal and state resources to support housing and community development Our overarching goal is to cultivate a robust, diversified economic ecosystem
Here at the El Paso County Economic Development Department, we dedicate significant effort to capturing and showcasing the tangible outcomes of our work through annual accomplishment infographics These visual summaries highlight our achievements and tell the story of our ongoing commitment to the community.
Our accomplishments in 2023 are particularly noteworthy, underscoring our success in several key areas: Business Incentives, Affordable Housing, and Community Development However, these accomplishments only tell part of the story - one of intentionality, thoughtfulness, and genuine collaboration Our small but dedicated team at EPC Economic Development works tirelessly, driven by a shared vision of creating a region that thrives economically and offers a vibrant, supportive community for all who call it home Their passion and unwavering commitment are the driving force behind our success
Our achievements are also a testament to the unwavering support of our internal team at the County, including County Administration, the Board of County Commissioners, and the invaluable contributions of our respected community partners, who have consistently championed our vision Their dedication, collaboration, and shared efforts are instrumental in ensuring that we effectively serve our community and continue to shape a region that is not only prosperous but also a wonderful place to work, live, play, and raise a family. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in our community
COURIER
The Courier is a quarterly newsletter produced by the El Paso County Department of Communications. Each issue features insight into El Paso County and the services the county provides
Communications Department
VernonStewart-ExecutiveDirector
NatalieSosa-DeputyDirector
AmyJoFields-MarketingCommunicationsManager
ScottAnderson-Communications&PublicRelationsManager
MichaelMadsen-OpenRecordsManager
DeborahContreras-Digital&SocialMediaSpecialist
SamRadomski-Webmaster
MaryPope-Communications&OpenRecordsSpecialist SPECIALTHANKSTOELPASOCOUNTYCOMMUNICATIONSAUDIOVISUALTEAM
Bret Waters El Paso County Administrator
Crystal LaTier Economic Development Executive Director
SCAN CODE TO LEARN ABOUT EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
El Paso County Receives Eight NACo Awards
El Paso County has been recognized with eight National Association of Counties (NACo) awards, including a "Best of Category" award, the only one earned in Colorado The NACo Achievement Awards have been recognizing outstanding county government programs and services since 1970
The Finance Department won the "Best in Category" award in Financial Management for the Digital Data and Financial Transparency Dashboard, created to track the American Rescue Plan Act funding allocation This tool allows citizens and officials to monitor fund usage and receive quarterly reports, increasing transparency and fostering trust in government spending.
Other awards include EPC Public Health for co-designing an initiative to support long-term community viability in southeast Colorado Springs This initiative originated as a community-focused public health project that led to a successful, independent entity focusing on the health and well-being of residents
The Department of Human Services (DHS) received an award for its Bridge Program, which helps those receiving temporary benefits by offering six months of subsidized employment with the county or an external employer The goal is to gain essential job skills while earning work experience, to stable, full-time employment
The Parks Department was awarded twice, once for its Visually Im Person (VIP) Trail, which offers an outdoor experience tailor individuals with blindness or limited vision The trail features a rope boardwalk with knots at stopping points and assistive devices th aloud informative signs, helping the visually impaired access and nature
The Kite Festival received the second award for Parks This celebration of the wind brings together communities to foster enj and learning This free event in the eastern part of the county pro community-centered opportunity for participation and cultivated a connection to the area's natural elements
The Department of Public Works (DPW) was recognized with three a One award was for its Road Safety Plan, a data-driven initiative focu reducing transportation-related fatalities and injuries It employs a pronged approach, focusing on engineering, education, encourage evaluation, and enforcement, emphasizing improving driver behavi enhancing safety
The second award was for its Workforce Development Program, which establishes clear career progression and individual development plans for DPW employees, increasing retention and employee satisfaction
The final award was for the DPW Connects Program, which partners with local schools to encourage young graduates to enter skilled labor careers By providing opportunities for students to explore careers, receive training, and obtain certifications, the program aims to address workforce shortages and help young people find gainful careers
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast and comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, financial management, criminal justice and public safety, transportation, health, civic engagement, and more The program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government Each nominated program is judged on its merits and not against other applications
“I am proud that El Paso County was recognized with eight awards from the National Association of Counties,” said El Paso County Administrator Bret Waters “This remarkable achievement highlights our team's exceptional dedication, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Each award signifies the outstanding efforts of our staff to enhance the quality of life for our residents We will continue to build on these achievements and strive for excellence in all we do for El Paso County ”
“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities ”
"Richard's unwavering dedication and commitment to serving our veterans through Operation TBI Freedom have truly been a beacon of hope and support His passion for assisting veterans and their families goes beyond mere duty, making a significant impact on the lives of those he serves
Rich's tireless efforts in navigating the intricate landscape of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits have been nothing short of remarkable His compassionate approach and expertise are evident in every interaction, reflecting the power of empathy and genuine care
In recognizing Richard for his exceptional veteran service officer (VSO) services, Operation TBI Freedom acknowledges the profound difference he makes in the lives of veterans As a team, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and consider him a true Godsend
We convey our deepest appreciation to Rich for his selfless service His support is not just a job; it's a lifeline for those who have sacrificed so much for our country Thank you all for your dedication to honoring and assisting our veterans " - Steven J Smith, Craig Hospital/ Operation TBI Freedom
TheDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)has CollectedSeveralHonorsThisYear
Stacie Kwitek Awarded the Loperena Excellence in Mentorship Award Congratulations to Stacie Kwitek, Executive Director of the Department of Human Services, for winning the Loperena Excellence in Mentorship Award from the National Adoption Association
“Last year, I applied for the County Mentorship Program and was fortunate to be accepted and paired with Stacie as my mentor Working with Stacie over the past year has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and she is truly deserving of this award ” -Mike Madsen (Open Records Manager)
Children, Youth, and Family Services Deputy Director Honored The Colorado Chapter of National Association of Social Workers (NASWCO) recently recognized Dr Jason Lester, Deputy Director of DHS Children, Youth, and Family Services, as the 2024 Social Worker of the Year
Community Recognition from UCCS DHS Staff & Policy Development Manager Bianca Brandon (LCSW) and DHS Staff Development Supervisor – Protective Services Amber Dewan-Trepus (MA, MSW) have been honored by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) as the MSW Practicum Instructors of the Year This is in recognition of the comprehensive internship program they developed within DHS
TwoElPasoCountyEmployeesRecognizedat NAGCConference
Mike Madsen, Open Records Manager for El Paso County, presented at the National Association of Government Communicators’ Communications School on May 23, 2024 in New Orleans. Taking center stage at the conference, Mike shared his expertise on navigating open records statutes, focusing on creating positive interactions with requestors while adhering to what is required by law He emphasized the importance of a culture of openness and transparency, offering invaluable insights for government communicators nationwide
Director of Communications, Vernon Stewart, was also honored at the event; he was nominated for the prestigious 2024 Communicator of the Year Each year, the NAGC Board of Directors presents this award to exceptional public servants for their outstanding work in the field of government communications Vernon was nominated for his exceptional leadership and innovative strategies, enhancing awareness of VA services and crisis plans during severe weather
In 2022, the City of Biloxi proclaimed a “Vernon Stewart Day” in his honor, recognizing his significant contributions to the community. His work with the City of Pensacola earned him the 2017 Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Award for Emerging Business Leader of the Year, due to his dedication to advocacy and volunteerism, particularly for vulnerable adults, children, veterans, and cancer survivors In 2017 he was named an INweekly Rising Star, celebrating his leadership and community advocacy.
Stacie Kwitek with Award
Bianca & Amber with Awards
Vernon Stewart Mike Madsen
ElPasoCountyPublicHealthReleasesthe 2023CommunityHealthAssessment
El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) recently released the 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA), which utilizes local data to describe the overall health and well-being of El Paso County communities The goal of the CHA is to identify key health needs and issues through systematic, comprehensive data collection and analysis To inform the development of the CHA, EPCPH and the Healthy Community Collaborative (HCC), a multi-disciplinary group led by EPCPH comprised of more than 60 representatives from local schools, hospitals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, economic development and interested citizens, worked together to access local data on the key factors which impact health Those factors, which include the conditions and places where people live, learn, work, pray and play, are all integral to health, well-being, and quality of life
As part of the CHA process, EPCPH and the HCC identified and analyzed nearly 60 different health indicators Following a thorough assessment, combined with looking at community needs and resources, the HCC selected four leading health areas: Barriers to accessing health care, Suicide, Drug overdose, and Housing stability.
The CHA and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) are completed every five years, as statutorily required by the Colorado Public Health Act The full report outlining each identified area and its impacts to our communities can be found on the El Paso County Public Health website, www elpasocountyhealth org/
ElPasoCountyLaunchesMentorship ProgramforEmployees
In an effort to continue to demonstrate our investment in and dedication to our employees' growth and development, El Paso County created an official Mentorship Program, and we are now nearing the end of its first cohort
The mentorship team developed the program over seven months and included members from Human Resources and County Administration The program was created to offer a unique opportunity for personal and professional development For mentees, it means gaining guidance and support in navigating their career paths, overcoming challenges, and setting and achieving goals For mentors, it’s a chance to develop leadership and coaching skills and gain fresh perspectives from their mentees
We launched the program with a kick-off event in October 2023 with 15 mentors and mentees This event was an opportunity to get to know each other and discuss the program’s goals, roles, responsibilities, and resources to make it a success
To further foster meaningful connections between individuals within our organization, we hosted several networking events throughout the program, giving the mentors and mentees time to connect with not only their partners but also with other program participants These events also allowed the Mentorship Team to get feedback on the program, furthering our understanding of opportunities to improve, and to hear the impact the program has had on the participants
We are thankful for our amazing mentors and their dedication, patience, and willingness to share their experiences and wisdom They have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled confidence and provided support Their commitment to this program has been inspiring and instrumental in its success
Our mentees have shown incredible enthusiasm and resilience and made significant strides in their personal and professional development We are thankful for their courage and initiative in participating in our brand-new program
It was inspiring to hear how the mentors felt they had learned and been impacted just as much as the mentees which is the true essence of mentorship Many mentees spoke about how the program helped them in their personal and professional lives, enhancing their communication skills and problem-solving abilities
This program has been a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of mentorship We have witnessed the formation of lasting relationships and the exchange of invaluable insights, and we are excited to continue growing our mentorship community by starting the next program in January 2025!
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction ” — John Crosby
VIEWPOINT
In the below position, black is doing all he can to hang on White is down a pawn but has received more than adequate positional compensation. He has bishop pair zeroing in on black’s king while black’s Knights are having a difficult time finding purchase How can white take advantage of black’s precarious position?
ANSWER ON PAGE 8
