Empty Stocking Fund 40th Anniversary Book

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PIKES PEAK REGION

P r o u d s u p p o r t e r o f E m p t y S t o c k i n g F u n d . T h a n k yo u f o r 4 0 Ye a r s o f S e r v i c e t o o u r C o m m u n i t y.

th 40 ANNIVERSARY

One donation. 20 agencies. A whole community served.

By Wayne Heilman, Special to The Gazette

The Empty Stocking Fund was started in 1984 by the Gazette Telegraph (now The Gazette) to “provide a means by which more fortunate members of the community can share the holiday spirit with those who have some special needs this time of year.”

That is from a story published in the Dec. 4, 1984, edition of the paper to promote the newly formed fund to raise money annually to help those in need. The rst campaign raised $45,000 in cash and goods to assist 27 families. Ten years later the campaign shifted to a community fundraiser for nonpro ts in the Pikes Peak Region.

Now, the Gazette Charities Foundation-El Pomar Foundation

Empty Stocking Fund provides funding to 20 local health and human service agencies in El Paso and Teller Counties on the front lines helping people in crisis and assisting others in attaining self-suf ciency. The Fund has raised more than $25 million since it was started, including a $1.7 million record-breaking year.

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STAFF

Deb Mahan Executive Director, Gazette Charities Foundation

Giuliana D’Agostino Marketing Coordinator, The Gazette/Gazette Charities Foundation

Amber Borata Graphic Designer, The Gazette/Gazette Charities Foundation

Alyia Mathenia UCCS Graduate Fellow, School of Public Affairs

Vince Bzdek

Deb Mahan

Bob Manzi

Ryan McKibben

Nicola Sapp

Rich Williams

Chris Reen Board President

Gazette Charities Foundation Board:

QHow did the Empty Stocking Fund get started?

Diane Wengler: Well, it started when Roy Smith, who was the publisher at the time, walked into my office and said that he wanted a promotion that would involve our readers and helping others at Christmas time. Unfortunately, it was only about two weeks before Thanksgiving when he wanted to kick it off. We had to start brainstorming quickly and we partnered with (the) News (Department) to do it. We worked out a program where every day from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there would be a family featured on the front page of the paper who had difficulty ...

And we got food and toys donated. In fact, on the first Christmas Eve, people were just walking in the door with big bags of canned goods and money and checks and whatever. One woman walked in with a Cabbage Patch doll, which was the hot toy of the season. A lot of the marketing and news staff stayed to deliver the food, cash and toys. That was in 1984 and we raised $45,000, plus a lot of in-kind donations of clothing, cars and other items.

Learn more about the Empty Stocking Fund — its history and what comes next — from those intimately involved.

QWhat is your fondest memory of the Empty Stocking Fund?

Care and Share (Food Bank for Southern Colorado) was involved from the first and other agencies, including ESM (Ecumenical Social Ministries) and Tri-Lakes Cares, helped with the effort. Linda Smith, a former (Gazette Telegraph) feature writer, became the marketing assistant and coordinated with the agencies and News Department in doing the stories.

Diane Wengler: On that first Christmas Eve the program was going well — we were getting donations, and it was working smoothly. Then, hundreds of people poured into the lobby (of the Gazette Telegraph) giving food, clothing and money. The response from employees to help distribute it was the true Christmas spirit. They did it without pay. We were better prepared the next year and we let the children of the Gazette staff come to help out. People used their own cars to make deliveries and we directed them where to go.

Chris Reen: I’ve been with Gazette, Gazette Charities and the Empty Stocking Fund for five years. My fondest memory is just becoming part of the campaign that’s so important to the community and seeing the impact on the clients of the 20 Health and Human Services agencies that the Empty Stocking Fund works with every year. It’s gratifying to be a part of something that makes such a significant difference in the community.

Diane Wengler Founding Director Empty Stocking Fund

Deb Mahan Executive Director Gazette Charities Foundation

Chris Reen Board President Gazette Charities Foundation

Photo by Cody Van Hooser, The Gazette

Deb Mahan: I’ve been doing this now for six years, and I think my fondest memory probably of every campaign every year as it comes back around is always the opening reception and the closing reception. There’s something about the energy of watching all those agencies and all of our donors, longtime donors who love this campaign coming together, celebrating that it’s another year to give of their hearts and generosity to this community knowing that it’s going to have this enormous impact is just so exciting for me to watch that in real time every year. When you look at the collective impact in the community, I think that the programs impact some 350,000 people in the Pikes Peak region.

Chris Reen: It is the ultimate pay-it-forward process. It is not if you are in need of service from one of these agencies, but when. If not you, a neighbor, family member or friend will need service from one of these agencies. You are not just investing in the Empty Stocking Fund, you are investing in our community.

Deb Mahan: We all know someone who has been touched by one of these agencies.

QQWhat was your biggest challenge/obstacle with the Empty Stocking Fund?

Deb Mahan: The biggest challenge for any philanthropic endeavor is we see so much need and so many organizations that need financial support. There can be donor fatigue. The key is the impact on the most vulnerable in our community. Empty Stocking Fund is one of the oldest campaigns of its type with 40 years of history and goodwill. The campaign is a safe and well-trusted place to give.

Isn’t it remarkable that ESF has survived and grown despite the changes in the newspaper industry?

Chris Reen: While Empty Stocking Fund is a part of the Gazette Charities Foundation, it is a story that was written 40 years ago. The foundation is separate from the media company and the challenges the newspaper industry has faced haven’t impacted the campaign significantly. The Empty Stocking Fund has survived recessions and ebbs and flows of the local economy. Because of the important work of our partner agencies, it has thrived, grown and reached new donors.

Deb Mahan: The campaign has been supported by El Pomar Foundation, Bruni Foundation, the Pikes Peak Community Foundation and several other foundations. That has helped Empty Stocking Fund survive and thrive through many challenges and changes in the community. We have a large-hearted community and that hasn’t changed.

Diane Wengler: If the campaign had reached the point where it didn’t have all the support and staff it needed to keep it going, they (Funding Partners) clinched it both and the past and now by funding the administrative expenses. People can see the direct benefit. With any charity, if people can’t see the benefit, those events die.

QChris Reen: One of the biggest challenges for everyone was COVID, but our agencies really stepped up because during the pandemic the campaign raised as much as it had ever raised. The population of the region continues to grow, so we need to continue to expand the number of donors. We are pleased to have support from our foundation, donors, and major givers. It is incumbent on us to expand the donor base because the need has expanded as the population increases. That is why we need to attract new donors. We are using new tools and technology to expand our donor base. Deb Mahan: Generation Y and Z donors want to see how their donation is having an impact. We learned during COVID when we couldn’t have events that we couldn’t depend on just events to drive the campaign. This is a direct ask campaign where we reach out to donors directly.

“It all started with a story... There are real families and individuals connected to this.”

Chris Reen, Empty Stocking Fund Board President

Diane Wengler: I can’t really think of any obstacles. The campaign went so smoothly when we partnered with the agencies to find families for the news organization to interview. I can’t think of any problems. If there were any (problems), Linda Smith handled them; she was terrific! I knew we had to involve the agencies because we didn’t have connections to specific people in need. We funded travel for a terminally ill woman to spend her last Christmas with her family in California. If we determined someone needed more help, we got involved with that.

What do you see the Empty Stocking Fund becoming in 5 - 10 years?

Deb Mahan: We are going to continue to respond to the needs of the community. The fund will continue to grow and that is always predicated on these being the strongest, most strategic agencies meeting the needs of the community.

Chris Reen: I wish I could say that the needs are subsiding, but they are not, whether it be for domestic violence victims, mental health treatment. I hope the campaign keeps pace with both the growth and needs of the community.

Deb Mahan: As the community grows, we may need to ask ourselves who else meets the needs of the community and how they might become part of the campaign.

As the need grows, there may be an opportunity to add agencies. We will need to ensure that it doesn’t impact the other agencies and their ability to meet the needs of the community. We want to be responsible and responsive about any growth we may have. We have added Safe Passage, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Colorado Springs in recent years. To have the only child advocacy center in Colorado with Safe Passage is huge. We added NAMI three years ago to address the mental health crisis. The services provided by Mt. Carmel are incredible.

Diane Wengler: I think it’s limited only by the creativity and enthusiasm of those involved in what direction they want it to take. If it just sustains at the present levels, it’s a tremendous gift. But I would imagine it continues to grow and involve new people who’ve joined the community and with continuing the support of people who have supported it since that first year. I could see more charities (beyond the current 20) being involved as the campaign continues to grow and raise more money.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

By Rachael Wright, Special to The Gazette

For the past 142 years the Red Cross has been in the business of saving lives. The 40 employees and 420 volunteers in Colorado Springs respond daily to calls from the fire department, arriving at the scene within 90 minutes where they offer financial and housing assistance, care packages, and mental and spiritual care.

Executive Director Phil Martinez worked with Clear Channel and iHeart Radio for over 30 years before transitioning into the non-profit world in 2021. “It’s been delightful to make the shift to the non-profit sector,” Martinez said. “You have a direct impact in people’s lives. My role is to tell the story of what we do to help people and continue to help people.”

Several disasters in the first half of 2023 meant Martinez was deployed to both Idalia, Florida and Arkansas in the wake of a devastating tornado. “When I was deployed to Arkansas I was talking to a 79-year-old lady and she lamented the four minutes that had completely devastated her life,” Martinez recalled. “But she was filled with optimism and pride in her community which had stepped up to help each other. She told me that she felt something good would come out of the situation and her community, divided on racial lines, would work together to rebuild.”

Martinez said that he is constantly in awe of the resiliency of the human spirit in the wake of disaster. Faced with so much strength of character Martinez said it’s important that Red Cross employees and volunteers match strength for

CARE AND SHARE

By Wayne Heilman, Special to The Gazette

Care and Share doesn’t operate many food pantries — the Colorado Springs-based nonprofit mostly provides food for other food pantries — but the three that it operates in southern Colorado have made a huge difference for Richard and Cassandra.

The Sunnyside Market that Care and Share operates in Fountain gives Richard a place to meet and talk with customers as he hands out grocery carts and helps customers load food into their cars. The market also provides Cassandra with groceries so she can afford to pay for chemotherapy and radiation treatments for bone cancer. Both are clients of the nonprofit and are identified only by their first names to protect their privacy.

“I have at least 10 people every shift that I volunteer for tell me that if not for Care and Share they would go hungry,” said Richard, who is retired from a 20-year career in the Army medical corps but also worked in the corrections industry afterwards. “I went to the market twice after it opened to do some shopping and I thought ‘why not volunteer; they need the help.’ It is one of the best things happening in Fountain. This is the most worthwhile

strength but also make sure that the people they help know it’s okay to be vulnerable.

Closer to home the Red Cross is constantly striving toward its goal of saving lives through long-term prevention programs. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the United States and the installation of working smoke alarms cuts the risk of death by half. The Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign installs smoke alarms for free and teaches residents how to get out of the home safely within two minutes.

react, and teaching parents what to do if there is a home fire or a tragedy at their children’s school.”

In 2021 Kira Castle saved the life of an elementary school student who was chocking. Castle had previously taken a Red Cross funded CPR and First Aid training course. She was honored by the Red Cross with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. “She knew what to do and she saved her student’s life,” Martinez said with pride.

“We couldn’t do what we do without Empty Stocking Fund support. The Empty Stocking Fund also allows up to put even more money toward programs like the

the Home Fires Campaign,” Martinez said, “as well as getting into schools and educating young children on the perils of fire danger, how to

While the Red Cross is busy educating the community about the dangers of fires and running its blood donation drives, the organization has doubled down on the research and tracking of natural disasters. There is no longer just a fire season, Martinez said, now fires can happen year round which requires more donor dollars and volunteers. “We are focusing on charting the paths of these disasters, if we knew this happened three years ago, could it happen again?” said Martinez. “We are actively involved with the city council, the mayor, Rep. Doug Lamborn, in an effort to keep our community safe.”

All the good work of the Red Cross wouldn’t be possible without the devoted service of their volunteers. “Ninety percent of what we do is our volunteers,” Martinez said. “Financial assistance is always great but we also need volunteers.” Visit www.redcross.org to learn more.

thing I’ve ever done.”

Cassandra had reached the point where she faced the choice of “either paying my copay or getting groceries. I don’t know that I would be able to feed my kids without it. I would have had to take stuff to the pawn shop to be able to afford groceries”.

The markets are a small part of Care and Share’s operations, which are staffed by 70 employees and 6,000 volunteers and are spread across 47,000 square miles in 29 southern Colorado counties. The nonprofit provided 23.2 million pounds of food, enough to make 19 million meals, in the fiscal year ending June 30 to nearly 300 food pantries in the southern half of the state through distribution centers in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and one that opened in May in Alamosa. Care and Share began opening the markets two years ago to serve “food deserts,” in neighborhoods and areas that have no grocery stores or food pantries to provide fresh food for lowincome individuals and families. Besides Fountain, the nonprofit also operates markets in Pueblo and one that opened in October at the Pikes Peak Family Success Center in southeast Colorado Springs, and it also operates two mobile food pantries in semitrucks, with a third planned for next year.

Assistance program, recovers surplus food from about 80 grocery retailers, benefits from food drives by schools, services clubs and other organizations and uses funds from state and foundation grants to buy low-cost food. Every dollar donated to Care and Share produces five meals, including money the nonprofit receives from the Empty Stocking Fund, where it was among the first five agencies to receive funding.

Care and Share sponsors an annual food drive, called Harvest of Love, at schools in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas — Nov. 1-17 this year — and collects turkeys during its “Take a Turkey to Work Day” at King Soopers stores in both areas — Nov. 17 this year.

The agency receives food from the federal Emergency Food

“We have received millions of dollars and helped hundreds of thousands of people through the Empty Stocking Fund. It has been one of the most important partners we have,” said Nate Springer, who became Care and Share’s CEO last year. The agency has been an Empty Stocking Fund partner since the campaign moved after the first few years from helping individuals and families directly to working through partner agencies.

Care and Share traces its roots to 1972, when a Catholic nun, Sister Dominique Pisciotta, and five volunteers who worked with several local churches to open two years later what would become Care and Share in a downtown garage. The nonprofit will mark its 50th anniversary next year — Care and Share was incorporated in October 1974 — with a major celebration at its Colorado Springs distribution center for donors, volunteers, partner agencies and others. Visit www.careandshare.org to learn more.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

By Wayne Heilman, Special to The Gazette

Kristin wouldn’t be studying for two college degrees at Pikes Peak State College if not for the help she received from Catholic Charities of Central Colorado. The 33-yearold single mother of three children is seeking degrees in medical coding and nursing after ending two relationships with the children’s fathers due to domestic violence. The life coaching program at Catholic Charities helped give Kristin the support system that she needed to improve her life. Originally from Minnesota, Kristin has been in the Colorado Springs area for five years and is only identified by her first name to protect her privacy.

“I didn’t have anybody, no support system, to give me somebody who was on my side and who would believe in me when I didn’t even believe in myself,” she said. “They taught me budgeting, got me into stable housing and got me to be mentally ready to dive into the world and get where I want to be. My end goal is to be an LPN (licensed practical nurse) when I get my nursing degree in about four years; it’s what I always wanted to do.”

Catholic Charities Is social service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs, serving an area stretching from Burlington to Leadville by providing help with rent, utility bills, meals, employment and health care to all who need assistance. The agency has operated the Marian House to provide daily prepared meals to low-income and homeless persons since 1985 and has since added the Hanifen Employment Center and the Family Connections program at the former Helen Hunt Elementary School.

By Wayne Heilman, Special to The Gazette

Denise Olson’s 4-year-old son, Jase, may not need special education services in kindergarten next fall due to improvements in his speech and communications skills from help he received in the Head Start program operated by Community Partnership for Child Development.

Olson, a board member of the nonprofit, said Jase had received preschool services through the Resource Exchange but was too old to continue in that program and moved in 2021 to Head Start, which helped her family avoid paying for childcare services they couldn’t really afford.

“We had gone through a difficult time and lost our home and cars, so living paycheck to paycheck it was difficult to afford childcare,” Olson said. “One of the reasons Jase excelled in Head Start is because they offered alternative learning structures, such as hands-on learning.”

The Colorado Springsbased nonprofit also operates other early childhood education programs and this year became a provider in Colorado’s new Universal Preschool program.

About 600 children, who are in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, are enrolled in CPCD’s preschool program and receive at least

Inflation is rapidly increasing the need for the prepared meals, food and other services Catholic Charities provides in the 10 counties that make up the Colorado Springs Catholic Diocese and the agency continues to expand to meet those and other needs. The number of meals served daily at the Catholic Charities Marian House Kitchen has climbed from 250 a day a year ago to about 300 today and its Marketplace food pantry has given away 21,000 pounds of food in September, up from 17,000 from September 2022, said Andy Barton, CEO of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado. The rising cost of living has both increased the number of people who can’t make ends meet and the amount of help they need, he said. “The demand for services has increased because of inflation and we’ve seen that increase both from people who are housed and those who are unhoused,” Barton said. “Keeping people fed, warm and with transportation is the most critical work we do.”

that the agency continues meet The

number of meals served

providing diapers and baby formula, children’s clothing, bus passes, gas cards, help in getting a driver’s license and vehicle registration, access to laundry facilities and showers and help with childcare. The agency will soon expand its services at the Hunt campus with a $5 million construction project, funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, that will convert one of the buildings into 24 apartments and is scheduled to begin in March. The studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are expected to be available in January 2025 to help homeless families stabilize their lives and escape homelessness.

Catholic Charities uses the $90,000-$100,000 it receives annually from the Empty Stocking Fund to provide services to homeless persons and families, “the most vulnerable in our community,” Barton said. The agency has been one of the agencies supported by the fund for 24 years, which “says something about the impact Empty Stocking Fund has had in our community that it has continued to help people for the past 40 years,” he said.

The services Catholic Charities provides at the Marian House are designed to help prevent eviction, provide access to health care and provide food to those in poverty. Services provided in the Family Connections program include

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT (CPCD)

15 hours of instruction that are blended with its Head Start program to provide additional hours of instruction to qualifying families, said Steven Lewis, who became CPCD’s CEO in December. The nonprofit expects up to 300 additional children will be enrolled in its Universal Preschool program by the end of the school year.

CPCD had previously operated the 30-year-old Colorado Preschool Program, which was replaced by the Universal Preschool program, locally for 374 local children. Under the new universal program, parents can choose any licensed provider, which can include public-school classrooms, private childcare centers, churches or licensed homes. Families with a low income and another qualifying factor, such as homelessness, can qualify for additional hours of instruction.

The agency was started in 1968 as Colorado Springs Catholic Social Services with funding from the Archdiocese of Denver and focusing on child welfare services, budget counseling and counseling for subsidized homes. The organization became part of the local diocese when it was carved out of the Denver Archdiocese in 1984. Catholic Charities is a separate nonprofit from the Diocese of Colorado Springs and has an annual budget of about $12 million. Visit: www.ccharititescc.org to learn more.

School District 2, Widefield School District 3, Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, Colorado Springs School District 11, Academy School District 20 and School District 49. The nonprofit also works with Early Connections Learning Centers, Little Tykes Learning Center and District 11’s Adult and Family Education program.

All CPCD programs are free to eligible families, such as those receiving help from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Supplemental Security Income payments; those who are homeless; have a child in foster care; or if the family’s income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.

hours of instruction.

The nonprofit’s Head Start program offers a half

The nonprofit’s Head Start program offers a half day of early childhood education for nearly 1,000 children ages 3 to 5, so adding the universal preschool program allows parents who qualify to get instruction and care for their children for the entire day. CPCD also operates the federal Early Head Start program for about 200 children up to age 3. Together the three programs provide care and services to nearly 1,800 children up to age 5 at 27 locations in Harrison

CPCD receives about $80,000 annually from the Empty Stocking Fund, money used to help fund the Early Head Start program, which requires support from the fund and other donors because the nonprofit is required to fund about 20% of the program’s cost, Lewis said. That funding helps CPCD, which has been one of 20 agencies supported by the Empty Stocking Fund since 2015, hire qualified teachers, provide health support, nutrition services and education for Head Start parents, he said.

CPCD, was started in 1987 as a spinoff of Catholic Charities, which had operated the local Head Start program, and received a federal grant the following year to take over the program in the Colorado Springs area. CPCD now has an annual budget of $27 million and employs 350 people to operate the three programs.

Visit: www.cpcdheadstart.org to learn more.

Providing meals, transporation and care to over 3,500 seniors.

Providing hospice and palliative care for nearly 5,000 family members.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES

By Wayne Heilman, Special to The Gazette

Lutheran Family Services often provides help to families when they have nowhere else to turn — that could be providing emergency childcare, helping refugees and asylum seekers find new homes in Colorado or helping families with adoption or foster care.

The Denver-based nonprofit, which provides services in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Utah, operates the KPC Respite Center and Nursery in Colorado Springs, which provides free childcare to parents while the attend court hearings or for any family emergency, said Margo Hatton, vice president of development in the agency’s Denver office. KPC is the only emergency childcare center in Colorado and one of just a handful of similar centers nationwide, she said.

“Parents are referred to us by the courts, so they don’t have to bring their kids to court. It is meant for emergency use, so can be used for family emergency such as medical or behavioral health incidents,” Hatton said. “We have a strong partnership with Ascension Lutheran Church — we pay only nominal rent so all the funding we get for the center goes into operating it. We would like to see this center replicated across the state.”

The center last year provided nearly 8,200 hours of care to 244 children up to age 5 whose families are in crisis, Hatton said. The agency spent $200,000 last year completing a 15-month remodeling project that gutted the former single-family home after a pipe burst in mid-2021 and caused extensive damage. Ascension Lutheran Church housed the center during the renovation. Lutheran Family Services uses funds from the Empty Stocking Fund to support the KPC Center.

Providing critical care and services to vulnerable patients.

Serving 500 youth with shelter, essential services and meals.

The agency’s largest program helped 1,137 refugees and asylum seekers resettle in the Colorado Springs area last year, about half of the previous year’s total that had largely come from refugees fleeing the 2021 collapse of the previous Afghanistan government. Hatton said many of the refugees Lutheran Family Services helped last year came from Cuba and Venezuela, where the economies of both nations are collapsing, and a smaller amount fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Lutheran Family Services assigns a case manager and a volunteer to every refugee and asylum seeker to help them get identification documents, find jobs and help children get settled into a new school once they have arrived in the four-state region.

A new care management program refers refugees and asylum seekers solve issues to other agencies to solve issues ranging from housing and federal nutrition programs to family therapy and counseling. The agency also operates a full-service adoption agency, including international adoption; foster care services for children unable to live with their birth families; the Anchor House program in Denver for teens who have aged out of the foster care system and still need support; the SafeCare Colorado program that provides in-home services to parents to train them how to provide a safe home, address child health needs and other services.

Other programs operated by Lutheran Family Services include cultural mentorship for refugees and asylum seekers, free mental health services and trauma-informed care for refugees, fire victims and others who have survived disasters

and other traumas as well as its Pregnancy Options Colorado program for unplanned pregnancy counseling and the Lifework Aging Solutions program that offers guardianship services for seniors with cognitive issues.

The agency also has restructured its annual holiday drive from collecting toys to collecting pots, pans and food so refugees can cook their own holiday meal that fits with their culture as well as practical items like coats, blankets and sheets that fill an immediate need for refugees. All donated items must be new.

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains was started in 1948 as an adoption agency and has added other programs and expanded into nearby states during the past 75 years. The agency, which employs 220 people and has nearly 3,000 volunteers, has an annual budget of $37 million. Visit: www.lfsrm.org to learn more.

MERCY’S GATE

By William J. Dagendesh, Special to The Gazette

Mercy’s Gate serves about 30,000 people annually, and its partnership with Empty Stocking Fund allows the agency to offer relief and hope to those in crisis, according to Chief Executive Officer Jason Dilger. To access the agency’s direct services, individuals and families in crisis connect with a compassionate and Christ-centered team who listen with empathy and work with clients to provide direct services and develop a personalized plan for restoration.

Mercy’s Gate’s holistic approach to addressing the needs of those in crisis includes providing financial, physical, emotional and spiritual support, along with education and career guidance. “Overall, our partnership with ESF is a valuable asset to our mission, vision and core values, and allows us to work towards our goal of offering relief, hope and restoration to those in need, while also contributing to the greater good of the community,” Dilger said.

The Empty Stocking Fund provides Mercy’s Gate with community engagement, community awareness and funding designed to help prevent local homelessness. “Our partnership with Empty Stocking Fund enables us to maximize our resources and achieve greater impact in the community. By working as a team, we are able to coordinate efforts towards a common goal. Our commitment to stewardship ensures that we are using our resources efficiently and effectively to achieve results,” said Dilger.

The agency’s involvement with the ESF has helped save money in many ways. Mercy’s Gate receives essential

donations and supplies that it can allocate towards clients’ needs, and it also establishes meaningful partnerships with local businesses.

According to Dilger, the biggest obstacle for Mercy’s Gate has been the lack of awareness about services among the working poor community. Despite the agency’s efforts to create awareness and spread the word about its services, there are still many people who are unaware of the resources the agency provides to support them during their tough times.

“We have discovered that most of the people who come to our facility are referrals from other organizations or friends and family members of those who have utilized our services before. Our clients are generally not aware that we can offer assistance in many different forms beyond our basic food and clothing assistance programs,” Dilger said.

Mercy’s Gate has implemented several new strategies to increase awareness about its programs. First, it has created partnerships with other community organizations to improve its outreach. The agency works closely with schools, faith-based groups and local businesses to spread the word about services through its

communication channels.

“The most rewarding aspect of working with the ESF has been the ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, and the sense of community that’s been fostered through our partnership. We are honored to be a part of this incredible partnership and are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve,” Dilger said. Visit www.mercysgate.org to learn more.

MT CARMEL VERTERAN SERVICES CENTER

By William J. Dagendesh, Special to The Gazette

Mt. Carmel Veterans Services Center, established in 2015, is an incubator/network hub for Veteran services, partnering with more than 45 private, nonprofit, and governmental agencies to provide wrap-around support and resources. Created through the vision of Colorado businessman and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Jay Cimino, who wanted to establish an organization to serve the Pikes Peak Region’s military and Veteran population. Its partnership with the Empty Stocking Fund has enhanced the services provided to these people.

Mt. Carmel’s programs include Employment and Transition services, Behavioral Health and Wellness, Veteran and Family Resources, and a Veterans Business Outreach Center. In early 2020, Mt. Carmel was invited to submit a letter of interest for inclusion in the ESF. The agency’s collaborative effort with the organization has offered valuable networking opportunities at local events, and the funding it provides is unrestricted, which is important to assure operating expenses are covered.

“ESF Funding has been important to cover the operational costs of running our program and providing comprehensive resources for military and Veteran families in the Pikes Peak Region,” said Mt. Carmel Executive Director Bob McLaughlin, a retired U.S. Army colonel.

He said while many services existed for Veterans and active-duty military throughout the region, navigating the system was a significant challenge and hindered access to these resources.

“The mission of Mt. Carmel is to provide the best practices for military Veterans and their families through accessible programs, integrated resources and collaborative partnerships that empower lives and strengthen our community,” said McLaughlin. As the military, Veteran and family member population within the Pikes Peak Region grows, the need for services increases, as does the demand. McLaughlin said the population of Colorado Springs has continued to increase at a great rate since its doors opened. “According to the Census Bureau, our population was 486,248 in 2022 with 84,000 military and Veteran families residing in Colorado Springs, and approximately 550 separating and retiring every month,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin said the ESF staff is “exceptional,” and Mt. Carmel has gained invaluable community exposure. He said it is an honor to be included among the ESF agencies, and that Mt. Carmel enjoys the teambuilding and networking opportunities provided by the organization.

“The exposure provided through ESF is critical to

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)

By William J. Dagendesh, Special to The Gazette

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Colorado Springs creates and cultivates a welcoming community of peers who educate, support and advocate for mental health patients. The alliance assists more than 3,000 people annually thanks to its partnership with the Empty Stocking Fund. In 2020 the support group responded to a request for a mental health service agency to join and was thrilled to be selected as one of its 20 partner agencies. Through community events and media opportunities, the ESF has helped raise the agency’s profile within the community.

Kirk Woundy, NAMI director of Strategy and Operations, said his organization is proud of its partnership. “This is our 40th year in Colorado Springs. We

started in 1983, the same year that the Empty Stocking Fund did. This is our fourth year with ESF,” he said.

NAMI provides no-cost education programs, virtual and in-person support groups, and resource and referral services while working to dismantle stigma in the community. According to Woundy, stigma related to mental health conditions has kept many people and families from seeking help. While many people seek mental health differently, especially because of COVID19-related stressors, there are thousands of people in the region who don’t feel comfortable with taking that step, Woundy said.

NAMI’s share of the money raised through the ESF is a meaningful component of the agency’s annual budget, helping it provide nocost classes, support groups, presentations and resource and referral services to local people and families at no cost.

reaching any military and Veteran family who are unaware of the support and low barrier resources and services we provide,” McLaughlin said.

Mt. Carmel is expanding into rural Southern Colorado and will eventually expand north. McLaughlin said the agency hopes, by 2028, that all military and Veteran families throughout Southern and Central Colorado have access to the support and resources it provides. To date, he said Mt. Carmel has served more than 119,000 clients.

Case Manager Mark Spillane shared comments from a client’s Veteran’s Assistance Grant Survey: “This program, and my case worker, stepped in during an extremely dire time for me and my family. Every one of my concerns was addressed in an extremely timely manner, and the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders is immense. I will, without a doubt, be referring this program to all other combat vets that I am able to. I could not be happier with how streamlined the process was, and how effective all the communication was. At no time did I ever feel like I was doing anything on my own. (I am) truly thankful for this program and my case worker.” Visit www.veteranscenter.org to learn more.

paid dividends for NAMI. As a relatively small, but rapidly growing organization, the agency can learn a lot from the large and well-established nonprofits that are part of the ESF community, Woundy said.

“Were NAMI to raise awareness at the level made possible by the ESF, we would have to invest significant amounts of money in marketing. Even then, it is unlikely that the reach would be as wide, and the impact as large,” Woundy said.

Being a part of the community of Empty Stocking Fund agencies has

According to Woundy, people deserve to have access to a judgment-free, fully accessible community where they can learn about what they or their family members are experiencing and get educated on local resources. NAMI provides just that, while its staff and 80-plus volunteers also deliver presentations and join community forums, fairs, roundtables, educational panels and other events to break down the stigma associated with asking for help. “We also continue to be there for individuals and families dealing with severe and persistent mental illness. The fund elevates the visibility of these efforts, introducing more people to NAMI resources that can change their lives for the better,” Woundy said.

Because so much has changed in the last five years, NAMI hesitates to project what the next five years will look like. However, as of right now, the agency is nearing completion of doubling its office space on the Silver Key Senior Services campus and hopes it will open up a host of new possibilities for the organization, Woundy said.

“We also hope that dedicated and ongoing outreach will help greater numbers of people from Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, military and LGBTQIA2+ communities to recognize and trust NAMI programs and volunteer opportunities.”

Visit www.namicoloradosprings.org to learn more.

Six local agencies officially join the fund and the campaign’s reach grows.

El Pomar Foundation partners with Gazette Charities Foundation and joins the campaign as a matching partner.

Empty Stocking Fund

The Bruni Foundation joins the campaign as a matching partner.

1984 1994 1995 1997 1998 2000 2003 2005 2007

Empty Stocking Fund was created to help individual families in need.

The campaign raises $300,000 for the first time

PARTNERS IN HOUSING

By William J. Dagendesh, Special to The Gazette

For the past four decades, Partners in Housing has guided families in housing crisis from insecurity to prosperity, self-reliance and stability. The agency provides one-year of transitional housing and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. PIH assists these people with achieving self-sufficiency.

Because of the support provided by PIH, families have successfully moved on to stable housing after exiting the agency’s one-year Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Families that improved their overall self-sufficiency showed increased accountability, confidence, and new life skills application, said PIH Executive Director Mary Stegner.

Vanessa was working and attending school part-time when she learned she was pregnant with her first child, at 32. She gave birth to a daughter, Lily, after having preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Lily spent more than 130 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and was on oxygen. To complicate matters further, Vanessa had exhausted her savings account, received an eviction notice and was battling her other health issues.

She contacted Partners in Housing who assisted her with transitional housing and enabled the young mother to bring her daughter home. Lily still required oxygen and medication and, as a preemie, could not be admitted to daycare. That’s when Vanessa decided to attend online school while also attending Partners in Housing Life Skills classes. By the end of the year,

Vanessa landed a full-time job and moved into an apartment. “She (Vanessa) is thankful for the support and, as an agency, we are thankful for the Empty Stocking Fund and support we receive to be able to be there for families like Vanessa’s,” said Stegner.

Stegner encourages people to donate to the ESF because every $1 donated equates to $1.45 due to matching grants from the Bruni Foundation and El Pomar

Empty Stocking Fund continues to seek local agencies to better serve community needs.

Foundation. She said 100% of it goes to the agencies because all administrative costs are covered by philanthropic partnerships. “The dollars are undesignated which means the agencies can use them where it’s needed most, allowing your dollars to have the biggest impact,” Stegner said. Stegner said individual donors have a major impact on the campaign and the support it provides and Colorado Springs is a better place because of the ESF.

“Something remarkable about the ESF and the agencies included is the breadth of who is served and in what ways. From birth to seniors, from hospice care to mental health to food to housing, the campaign provides support to all the agencies working hard on addressing those needs in our community,” Stegner said.

Every year, thousands of residents make donations to this campaign which supports human service organizations that provide critical safety-net services for the community.

“When looking at past campaign data, 96% of donations were made by individuals. When you start looking at those donations and how they add up, they make a big difference in how we’re able to serve the community. Thank you for bringing hope and help to neighbors in need.

Every donation counts toward building a better tomorrow,” Stegner said.

Visit partnersinhousing.org to learn more.

Fund Milestones

Five more local agencies join the fund to bring the total to twenty. Every partner agency covers unique and essential aspects of health and human services.

2007 2008

2016

2020 2022

The Chapman Foundation joins the campaign as a matching partner.

2023 Future

The campaign raises $1 million for the first time

Pikes Peak Community Foundation established an endowment for the Empty Stocking Fund.

PEAK VISTA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

By Rachael Wright, Special to The Gazette

Peak Vista Community Health Center has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1971 when a single volunteerrun clinic was only open two nights a week to walk-in patients. Two years after celebrating their 50th anniversary, Peak Vista employs 800 full-time staff who serve over 81,000 patients annually, 30,000 of whom are children.

Senior Director of Philanthropy Lisa James is both proud of the number of citizens and neighbors served by Peak Vista and saddened by the vast amount of Colorado Springs residents who still need quality medical care. “If we have learned anything from the past three years,” James said, “it is that people need good healthcare. We serve one in nine residents in this community and 87% of the people we serve annually are below the federal poverty level. These are our neighbors and they need to have the same chance and the same opportunities.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, James said, it was the lowest paid employees that kept the economy going, working behind the scenes. “I think it is a right to have good healthcare that everyone has access to,” James said. “When our most vulnerable and lowest income patients aren’t healthy our community isn’t healthy. Who is cleaning your office? Who are the unseen workers? They need excellent health care so that everything they do, they can give their full effort.”

To that end, Peak Vista is committed to not only providing excellent healthcare but also with a firm focus on wrap-around services. Peak Vista provides not just primary

care, dental, and mental health care, but the providers all communicate regarding each patient. “When has your dentist called your primary care provider?” James asked. “What’s special about community health is that all those providers talk behind the scenes to keep you healthy. How amazing is it when we look at the whole person!”

Peak Vista also runs safe, clean and staffed well-child waiting areas. Children can be checked in while their parent or guardian goes to their own appointments. In 2022 over 3,600 children were served through the well-child waiting areas. Peak Vista is also expanding the number of mental health providers to broaden access to mental health care. “Our goal in the next four years is to be able to serve 1,000 new mental health patients, which would be a 118% increase in the number of patients served and 166% growth in the appointment capacity.”

The funding Peak Vista receives from the Empty Stocking Fund is truly transformative and, according to James, every dollar touches a patient. “The Empty Stocking Fund extends our reach in ways we can’t anticipate. I want the community to know the huge impact their donations to ESF have on our patients,” James said “Peak Vista has a program called the Compassionate Care Fund which is used when patients need specialty care. That’s what we use ESF funds for. We reach out into the community when someone is at their sickest and has the least choice and we come in and put a safety net underneath them and make sure they get the care they need.”

While staff have to advocate for patients and explain why the Compassionate Care Funds are needed, they oftentimes won’t tell the patient until after the fund request is successful. “Colorado is known as a health state,” James said. “But when you break that down it isn’t universal. Wouldn’t it be awesome if everyone was healthy because we valued that?”

Visit www.peakvista.org to learn more.

PIKES PEAK HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

By Rachael Wright, Special to The Gazette

For the last four decades, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care (PPHPC) has served as Colorado Springs’ only non-profit community-based hospice. Since its inception in the late 1970s its mission has remained unchanged: to offer truly extraordinary physical, emotional and spiritual support to those facing life-limiting illness.

From its early years in Grace Episcopal Church’s donated offices PPHPC has exponentially expanded on its core mission by going above and beyond Medicare and Medicaid’s requirements for grief support services. Their vast array of services include 13 months of grief support, counseling services, specialized support groups and commemorative butterfly release events.

“Hospice is about living and helping patients live life to the fullest,” Executive Director Andrew Petersen explained. “When people get word that they need hospice, a void is created by the message of mortality. We encourage patients to embrace the time they have, to be comfortable and to be with family and friends.”

Funds made available by the Empty Stocking Fund support Pikes Peak Hospice’s Charity Care, Sentimental Journeys, Patient Special Needs, Grief Camp at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and equine therapy for children and teens.

Yesenia Rosales-Ochoa came to Pikes Peak Hospice after a difficult diagnosis. She was supported by her daughter Jocelyn Castillo,

THE PLACE

By Libby Kinder, Special to The Gazette

who put off dental school to become her mother’s primary caregiver. Castillo said her mother had worked hard all her life and a difficult childhood meant she had few options to let out her inner child. Through Pikes Peak Hospice’s Sentimental Journeys program Castillo was able to take Ochoa painting, and bonded with her mother over art, snacks and beverages. “The smile on her face when we all finished our paintings was priceless,” Castillo said. “Thank you for letting us have this memory that my mom will be able to cherish forever.”

Before coming to PPHPC Petersen was a fund development professional working with an international relief and development organization based in Seattle, WA. “I enjoyed visiting donors around the country,” Petersen said. “It was very fulfilling. However, now I can see the impact upon my neighbors. It makes our community stronger and better. It’s not that the international work is not

important too — it is. I am just happy to make a difference and show that others can make a difference here in our own backyard, so to speak.”

But as Pikes Peak Hospice expands, with plans of a 12-patient Inpatient Care Center so the organization can become self-sufficient, funding and employee retention is all the more paramount. Petersen lists an increase in patients and the requisite number of staff to provide excellent care as the biggest challenges PPHPC faces. In 2022 the organization’s 100 employees served 1,497 clients.

“We had a severe employment hit during the great resignation,” Petersen said. “The number of patients increased and we couldn’t retain enough staff to keep up with the demand. Staff were getting burned out and resigning, increasing the load on those that remained. They, too, eventually burned out. We didn’t want to risk service failures with fewer staff and more patients, so we reduced the zip code radius of our service area.”

Future plans for The PLACE are in full swing. In November 2023 ground will be broken to build The Launchpad, a 50-unit apartment complex that will provide permanent supportive housing and onsite wrap-around services. Young adults ages 18-25 who have connected with The PLACE will have a momentous opportunity to work towards self sufficiency. The concept for The Launchpad is based upon “people, place, and purpose.” Youth will have a safe place to live, access to people who they can depend on and trust, and services that will motivate them to move forward.

Progress in 2023 has also been made with expanded services at the drop-in center. The PLACE is finding that youth who use their services are disclosing that up to 70% of them are dealing with mental health issues. Becky Treece, chief development officer of The PLACE, says that all of the youth seeking their services have experienced trauma, so mental health issues will be increasingly addressed in the future.

Treece summarizes the mission of The PLACE: “The PLACE’s aspirational goal is to ensure that if a young person falls into homelessness, they are connected with the resources and services they need to change their trajectory within the first 24 hours of their crisis”. The harsh reality is that is within 72 hours of being on the streets, youth will be approached to engage in high-risk behaviors which will impede them from getting out of homelessness.

Services available from The PLACE are three-pronged: outreach, shelter and housing. Outreach is provided to youth ages 15-24. Almost daily, members of the Outreach Team go

out into the community where homeless youth typically congregate. The team develops rapport with the youth, offers needed supplies and does case management on the streets. The hope is that the youth will be responsive and come to the drop-in center for a warm meal, laundry, showers, shelter and employment services. The goal of the Outreach Team is to meet youth where they are, and provide them with what they need.

From the Empty Stocking Fund to generous private donors, PPHPC is able to continue its work, including making sure that no patients are turned away based on their ability to pay. Petersen recalls that PPHPC has served patients under a bridge in downtown Colorado Springs because they were homeless.

“In this time of life, everyone should be offered expert care, compassion and dignity,” Petersen said. Regardless of their economic status. This is what we, as a society, should be doing for our fellow neighbor.”

Visit www.pikespeakhospice.org to learn more.

Shelter is available at The PLACE for youth ages 15-20 in their 20-bed facility. Older young adults are given resources for alternative shelters. Three meals a day are provided, as well as case management with a goal to accomplish safe and stable housing. Family reunification is vigorously explored, and 70% of the time minor youth return to a trusted friend or family member.

Housing services from The PLACE provide homeless youth with a safe and stable place to live, and a road towards self-sufficiency. Currently 70 youth are living in scattered housing units across the Pikes Peak Region. Intensive case management includes connecting to physical and mental health care, developing family and life skills, and access to educational and employment resources. The PLACE provides a significant opportunity for homeless youth to get off the streets, into a safe environment, and on their way toward building a successful life.

When Ana turned 18, her emotionally abusive mother gave her the address for The PLACE, and kicked her out of the house. Ana has found community, connection among her peers, newfound confidence, and is developing independent life skills. She is “navigating life in general,” and recognizes that The PLACE is: “…a safe place to stay and there’s nothing (bad) going to happen.” This means everything to a youth with Ana’s history.

“The PLACE is incredibly grateful to be a partner agency of the Empty Stocking Fund,” said Treece. “The work we do would not be possible without the generosity of a caring community that rallies behind our most vulnerable neighbors to make sure everyone has a place to belong.”

Visit www.theplacecos.org to learn more.

By Libby Kinder, Special to The Gazette

Strengthening families, developing empowerment, fostering independence, and guidance towards available services are all ways that The Resource Exchange serves the community.

Corey Grundel’s teenage son recently connected with the nonprofit. “I would recommend to anyone who has a child or adult with a disability to reach out to The ResourceExchange. It’s a great place to start if you don’t know where to start,” she explained. This young man, who has autism and chromosomal abnormalities, has been feeling increasingly capable and valued as a person. During his initial interview with TRE, he was addressed directly rather than peripherally through his parents. He felt special and motivated to identify his needs and goals. He will benefit from vocational rehabilitation, job coaching and social skills guidance as he moves into adulthood and toward his primary goal to live independently with a level of support tailored to his individual needs.

In 2024 The Resource Exchange will observe 60 years of service to all age groups in El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, and Park counties who experience disabilities, mental health issues, and the need for long-term care. Julie White, TRE Marketing and Communications Manager, explains: “We believe a strong and thriving community cares about those who are struggling, and those who are marginalized and often forgotten.” White notes that although the Pikes Peak Region has experienced an incredible amount of change in 60 years, the needs of people served by TRE has not changed.

The Resource Exchange coordinates with over 200

community partners to ensure that the needs of clients are being met. “These partnerships we have made within the community over the past 60 years have played such an integral role in our success with helping the people we have served,” said White.

The 10-year partnership TRE has had with the Empty Stocking Fund has been instrumental in contributing to needed expansion and support of the mission of TRE. “Being an Empty Stocking Fund partner provides us with a unique opportunity to help the community understand the importance of human service agencies, and the role they play to support a strong community,” according to White. Despite popular belief, private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare do not cover many of the needs of people with disabilities.

TRE has a unique opportunity to fill the gaps. For example, TRE will assist with applying for and receiving a Medicaid waiver that can help gain access to additional benefits. Often families of individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, and long-term care needs feel hopeless, forgotten, and overwhelmed with the system. Services provided to over 9,000 people in 2023 included not only information and referrals to community partners, but to direct services provided by TRE. These include the Early Childhood Services and Early Intervention, guidance navigating the system, the Family Support Services Program, and case management.

Services are not cookie-cutter, but tailored to Individual needs. At times a family may experience a crisis and not know where to turn or what kind of services are available.

For example in the event of a traumatic brain injury, TRE has the resources to provide timely service options and family support. Not to be discounted is providing care for caregivers where respite care can give them needed breaks in order to recoup. During the past year, respite care has significantly expanded and grown to include the Fountain area. The impactful Early Intervention Program served 1,700 children in 2023. It is important to note that 1 in 8 children in Colorado experience some kind of developmental delay. Support services received prior to entering kindergarten can help these children reach their full potential, giving them a great shot at a bright future. Visit www.tre.org to learn more.

help these children reach their full potential,

SAFE PASSAGE

By Robin Intemann, Special to The Gazette

A review of a handful of “Impact Stories” compiled by Safe Passage staff illustrates the ways in which children and non-offending caregivers in the midst of abuse investigations are provided care and support.

“We serve to coordinate a kiddo’s outcry of abuse by providing advocacy and a safe place to talk about what they’ve experienced,” explained Maureen “Mo” Basenberg, executive director. “Being part of the Empty Stocking Fund is extremely meaningful for us,” she said. “What we do requires support of the community to achieve safety and support for the kiddos we serve.”

For the past two years Safe Passage has been an Empty Stocking Fund recipient. The non-profit has been in place for 29 years. Each year the organization serves more than 1,000 children in El Paso and Teller counties, from birth to age 18. Part of the organization’s Mission Statement includes the following: “Safe Passage gives abused children a voice and enables the healing process by acting as the single source of contact for medical, investigative, and legal services.”

Physical and sexual abuse are addressed with Safe Passage partnering with numerous public safety organizations. “The majority of what is dealt with is sexual abuse,” Basenberg said. “It’s a secret and shameful and hard to know it’s happening. During COVID, for example, when there were shutdowns, children were no longer in mandated-support systems (such as school and organized sports) where a teacher or coach could report to us.”

The Impact Stories detail situations involving, for

THE SALVATION ARMY

By Robin Intemann, Special to The Gazette

The Salvation Army has a long history, locally and globally, of serving those in need; being an Empty Stocking Fund recipient is one more way it’s able to do so. “We’ve been an Empty Stocking Fund partner since the beginning,” said Capt. Doug Hanson, El Paso County coordinator for the Salvation Army. “For us it means great financial support for the services we provide. To have extra funds is timely because there is constant need in our community.”

example, a teenage girl sexually assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend. Her statement to law enforcement was sufficient not to warrant a forensic interview; however, because her younger brother was a potential witness, he underwent one. As described on the Safe Passage website: “The ‘forensic interview’ is a child friendly, non-leading, developmentally appropriate way to gather information from children and teenagers, in a warm and welcoming environment. The forensic interview assists the Department of Human Services and Law Enforcement agencies in their investigations, while keeping the best interest of the child at the forefront.” The teen received a medical examination and had her medical concerns answered. She expressed an interest in therapy and in joining Teenpower. The result of the siblings’ disclosures led to an arrest.

“The kiddos who come forward are the brave ones,” Basenberg said. The impact stories provided are unique to each situation while sharing many commonalities. The positive outcomes don’t happen overnight, but as investigations continue, Safe Passage is an advocate for the child victims through the services it offers. These include, in addition to the forensic interview, medical examinations and educational support groups.

Safe Passage works closely with media outlets and the public safety system to get the word out that it exists. This includes the El Paso County Department of Human Services, UC Health, El Paso County Sheriff’s Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department, among many others. The non-profit links mental health services and partners with Kidpower to help children redirect feelings to get a sense of security and empowerment. According to Basenberg, Safe Passage is the state’s only fully co-located facility bringing together 17 key partners, so all services are available in one location. Volunteers are also an important part of Safe Passage’s mission. “They play a key role in supporting kids when their caregivers go through interviews. This can be playing a board game or sharing a snack. It’s a pretty important job. It’s a special role,” she said.

To help meet those needs, he said, “We have a very long list of services.” These include addressing homelessness through the newly expanded and remodeled R.J. Montgomery Family Hope Center. The center more than doubled its previous space to now house families in their own 250-square foot rooms. This center houses and feeds up to 220 homeless individuals every night. Dinner and an informal breakfast are provided. Caseworkers are available to help clients establish life skills, employment and a path to self-sufficiency.

A food pantry, community holiday meals, toy drives, weekday soup kitchen, afterschool programs and more are among the available services.

About 18 months ago, Taneesha, a mother of four, unexpectedly needed assistance. “I was left with a $1,300 bill when a roommate moved out. I was looking online for help with bills and,” she said, “I had a job but my hours were cut by half.” She found aid through the Salvation Army. “They made the process [of getting assistance]

up to 220 homeless individuals every night. Dinner and an informal breakfast are provided. Caseworkers are available

“Being part of the Empty Stocking Fund is really important,” Basenberg emphasized. “We have the resources kiddos need to deal with scary, complex situations with our skilled staff and volunteers. We appreciate that the Empty Stocking Fund feels what we do is important.” Visit www.safepassagecac.org to learn more.

real easy. They helped me by paying half and I paid off the other half. It was just hanging over my head and I’d never been through anything like that,” she explained. “They also helped me with the food pantry. The food I received helped me out tremendously.”

Taneesha said she also received help putting together a budget. “I definitely felt blessed when I went in. I felt I could breathe again.” She recalled working at the Salvation Army years ago. “The place hasn’t changed at all. There are still so many kind souls there. I remembered how much help they gave people after a fire. The Salvation Army always comes through for people.”

Hanson explained that the Salvation Army operates under the umbrella

motto, “To serve suffering humanity.” The Southeastern

Colorado chapter focuses on two main areas: families and veterans. The Salvation Army’s transition program for veterans is rated number one in the state for its successful exit of moving vets from homelessness into housing. “We’re a launching point.” The success rate is 75% to 80%, according to Hanson. “We offer case management, group counseling and more so they’re able to get back on their feet.” He told of one vet who went “from homelessness to home ownership,” acknowledging that jumping past home rental is rare.

Hanson said the Southeastern Colorado chapter served 50,000 unduplicated names last year. “It’s a double calamity when the economy goes downhill, giving goes down and the needs are greater,” he said. “It’s times like these when you get to see the strength of nonprofits. We often have to pivot in economic lean times. We’ve made it through the Great Depression and recessions.”

One way of getting through hard times is the annual Red Kettle Christmas campaign. “We are a Christmas icon,” Hanson said. “It’s one of the world’s largest fundraisers.”

Regarding the Empty Stocking Fund, he added, “We appreciate being one of the very first agencies the Empty Stocking Fund saw fit to support from the start. We applaud the work they do to validate the work we do. They are helping people in El Paso County and we echo that sentiment as we continue to help the community. Every time there’s a disaster, big or small, we’re there.”

Visit www.helpcoloradosprings.com to learn more.

Movie Night at The Broadmoor 2020

SILVER KEY SENIOR SERVICES

By Robin Intemann, Special to The Gazette

Putting a dollar value on the value of personal connections is difficult, which is one reason the Empty Stocking Fund is so important to Silver Key Senior Services, said Jamie Garcia, chief development officer.

One area in particular, she noted, is Companionship Support. “This is not such an easy area to describe the impact this program makes like the food pantry is. It’s a most meaningful program and we never want lack of funding to be the reason it’s ever eliminated.” General operating funds help support this. The program pairs a volunteer with a senior. Volunteers will visit, shop, play games, and do some light housekeeping. “One volunteer said her 97-year-old senior loves to do crossword puzzles, which has made her a better speller,” Garcia said. “It’s not just the seniors who benefit. The volunteers do, too.”

Another volunteer traveled with his companion, both of whom are veterans, to visit a family member. It’s a chance to bond and is great for seniors who have no family and, for some, it may be the only contact the senior has all week.”

A similar program benefitting from the general operating fund is the Calls of Reassurance. Seniors self-select to receive regular phone calls to check in from volunteers. If there’s no answer, Silver Key has protocol in place. This includes a follow-up effort and then a call to the senior’s emergency contact. It’s a regular wellness check.

For many, when thinking about Silver Key, the Mealson-Wheels program comes to mind. It did for Garcia, who volunteered as a driver when she was in high school. Yet,

Silver Key offers services that go beyond struggles for food. The organization anticipates seniors’ needs and puts programs into place to meet them. For example, in early October, the Digital Experience Hub opened. Seniors have access to laptops and iPads. Technology classes will be offered as will assistance in filling out forms and ways to stay connected through technology.

PRESENTED BY

There are also plans to offer fitness classes, a coffee bar and more opportunities for socialization at its main campus. Such options are already in place at Tri-Lakes Senior Center. “We see struggles that go beyond food,” she said. “You can’t deny there are other struggles that go beyond financial needs.”

Silver Key offers assistance for those who may not be struggling financially but are in other ways. Some don’t know who to call, who to trust. “We want seniors to know they can trust us,” Garcia said. Mental health and behavioral health needs are addressed. “Our navigators help our seniors with more complex issues. They may be struggling with more than one thing like food and transportation or something else all at the same time.”

“People are starting to realize they don’t have to be in financial need to use our services,” Garcia said. “Home Delivered Meals are available and don’t require meeting a financial hardship bar. They may not realize they need us until they know what we offer. We can connect seniors with any of our services; we can reduce loneliness so they can re-engage with others.”

“People are starting

“We are truly grateful to the Empty Stocking Fund. I can’t imagine how hard it would be without the Empty Stocking Fund,” Garcia continued. “It’s an honor to be part of a highly-vetted group of organizations in our community. It speaks to the impact the Empty Stocking Fund believes Silver Key makes. We also appreciate that ESF is mindful of all ages from our littles to our seniors.”

Silver Key Senior Services serves more than 11,000 people annually. An average day sees 706 meals delivered, 193 calls answered, 48 visits, 118 rides provided and 56 clients served (these numbers go down without volunteers). Visit www.silverkey.org to learn more.

Serving over 1,500 children with health and family support services.

Serving

over 500 adults and children with developmental disabilities.

TESSA

By Robin Intemann, Special to The Gazette

In little more than a year, Jennifer (who asked that her last name not be used) has gone from being a victim of domestic violence to serving as a TESSA volunteer while also taking steps to become a certified victim’s advocate.

TESSA was established in 1977. “This was in response to calls from women to the Colorado Springs Police Department regarding domestic violence. We were just an information provider,” said Anne Markley, TESSA chief executive officer. “We are now a multi-faceted agency providing services to anyone who identifies as a victim.” Programs include a 24-hour Safe Line, a Safe house, victim advocacy, counseling, housing services, legal services, youth and children’s programs.

“Human trafficking was not even a thing then,” Markley said. “In the past few years we have seen a greater need for legal support and support services. We’re seeing clients with greater needs and we’re filling gaps through rental, legal, utility assistance where they’re victims of some type of interpersonal violence or intimate partner violence.”

Jennifer said she first learned about TESSA from an emergency room doctor who asked if she felt safe at home. It took two months before she left the abusive relationship. “I left in the middle of the night,” she said. “TESSA was able to put me in some safe housing, connected me with an advocate and provided an immense amount of resources.” These included legal assistance for restraining orders, arranging for food and clothing, and connecting her with mental health services.

Providing

resources and education for people living with mental health conditions and their loved ones.

Providing hundreds of families with transitional housing and resources.

Markley said, “All of our services are completely confidential, unless a client gives us explicit written consent. The confidential umbrella encourages people to reach out.” However, TESSA must report child abuse to authorities. Its adherence to confidentiality is protected by the state and is the only such agency in El Paso and Teller counties.

“The funds that come in through the Empty Stocking Fund are considered unrestricted dollars,” Markley said. “Having these unrestricted funds means they can be used in any program to meet any need. Also, it’s incredibly impactful to have community support.”

On average, TESSA receives 1,200 calls per month. The agency has multiple offices (main office, Memorial Hospital, the District Attorney’s Office and an office in Teller County).

“Some days we see 15 to 18 people walk in on a daily basis. It’s a large number just to our main office,” Markley said. “There’s an increased level of violence. Think about the daily stresses in your life. Some can handle them, and for others it can be a dynamic of control. Continued stressors exacerbate those situations. As the

population grows we do see increased numbers.”

More awareness of TESSA’s services also contributes to the higher number of people reaching out. “I’d like to think we’re doing a good job here for people,” Markley said. “We will serve anyone who identifies as a victim. We’re doing a push to make sure males and those identifying as male are aware of our services. I definitely think 46 years of success in this community has contributed to the increased numbers because of what we do.”

Markely has high praise for her staff trained in Trauma Informed Care. “This puts the victim survivor in the driver’s seat. When they come in for support, we give them options to be empowered, something they (often) haven’t been for so long. They make the choices and we walk the walk with them. We offer the highest level of Trauma Informed Care to anyone.”

Jennifer said, “It’s an amazing organization. It helps so many people you don’t even realize how many need their help. They [TESSA] bring positivity and light for people going through a hard time.” Visit www.tessacs.org to learn more.

TRI-LAKES CARES

By Libby Kinder, Special to The Gazette

The mission statement of Tri-Lakes Cares says it all: “Empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow.” The nonprofit is adept at being responsive to whatever the needs are of its clients. The valuable services offered by TLC include assistance with food, finances, transportation and medical needs. During a time of need clients benefit from creative problemsolving and being treated with respect, compassion and dignity.

A perfect example is the impactful program titled STABLe: an acronym for “Secrets To A Better Life.” The program is facilitated by TLC and offered to clients, promoting self-sufficiency, and influencing outlook on life. A senior citizen who recently graduated from this program experienced a tremendous increase in self-esteem, and learned how to create her own opportunities. She analyzed her life choices, made a plan for her future and followed up with commitment. She beamed with light as she went through the graduation ceremony, after a donor had paid for her to have her hair styled for the event. This may seem like a small favor, but to this client it was the culmination of a period of growth and self-discovery, and the beginning of a new life-vision.

Another woman who graduated from the STABLe program exclaimed: “I never graduated from anything before!” To signify the importance of this life-changing event, she clarified that not only would there be cake, but her name would be inscribed on it. Most people take

WESTSIDE CARES

By Libby Kinder, Special to The Gazette

This has been a banner year for Westside CARES. “Jo” knows better than anyone what mountains the organization can move to provide services for those in need. In 2022 she found herself without a home. Due to her complex medical issues, WSC regularly went to her camp, relentlessly pursued housing for her and drove her to appointments. Eventually she was set up in an apartment complete with all the necessities. WSC describes Jo as a pillar of the community in which she lives, leading others and participating in activities that include art-making and mentoring.

“Kowboy” threw his arms around Kristy Milligan, WSC chief executive officer, when he found out that after eight years without housing he was getting a place to call his own. During his houseless years he earned a reputation as a leader and caretaker among his peers. He was a respected presence who advised and encouraged the unsheltered.

In 2024 WSC will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and continue to provide care and compassion to neighbors in need. Besides navigation to secure housing, services include a place to receive mail, assistance getting an identification card and vital documentation, help with transportation, consultation with an onsite nurse, and availability of clothing and personal items.

Rent and mortgage assistance, as well as help covering utilities and home costs, are also foremost on the list of services. In 2022, 528 households benefited from partial or total payment of rent or mortgage. The number in 2023 is poised to easily surpass this figure.

something as simple as a celebratory cake for granted; to her it signified a huge success, and recognition that she had never experienced before.

Haley Chapin, executive director of Tri-Lakes Cares, says of these two success stories: “That’s the way TLC shows care.” She indicates that the organization is as unique as each person who walks through their door. Everyone comes in with their own story that includes current needs, level of education, housing situation, means of transportation, and possible mental health issues. Flexibility and fluidity are key to meeting people where they are, and being sensitive to their particular situations.

The past year has seen decreases in many funding sources, and increases in requests for assistance. Chapin notes that due to draining resources many marginalized people are struggling to fill financial gaps. A perfect example of one of

these challenges is the decrease of SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) in July.

The 40th anniversary of the nonprofit will be celebrated in 2024, a year after the 40th anniversary of Empty Stocking Fund. In 1994 TLC became one of the six agencies originally involved with ESF. Now, 20 collaborative agencies receive benefits. Chapin recognizes that: “ESF allows us to focus on serving (which is) what we do bes. Twenty partner agencies often do great work together, which is one big ball of yummy collaboration! ESF helps to make that possible.”

Tri-Lakes Cares is unique in that it is the only ESF agency with a presence in northern El Paso County. Their focus is on two kinds of poverty: generational and situational. “Being able to offer a variety of services to separate both situational and generational poverty is key to being a well-rounded community resource center”, said Chapin. “Not everybody’s experience of poverty looks the same. It is important for agencies like those in ESF to meet people where they are at.”

An example of situational poverty involves a client who is a current member of the TLC Board of Directors. She was in a serious car accident, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Unable to hold a job, she relied on services from TLC to support her family. Rather than just saying “thank you for the services”, she is giving back on an influential level by serving on the board.

Visit www.tri-lakescares.org to learn more.

Milligan explains that 2023 “… has been all about stepping into community gaps.” WSC is one of only two organizations in the area providing rent assistance yearround. Since the pandemic this assistance has increased 1,000%. Mail assistance has greatly expanded as the unhoused often require a secure place for their mail to be delivered. Assistance with documentation services has increased 62% over the past year.

Up until early October, WSC helped 54 households secure housing, and the relationship with neighbors in need does not end once they move in. WSC ensures that needs continue to be met.

Milligan explains, “Westside CARES has been proud to offer services to those who have needs that are unique and complex. What this means for us as an agency is that we must maintain focus on providing a robust portfolio of services to accommodate the needs of our neighbors. There is no one-size-fits all approach to ameliorating poverty — we must be agile and responsive and trauma informed”.

Over 50% of people who come to WSC for assistance come once a year or less. According to Milligan, this means WSC is doing prevention work, although the true impact is not always as evident as with the housing navigation program. ”We are currently the only organization in town that is equally focused on prevention and remediation programs,” Milligan said. “We know it saves the community money when we can avert homelessness altogether; but even once someone has become

homeless, they are not beyond help and love and supportive services.”

“As always, we are so grateful to be an Empty Stocking Fund partner agency. The generosity of the community provides a solid foundation from which to launch our lifesaving services,” Milligan adds.

Kandy has been an active neighbor-recipient of WSC services for the past two years. She received help getting glasses, uses the mail service, was helped securing an ID, and is currently navigating the tedious process toward achieving housing. “Westside CARES is paramount as a voice for the people, and they have been a blessing,” she said. “They are awesome people!”

Visit www.westsidecares.org to learn more.

THE YMCA OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION

By Rachael Wright, Special to The Gazette

Celebrating its 145th year, the YMCA is often most known for its swimming pools and basketball gyms but the Pikes Peak Region’s 855 full time staff and more than 800 volunteers, contributing over 10,000 hours annually, do so much more than run gyms.

“We are one of the largest and oldest nonprofits in this community,” said Shannon Rauen, executive director of development & community impact. “We exist to strengthen the foundation of this community through holistic health and well-being for all.”

Like many nonprofits across the COVID pandemic had severe financial ramifications and the YMCA was forced to cut programs which Rauen says the Y now wants to bring back and grow. Of particular interest is the expansion of the Middle School Initiative Program across the community. Though only at one center currently, the middle school program provides “tweens with safe, supportive programming afterschool where they can make friends, get help with homework, learn new skills and healthy habits.”

The YMCA’s response to the community’s needs during the COVID pandemic is indicative of the strong commitment to help change and improve people’s lives. “We are proud that in the face of adversity,” Rauen said, “the Y immediately pivoted to meet the needs of the community like we have always done.”

The YMCA provided childcare for essential workers, placed thousands of phone calls to seniors to address needs and combat isolation and also leveraged staff to assist other community partners like Care and Share.

Golf Classic Tournament 1993-2023

“We aren’t 100% back yet, but we are working tirelessly every day to get there,” Rauen said.

In November 2020, Justin Davis had a hemorrhagic stroke which left him partially paralyzed. Due to the severity of the stroke, Davis had an extended hospital stay and eventually came to the end of his approved physical therapy appointments. “There’s so little support,” Davis said. “Most people get 40 minutes a week.” After being turned away from several local gyms Davis came to the YMCA and asked for support in his journey.

“We were committed to finding a way,” Rauen said. “Justin has made great strides during his time at the Y. Beyond the personal training, the Y has also become an extended family for Justin and his children.” The staff at Davis’ local YMCA say he is a completely different person than the man who came in the first time.

“It’s been great,” Davis said. “We feel like we’re part of the family here with the personal attention you get. I love that I can come here and control my own health and control my own destiny. In a way, I think the Y is way more than a gym because of what they give back to the community.”

The vital funds which come from the Empty Stocking Fund ensure that the YMCA continues to be able to offer support for those in need and to be an inclusive place for all.

“The Empty Stocking Fund helps us magnify our messaging and connect with an audience we likely couldn’t reach otherwise to share the impact of the Y and the work we

are doing,” said Rauen. “Though programs and memberships do provide revenue … fundraising, sponsorships, the ESF and funding from foundations are critical to ensuring the YMCA can meet the needs of the community.”

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak region is proud to be a part of a worldwide movement, but “if you’ve seen one Y, you’ve seen one Y. We are proud that each of our locations is a reflection of the neighborhood and the people it serves,” Rauen said. “We respond to needs and feedback from members, stakeholders, leaders and the community.” Visit www.ppymca.org to learn more.

“What a remarkable milestone for Empty Stocking Fund to achieve 40 years of impact in the Pikes Peak Region – not only in dollars, but in organizations supported, lives touched, and communities lifted. El Pomar has proudly supported the Fund for almost 30 of those 40 years. Our Trustees value ESF’s community-based model which, with matching gifts, magnifies partner agency impact. El Pomar Foundation and its Trustees are grateful for Gazette Charities’ 40 years of impact through ESF, and the invaluable work of its 20 human service agencies.”

Did you know?

You can gift appreciated securities and Individual Retirement Account (IRA) assets that qualify as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to support the campaign.

If you want to keep the security you donate in your personal portfolio, you can re-purchase the same security at the new, higher basis and reduce future capital gains.

QCDs allow you to donate a portion of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and to take the distribution 100 percent income tax free. This distribution will not qualify for a charitable deduction, but a QCD is usually more tax-wise than a charitable deduction.

Pikes Peak Community Foundation, a proud partner of the Empty Stocking Fund, can help with the details. To gift appreciated securities or IRA assets that qualify as a QCD, contact Alexandra McCreary-Ellis at AMcCreary-Ellis@ ppcf.org or by telephone at 719-445-0601.

Kyle Hybl President & CEO, El Pomar Foundation

We appreciate individuals, families and businesses like you who see the value of investing in the health and wellbeing of our community.

Over the past 40 years, the Empty Stocking Fund has raised more than $25 million. Administrative costs are generously covered by The Anschutz Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gazette Charities Foundation, The Gazette, Pikes Peak Community Foundation and Add Staff, so 100% of every donation goes directly to our 20 partner agencies.

“From the bottom of my heart, I am overflowing with gratitude to all the people who have donated to this campaign over these 40 years. If you donated once or if you have donated every year for 40 years, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your generosity has had life-changing impact for our community and for the individuals that we serve.”

Deb Mahan Executive Director, Gazette Charities Foundation

“Thank you to all our donors. It makes such a huge difference in our community when over 350,000 people are supported through our 20 agencies on an annual basis and 100% of your donation goes directly to the agencies. It’s so important and it makes such a big difference because the needs continue to expand. Thank you for your generosity, thank you for opening your hearts, and thank you for contributing to Empty Stocking Fund.”

Chris Reen Board President, Gazette Charities Foundation

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