December 2015 Nonprofit News

Nonprofit News Your Community Connection

December 2015 • gazette.com/nonprofit Seniors

Pets

Volume I, Issue 6 • FREE Youth

Outdoors & Recreation

Mercy’s Gate creates safe, effective giving alternative this Christmas

BY KEN NORWOOD Mercy’s Gate

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This Christmas, the Old North End is everyone’s neighborhood.

From 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., December 12, the Old North End Holiday Home Tour invites the public to celebrate the holiday season with a festive, open house tour that offers unique access to some of the most historic, architecturally significant and beautiful homes in the area — with enriching insight about the history of each house.

Four distinctive homes in the Old North End make up the 2015 tour, including a 1926 home representing Spanish Revival architecture and an 1896 Victorian home said to be haunted.

Purchase tickets online at csholidayhometour. com or at Kirkpatrick Bank, 25 N. Cascade Ave., Suite 100, in downtown Colorado Springs. Advance tickets are $25, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All tour proceeds will benefit local nonprofit TwoCor Projects.

TwoCor is a local youth service agency dedicated to developing work ethic and marketable workplace skills for at-risk young men and women, ages 15 –19, in the Pikes Peak region.

TwoCor helps young clients rise above their troubled past and grow into productive, self-sufficient and employable community members.

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BY CLELIA DEMORAES

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Want to give to those in need safely this season? Mercy’s Gate COINs (Caring for Others In Need) can be purchased for $10 redeemed for $50 worth of services.

Courtesy Mercy’s Gate

Calendar

C .I.N. ARING C.O

Have you ever wondered how to serve those who hold tattered cardboard signs asking for help?

Many struggle with wanting to help but are unsure of the best way to give. Or maybe you personally know of someone silently struggling to make ends meet, especially during the holidays.

In this season of giving, Mercy’s Gate (formerly Northern Churches Care) has created a unique way for you to give to those in our community who are experiencing homelessness: a $10 COIN (Caring for Others In Need) that can be redeemed for $50 worth of services through Mercy’s Gate.

Mercy’s Gate COINs allow you to give to those in need using a safe and redemptive tool. For only $10, you can purchase a COIN that will provide someone with the help and resources they need to serve them in their crisis — a five-fold investment in the health and future of a family or individual.

Mercy’s Gate is a 33-year-old ministry designed to meet the physical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs of people living in our community. Through ongoing partnerships with more than 50 area churches and the loving care of neighbor advocate volunteers and staff, Mercy’s Gate provides hope, encourage-

Arts & Culture

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munity increase, we see the need of our neighbors also rising.

Serving 71 percent of the city’s – CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 –

Support The Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund: fillanemptystocking.org

Holiday Home Tour Old North End

Saturday, December 12th, 2015 10 am - 5 pm

iSpace @ The Citadel A free, creative community center.

What IF…Festival of Imagination and Innovation A day of wow’s for all ages.

Join us for this festive tour offering unique access to some of our community’s most historic, architecturally significant and beautiful homes.

Over the Moon Family Theater Literacy-based theatrical performances.

Dragon Theatre Productions Inclusive community theater for all abilities.

Kaleidoscope Dance Dance / Musical theater for ages 3 to adult.

Find Out the Latest.

Sign Up for E-Blast Updates

Thank you to each donor whose generosity enables Imagination Celebration to continue providing these gifts to the Pikes Peak region!

Connecting people to the brain-stimulating, community-building, life-enhancing power of creativity.

This event will benefit TwoCor, a local youth services agency that helps atrisk young people build bridges to maturity by forging trust and providing direction, creating hope through discipleship and work ethic development. Learn more at TwoCor.org

Tickets: Advance $25 • Day of Tour $30 Discounts for groups of 10 or more Tickets available at: Kirkpatrick Bank 102 North Cascade Ave, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or www.csholidayhometour.com Day of event: 1414 North Tejon Street

F�om our Guardianship family to yours: Happy Holidays!

60 years of protection, inclusion, advocacy, guardianship, education and social opportunities for Individuals with I/DD & their Families www.indygive.com/thearc 2 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

www.thearcppr.org | 719-471-4800

Nonprofit News

Your Community Connection

Honor loved ones with holiday lights Want more Nonprofit News?

30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Visit gazette.com/newsletters to sign up for nonprofit news email updates, volunteer opportunities and event information.

GENERAL MANAGER Brad Howard brad.howard@gazette.com

To submit content for consideration: nonprofitnews@gazette.com

DECEMBER 2, 2015

EDITOR, NONPROFIT NEWS Hannah Blick hannah.blick@gazette.com

@CSNonprofitNews /CSNonprofitNews

LOCAL SALES MANAGER Erik Carlson erik.carlson@gazette.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gina Pietramale

IMPACT SOMEONE ELSE’S WORLD TO ADVERTISE: Make a $50 donation and save up to $400 on 719-636-0130 select Stressless seating. Nov. 18 - Jan. 18

For those far from family or who’ve lost close friends around the holidays, it can be a difficult season. For these, the American Cancer Society’s “Love Lights A Tree” activity aims to be a beacon of hope. Through the holidays at The Broadmoor, just outside of Broadmoor West, a large tree will stand illuminated in honor and remembrance of loved ones. “‘Love Lights A Tree’ is a wonderful way to remember someone special with a unique gift and support the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer,” said Mandi Dillon, American Cancer Society community manager, Relay For Life.

For a suggested donation of $10, anyone can reserve a light on the tree and have an acknowledgement card sent to the friend or family member. The “Love Lights A Tree” book, housed at Broadmoor West, will also feature names of honorees. Reserve a light online at lovelightsatree.org or by calling 719-

Courtesy American Cancer Society

630-4961 through December 17.

Funds raised from “Love Lights A Tree” will benefit the Society’s work to help prevent cancer and find it early, as well as conduct cancer research.

– Lisa Bade, American Cancer Society

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Since 1921 NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 3

Community campaign helps local families in need for 32 years

BY LESLIE MASSEY Empty Stocking Fund

The Gazette-El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund has played “Santa” to families in the Pikes Peak region since 1984.

The Fund’s initial goal was to help local families in need by filling their Christmas stockings with toys, clothing and other items during the holiday season. Now in its thirty-second year, the Empty Stocking Fund doesn’t actually fill stockings, but provides resources for local health and human service agencies in El Paso and Teller counties. Each of these agencies specifically assists individuals and families in times of crisis with the intent of enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency.

During its inaugural year, the Empty Stocking Fund raised more than $40,000 in cash and goods to support 27 local families; the following year, it was able to assist 36 families. A heartfelt Colorado Springs community collaboration, the success of the Empty Stocking Fund is due in part to the partnership between Gazette

2014 – 15 Empty Stocking Fund participating agency representatives celebrate the 31st campaign at the Penrose House in January. Last year’s campaign raised more than $1 million for 20 local health and human service agencies. Courtesy Empty Stocking Fund

Charities and the El Pomar and Bruni foundations.

“The Empty Stocking Fund continues to provide over $1 million per year directly to 20 local charities,” said Dan Steever, president and publisher of The Gazette. “The fact that 100-percent of contributions go straight to the service providers means that your donation makes a direct impact in the lives of our neighbors in need.”

Agencies receiving distributions from the Empty Stocking Fund include: American Red Cross,

Pikes Peak Chapter, Care & Share Food Bank, CPCD … giving children a head start, Ecumenical Social Ministries, Griffith Centers for Children, Chins Up Youth & Family Services, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain, Marian House, Catholic Charities, Mercy’s Gate, Partners in Housing, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, Reach Pikes Peak, Silver Key Senior Services, TESSA , The Home Front Cares, The Resource Exchange, The Salvation Army of El Paso County, Tri-Lakes Cares, Urban

Peak, Westside CARES, and YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.

Through the generosity of individuals, families, civic organizations, businesses, and foundations in the Pikes Peak region, The Empty Stocking Fund has been able to raise almost $16 million since its launch.

To donate to this year’s campaign, call 719-476-1673, mail a donation to P.O. Box 910942, Denver CO 80921-0942, or make a secure online donation a FillAnEmptyStocking.org.

Early connections.

Lifelong results.

The achievement gap begins early. For lower-income children, high quality early care and education can be the key to success in school.

Mom and dad were there for you – let us help you be there for them.

Home Care Assistance offers security for older adults and peace of mind for family members.

• Assisted living at home including those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons or recovering from a stroke or surgery • Our Caregivers are the best! Thoroughly screened, drug free, highly trained and compassionate

Call today for a free consultation.

719-822-1229 I HCACOS.com 4 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

School success has life-long benefits for individuals: • higher educational achievement • higher lifetime earnings • improved health outcomes and our community: • a better-prepared workforce • lower crime rates • less reliance on public assistance Monetary donations to Early Connections made by individuals and businesses are eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit.

To donate or learn more visit earlyconnections.org

Mercy’s Gate: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Old North End Holiday Home Tour: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PURCHASE COINS Stop by Mercy’s Gate at 4360 Montebello Dr., Suite 300, to purchase $10 COINs that can be redeemed for $50 worth of services this winter. Call 719358-2576 or visit mercysgate. org for more information. population in 15 zip codes, Mercy’s Gate sees the desperation of unemployment, family conflict, and hunger. Serving our neighbors — your neighbors — with hope is the primary goal of Mercy’s Gate.

Since its founding more than three decades ago, churches, businesses, foundations, and individuals have linked arms with Mercy’s Gate to pursue this goal. Mercy’s Gate is grateful for supporters who have been instrumental in the organization’s growth and helped it move to a new home earlier this year.

Visit Mercy’s Gate at 4360 Montebello Dr., Suite 300, to purchase COINs to use or give away. All contributions are tax deductible in 2015 if received on or before December 31.

3RD ANNUAL OLD NORTH END HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • December 12

Purchase advance tickets for $25 at csholidayhometour.com or at Kirkpatrick Bank, 25 N. Cascade Ave., Suite 100. Purchase day-of tickets for $30; ask about special group pricing for 10 or more.

Contact info@csholidayhometour.com for more information.

The setting sun shines through a Historic Old North End sign during the 2014 Holiday Home Tour. Courtesy Old North End Holiday Home Tour

The program integrates direction from neuroscience research and trauma-informed therapeutic practices with hands-on vocational training, paid community work projects, and paid internships with

local businesses. For more information about the TwoCor mission, services or how you can help, please contact 719-471-6916.

Proceeds from the Holiday Home Tour will provide vital new

shop equipment to expand the training and job opportunities available for the TwoCor youth.

The 2014 Holiday Home tour welcomed nearly 600 visitors, and raised $14,000 for TwoCor.

become a life-changer turn $10 into $50

Help change lives this season by purchasing $10 C.O.I.N.s – Caring for Others in Need program - and Mercy’s Gate will provide $50 worth of services, including, food, toiletries, a Bible, and other valuable resources/referrals to our neighbors in need.

C.O.I.N.s may be distributed directly to those experiencing homelessness. It is our way to help YOU become a life-changer.

$10 C.O.I.N.s are available at 4360 Montebello Dr., Ste. 300 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Or online @ www.mercysgatecs.org For more information, please call 719.358.2576.

NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 5

Colorado Springs Trolleys project moves forward in connecting downtown, UCCS

BY DAVID LIPPINCOTT

Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation

Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation has a voter-approved franchise to construct and operate a streetcar system in Colorado Springs, using historic and vintage streetcars.

Following the recommendations of a City-sponsored feasibility study completed in 2011, it is discussing with BNSF Railroad the acquisition of property along the study's proposed route from downtown to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, connecting five destination points and assuring high ridership.

It has also opened discussions with the Union Pacific Railroad about the delivery of rail cars and equipment to the site once acquired, as well as plans to approach the city about a potential public-private partnership to operate and maintain the system.

The all-volunteer Foundation, incorporated in 1982, owns 18 streetcars and two electric trolley buses, built from 1901–1949; the machinery is under restoration. The Foundation

also operates a museum and restoration facility in an 1888 Chicago Rock Island & Pacific roundhouse in north-central Colorado Springs.

Over the years, the Foundation has developed the expertise to design, build and operate an in-street system, obviating the need for excessive outside planning consultants and design/engineering work. With its current assets, expertise and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, Enterprise Zone status, and through obtaining needed funding through charitable foundations and the private sector, the Foundation believes it can put a system in place at a fraction of the cost of systems in cities that have used federal, state and local tax dollars.

The Foundation intends to acquire more real estate than it needs for its own uses, parlaying the balance into a revenue stream that will sustain itself without supplementing funds from the City. With the acquisition of property adjacent to the proposed North Nevada route and after moving the bulk of its op-

The Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation owns 18 streetcars and two electric trolley buses. Courtesy Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation

erations there, the Foundation will commence planning a street system starting at UCCS on the north end and running south past Penrose Hospital, the Old North End Neighborhood, and Colorado College to the downtown area. Nevada, Tejon and Weber streets are possibilities for parts of the final alignment.

Want to see trolleys in Colorado Springs?

Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation has been included in the ColoradoGives campaign. Go to coloradogives.org and use keyword “streetcar” to donate to the project. Donors that give $500 or more will receive a 25 percent state tax credit.

“Peace Tastes Like Ice Cream,” 2015 Peace Camper

Cyber Criminals Strike When You Least Expect It Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Protect your nonprofit, micro business or small government agency now with a membership in the Cybersecurity Institute for Small and Micro-businesses.

CiSMB is a local nonprofit with a team of industry frontrunners who value our community. They employ the same resources and technology used to protect large financial institutions, companies and government agencies.

Take the first step today to safeguard your most valued assets against a cyber attack.

www.cismb.org 719-884-7819

5825 Mark Dabling Blvd, Ste. 160, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

6 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

Help us teach children peace with self and others during our 2016 Peace Camp.

2015 tax deductible contributions for Peace Camp are now being received at

http://www.ppjpc.org/

Serving individuals, medical practices, “aging at home” groups, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospice agencies. We

also serve veterinarians and pet owners.

We offer the same or lower cost as the big chain stores!

• Immunizations available • State of the art compounding lab • Convenient daily (Mon - Fri) delivery • Rx orders welcomed on our secure website 24 hours per day

155 Printers Parkway, Suite 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80910 Phone: (719) 633-8278 Fax: (719) 228-6911 www.pro-pharmacy.com, info@pro-pharmacy.com

Dancers to spend holidays performing for local seniors, practicing with special-needs youth

BY TINA COOK

music and dance to express themselves. Turning Pointe also hosts a free, monthly inclusion dance class called Dance Ability. Visit turningpointeschoolofdance.com for more information and class schedules.

The studio is hosting a food drive and volunteering with Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado this month. To donate food items, please drop off donations at the studio, 7667 N. Union Blvd.

Turning Pointe’s student company, Fidèle Youth Ballet, will perform at Springs Rescue Mission holiday events, and Turning Pointe students will dance in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the city this December.

Students enjoy celebrating the joy of the holiday season with our community’s seniors.

Contact turningpointeoffice@ gmail.com to learn more about Turning Pointe School of Dance and ask about performance and volunteer opportunities.

Turning Pointe School of Dance

Like many studio members in Colorado Springs, the dancers at Turning Pointe School of Dance are busy during the holiday season. However, instead of practicing The Nutcracker, these young artists are giving back to the community through outreach and service projects.

Turning Pointe’s mission is to encourage students to use their gifts and talents to bless others in the community. Its community ArtReach program makes free dance education and special performances accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

ArtReach also offers free dance classes for special-needs children from 9 – 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Join Turning Pointe dancers for an exciting class built entirely around the needs of individual children. The students explore rhythm and movement and its application to different styles of dance, while combining

A Turning Pointe School of Dance member helps a young dancer with special needs practice ballet during a free class at the studio. Courtesy Amanda Lamb Photography

Choose Us for Comprehensive Skin Care

Join us December 6 and experience one of the most famous pieces of music ever written, Handel’s Messiah, performed by the FUMC Chancel Choir, orchestra, and professional soloists.

MESSIAH George Frideric Handel James Steven Harter, Director

Your choice of a dermatologist is driven both by the doctor’s competency and personality. Our team is experienced, understanding and supportive. From routine checkups to acne, you’ll notice the difference in our caring attitude every day.

Dermatology Clinic, P.C. 3245 International Circle Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80910-3152 (719) 484-8840

www.coloradospringsdermatologist.com

Acne Moles (Nevi) Psoriasis Rashes

Rosacea Skin Cancers Warts Wrinkles

Dr. Larry W. Cole, M.D. is pleased to announce we have expanded services to increase patient care and access with the addition of Iftikhar (Ifty) Ahmed, M.D to our team.

24/7 Helpline 1 800 272-3900 | alz.org December 6, 2015

- 3:00 pm

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

420 N Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903

www.fumc-cs.org



• Information and Referral • Caregiver Support Groups • Care Consultation • Classes and Workshops • MedicAlert® + Safe Return®

719-884-2504

TICKETS: General Admission: $10 Students: $5 (21 and under) Tickets are available online at www.fumc-cs.org and in the Church Music Office.

NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 7

Nonprofit Events To submit an event for the Nonprofit News calendar, please send details and contact information to nonprofitnews@gazette.com.

December 2 & 17 Space Foundation Homeschool Day: “Planetary Weather”

10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Info: spacefoundation.org/events/ upcoming-events.

School, 6888 Black Forest Road.

Hosted by Vista Ridge High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association. Info: Ann Marie Jekel, 719-337-4316, vrhsptsa@ hotmail.com.

non-perishable food, toys or cash donations to Tri-Lakes CARES. Info: Bob Nissen, 719304-8705, bob@mifigroup.com.

Street. Hosted by The LiFE WithOut Lupus Foundation and Downtown Partnership. Info: lifewithoutlupusproject.com

Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk

Annual 5K & 10K Holiday Volksmarch

11 a.m. check-in at Beth-El Mennonite Church, 4625 Ranch Drive. Benefiting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs. Registration: tinyurl. com/nwxcaza.

December 6

10 – 11:30 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain. $3/family. Info: 719-520-6745.

Register 9 a.m.– noon, walk 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Old Colorado City, starting at Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou Street. Hosted by Falcon Wanderers Volksmarch Club.

Donations of non-perishable food items and cash for Westside Food Pantry will be collected.

Info: Karen Seay, 719-632-9320.

December 4

Cheyenne Mountain Holiday Craft Fair

December 3

Nature Adventures: Animal Talk

Bear Creek by Candlelight 5– 8 p.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road.

Donations of $4/person, $12/ family of 4. Info: 719-520-6388.

December 5

5th Annual Holiday Craft Fair 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. at Vista Ridge High

9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain High School, 1200 Cresta Road. Info: cmhscraftfair.com

10th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts & Crafts Fair 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson Street., Monument. Sponsored by the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club. Admission:

Jingle Paws 5K Run and Dog Walk 3:30 p.m. at 312 N. Center Street, Woodland Park. Benefiting Teller County Regional Animal Shelter. Individual: $25 in advance, $30 on race day. 4-pack: $80, $100 on race day. Info: 719-6867707, tcrascolorado.org.

December 5 & 6

5th Annual Peak Holiday Emporium Gift Shoppe & Marketplace 11 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Historic City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa

Your #1 source for arts, culture & fun!

8 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

Holistic Moms monthly meeting: DIY personal care for Christmas presents 3 p.m. at Pikes Peak Library District – Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive. Hosted by Holistic Moms Network: Front Range, CO Chapter. Info: frontrangehmn@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ HMNFrontRangeCO.

December 8

Colorado Gives Day Visit coloradogives.org to donate to participating local organizations.

Space Story Party: “Millions of Snowflakes” by Mary McKenna Siddals 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Info: spacefoundation.org/events/ upcoming-events.

Haircut-a-thon

December 29–30

Noon– 5:30 p.m. at Colorado College’s Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Avenue. Hosted

by VEDA Salons and Spa, benefiting NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). $10 suggested donation. Info: frontrangehmn@ gmail.com, facebook.com/HMNFrontRangeCO.

Winter Nature Camp: Where Did the Animals Go? 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain. One day, $30/ member, $40/nonmember. Two days, $55/member, $75/nonmember. Info: 719-520-6745.

Passport to Small Italian Family Vineyards Wine Dinner

ONGOING

6 p.m. at Pizzeria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Avenue. Benefiting Housing First, Reservations: 719475-9700.

5:30–8:30 p.m., last admission at 7:30. December 4 – 6, 11-23, 25 – January 1 at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Santa zone open December 4–6, 11–23. Members and kids 2 and under are free. $9.25/adults, $6.25/kids 12 and under. Info: cmzoo.org/electric.

December 10

Twos and Threes Outdoors: Heavy Hibernators 10 –11:15 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain. $3/family. Info: 719-520-6745.

December 12 Jingle Bell 5K

8 a.m. at Fountain Valley YMCA, 301 E. Iowa Avenue, Fountain.

Benefiting the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. Registration: ppymca.org.

Sustainability Series: Homemade Coffee Roasting 10 a.m.-noon at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Prepay $20 to take freshly roasted samples home, just $5 for class. Info: 719-520-6388.

3rd Annual Old North End Holiday Home Tour 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Old North End, located in Downtown Colorado Springs. Advance tickets $25 at csholidayhometour.com or Kirkpatrick Bank, 25 N. Cascade Ave., Suite 100. Day-of tickets $30, ask about special group pricing for 10 or more. Info: csholidayhometour.com.

Centennial 7K Skating Club’s “Nutcracker on Ice” 2 p.m. matinee, 6:30 p.m. show at Sertich Ice Center, 1705 E. Pikes Peak Avenue. $15/person, $13/ military & seniors 65+. Accepting unwrapped toys to be donated to Christmas Unlimited. Info: centennialskatingclub.org.

Electric Safari

Celebrate 25 years of Electric Safari at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo this month! Featuring 85 light sculptures on more than 50 acres, and of course, Santa, Electric Safari is open for 24 nights this season. Courtesy of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Soli Deo Gloria Choir presents “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” concert 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Avenue.

Entrance is non-perishable food item for donation to Springs Rescue Mission. Info: solideogloriac-s.org.

Annual Handbell Christmas Concert 7 p.m. at the Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third Street, Monument. $10 minimum donation. Info: Betty Jenik, 719-488-3853.

December 12 & 19 Nature Hike with Santa

10 – 11:30 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain. $4/ member, $5/non-member. Info: 719-520-6745.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

December 16

Nature Explorers: Super Savvy Sleepers

The First Tee of Pikes Peak – Military Family Golf Clinics

10 –11:30 a.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. $3/family. Info: 719-520-6387.

9 –11 a.m. every first Saturday of the month at the Indoor Learning Center, 525 N. Academy Blvd., behind the Guitar Center. $8/adults, $4/children. Info: thefirstteepikespeak.org.

December 17

Little Wonders: Nature Hike With Santa 10 – 11:15 a.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. $3/family. Info: 719-5206387.

December 18–20

Tri-Lakes Music Association’s Christmas Concert Series 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday at Palmer Ridge High School, 19255 Frontage Road, Monument. Free-will donations benefiting Tri-Lakes Cares and TLMA Scholarship Fund. Info: trilakesmusic.org.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Preview at 7:30 p.m. on December 10, 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays – Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, through January 3 at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale Street. Tickets $20 and up.

Info: csfineartscenter.org.

Pikes Peak Urban Gardens Annual Fundraiser Visit tinyurl.com/orgm5qy through December 31 to make donations.

Living Well With a Disability

11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. at Fountain Creek Regional Park, Fountain. $5/person pre-paid reservations required: 719-520-6745.

December 19

10:30 a.m.– noon every Monday at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 719-4718181, theindependencecenter. org/calendars.

December 13

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. $5 donation for bird seed.

Info: 719-520-6388.

Family and Caregiver Encouragement Group

Native dancing, music and educational tipi event 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. on the first floor of the Chapel Hills Mall near Dick’s Sporting Goods, 1710 Briargate Blvd. Hosted by One Nation Walking Together. Info: Kelsey Comfort, 719-329-0251.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Winter Break Day Camp 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Grades 1– 5. $30/member child, $40/non-member child.

Info: 719-520-6388.

5:30 –7 p.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday monthly at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 719471-8181, theindependencecenter. org/calendars.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 9

Nonprofit Events Employee Retention & Being Successful at a Job 10 a.m.-noon every Thursday at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 719-4718181, theindependencecenter. org/calendars.

Doors of Colorado Springs Poster Sale, benefiting The Resource Exchange Posters available for purchase at TRE, 418 S. Weber Street, and Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS, 430 N. Tejon Street.

Info: tre.org.

CALL FOR VENDORS & PARTNERS

The Gazette Employee Volunteer Program is looking for nonprofit partners in need of volunteers. Send volunteer requests to ivy.morris@gazette. com or rhonda.vonluhrte@ gazette.com. Please include

an event or service project description, number of volunteers needed, and contact information. For more information, call Ivy Morris, 719-636-0308, or Rhonda von Luhrte, 719636-0209.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Leading with Love, a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy raising group, is seeking volunteer puppy raisers to open their homes to raise and socialize puppies who will become Guide Dogs. For more information, contact Holly, haluta4@hotmail.com, or visit the Leading With Love Facebook page.

Lucky Dog Rescue is in need of administrators, dog holders/ walkers and foster homes. Info: lu c k ydo g volu nt e er @g m a i l . com, bealuckydog.com/rescue.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service is seeking volunteers across the state to help Colorado taxpayers who are seeking assistance preparing and filing their 2015 tax returns.

Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to participate. Tax-Aide is particularly in need of volunteers who are bilingual in English/Spanish to support the increasing number of Spanish-speaking taxpayers seeking assistance. Visit aarp. org/giving-back or contact Kathy Martz, 303-683-9524, for more information.

The American Red Cross will make a major push to save lives through the Home Fire Campaign that strives to reduce fatalities caused by home fires. Volunteers, along with 600 cadets from the Air Force Academy, will be out testing smoke alarms

and installing free smoke alarms in homes throughout El Paso, Teller and Pueblo Counties.

Volunteers from the community are needed to help with this effort. Red Cross is also looking for people to loan small ladders and portable drills to help with the installations. Please contact 303-607-4753 if you are interested in volunteering or want more information.

The Youth Transformation Center is looking for volunteers to help throughout this academic year to facilitate restorative justice circles in some D-11 schools. After an 8-hour training, the time commitments include up to three hours/week.

Ideal volunteers include people who live in D-11, are interested in learning about restorative justice and are committed to youth reaching their highest potential. Info: 719-440-1983 and youthtransformationcenter.org.

Madrigal Banquet

A S E N S AT I O N A L C H R I S T M A S P RO D U C T I O N

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS CONSERVATORY AND THE MEZZANINE FAMILIES Consider a year-end gift to invest in a bright future for the arts in the Pikes Peak Region.

OVERNIGHT STAYS AVAILABLE! Make your Madrigal Banquet complete with an overnight stay at Glen Eyrie!

You’re invited to enjoy this hand-crafted Colorado experience! Set in the grandeur of The Castle, this Renaissance-style banquet is sure to be extraordinary with our engaging performances and a thoughtfully designed four-course meal.

10 Performances: December 4–22

GLENEYRIE.ORG/MADRIGAL 719-265-7050 10 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

(719) 577-4556 • csconservatory.org themezzcos.com

(Left – right) Veterans Don Kissell, Carmen Cireora, Winston Gulley, Bob Kravs, Paul Loch and Richard Walden enjoy hearing conversations around them through new headsets.

Courtesy Exchange Club of Falcon.

Donated hearing devices help veterans participate in conversations

BY LEONORE MISNER Exchange Club of Falcon

Carmen Cireora raised her arms and shouted “Yeah, I can hear!” A smile filled the veteran’s face as her new headset picked up conversations happening around her.

The Exchange Club of Falcon members distributed pocket talkers and headsets to American military veterans at Laurel Manor Care Center, 920 S. Chelton Rd., this fall.

The gathering room came alive with questions and exclamations

about the new hearing devices the vets had received. Though some of them already have hearing aids, these new devices help them hear better in certain situations, like conversations with loved ones.

The ability to hear and understand conversations with family members, especially grandchildren, is paramount to the basic needs of human contact and interaction.

Without this ability, an individual cannot engage in a gathering or pro-

gram and can feel cut off from the rest of the community.

Without the ability to hear clearly over a period of time, an individual can lose the ability to process spoken words effectively and might eventually withdraw from family, friends or their local community. These hearing devices will help eliminate many of the problems associated with hearing loss and enhance the lives of those affected, enabling these heroes to live their last years with more

enjoyment and satisfaction in everyday life.

Veterans deserve our utmost respect and care. Providing special hearing devices for these veterans will deservedly enhance their lives as a small token of appreciation for selfless sacrifices they endured during their military careers.

If you have a heart for serving local veterans and want to be part of this effort, contact Bob Miller at 719641-0752 for more information.

Happy Holidays!

We’re offering Pet Promise Certificates for your Christmas Kitty giving, along with calendars, hoodies, cat toys and special gift baskets in our Happy Cats Shop.

We found homes for almost 500 cats and kittens this year.

Please visit www.IndyGive.com to share the love and make sure we can help 500 more in 2016!

Matthew K. Chang, M.D.

Britt A. Buckley, M.D.

Complete Eye Care For The Entire Family

1412 S. 21st. Street • Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.635.5000 • www.HappyCatsHaven.org

Board Certified Ophthalmologists Cornea Specialists Cataract Surgery Glaucoma

719.439.7647

Eye Lid Surgery

Jeff@AnyHomeNow.com AnyHomeNow.com

Real Estate

Working with Families, Attorneys, Estates, Trusts and Conservatorships since 1999 to Realize Fair Market Value on Real Properties in Our Community.

Eye Exams | LASIK James H. Burden, M.D.

JEFF GADDIS

Full Service Optical

Felicia Popowski, O.D.

(719) 630-3937 www.buckleychang.com 3155 N. UNION BLVD., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80907

Serving Colorado with 8 locations NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 11

3 Colorado Springs girls earn highest honor in Girl Scouts

BY BY ANNEMARIE HARPER

Award now, these Girl Scouts will Three Colorado Springs Girl also be part of this spring’s cenScouts have earned their Gold tennial celebration of Girl Scouts’ Award, the highest award in highest honor.

“Earning the Girl Scout Gold Girl Scouts: Award designation is truly a reTRISTINA ALTMAN, Pikes Peak markable achievement, and these Christian School, started a recy- young women exemplify leadercling program at her school. Be- ship in all its forms,” said Stephacause of her program, the school nie Foote, chief executive officer of saved money and students and Girl Scouts of Colorado. “They saw teachers learned first-hand the im- a need and took ownership of helping to develop a solution and took pact recycling can have. action to make it happen. Their exSTEPHANIE HUISINGH, Discov- traordinary dedication, perseverery Canyon Campus High School, ance and leadership is making the wrote a detailed guide that laid out world a better place.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award culthe specific steps for how to throw a high school party and include stu- minates with a project led by one young woman between 9th and dents with special needs.

12th grades who builds a purDOORS OF COLORADO team to work with the MEAGAN PREWITT, Coronado pose-basedSPRINGS High School, made sure children larger community to meet a need. with special needs, along with The focus of a Gold Award project their families, had the tools/re- is identifying and researching a sources they needed when attend- community issue she is passionate about, developing a plan to ing local churches. address it in cooperation with her These young women have demon- team and community members, strated exceptional commitment to establishing a global connection taking action to make their world a with others and providing sustainbetter place. By earning their Gold ability for the project.

Girl Scouts of Colorado

DOORS OF COLORADO SPRINGS

Now available at:

Now available at:

Chapel Hills Mall Guest Services

Chapel Hills Mall Guest Services

Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS® Rich Home Designs Terra Verde The Resource Exchange What’s In Store

719.380.1111

12 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

www.tre.org

Join Girl Scouts!

Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS® Rich Home Designs Terra Verde

Girl Scouts of Colorado serves more than 24,000 girls The Resource Exchange and 10,000 adult volunteers.

To learn more about What’s In Store how you can be part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org or contact 1-877-404-5708 or inquiry@gscolorado.org.

719.380.1111

www.tre.org

The Joyous Sounds of the Holidays Presented FREE for the 14th year by the Tri-Lakes Music Association

December 18 & 19 – 7 pm & December 20 – 2 pm Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.

Tristina Altman

Program: The Joyous Sounds of the Holidays First Half: Several small ensembles performing Christmas music Second Half: The Tri-Lakes Music Association’s Choir & Orchestra “The Glory of Christmas” Created by: Phil Barfoot & Lari Goss Donation: A free-will donation supports Tri-Lakes Cares and two scholarships for eligible seniors Parking: Lower lots and enter through the auditorium Palmer Ridge High School Auditorium 19255 Monument Hill Frontage Rd. (intersection Monument Hill Rd. & Misty Acres Blvd)

EVERY DAY, The Salvation Army FEEDS 400 meals, SHELTERS 350 homeless & RESTORES hundreds of lives in El Paso County.

Weather Cancellations: visit our website www.trilakesmusic.org

Stephanie Huisingh

ry e n t n r i a D P g r n o i t v i n e g s!p? v s UU E k h t i n p g W n a u i ro Com GTh y HaEvnejoA

$30 All You Can Eat We have just the place!

Enjoy a Glass of Wine/Champagne, Salad, Turkey, Stuffing, Multiple rooms available for private parties, corporate Cranberries, Potatoes, Gravy, Buttery Rolls, and Dessert. gatherings, birthday bashes and holiday parties.

ReserveYour your Spot date today!

Reserve Today!

Book a Party • Spend Time with Family • Watch the Game

Meagan Prewitt

(719)685-9114 685-9114 •• StagecoachInn.com StagecoachInn.com (719) 702Manitou ManitouAve, Ave, Manitou Manitou Springs, 702 Springs,CO CO80829 80829

Photos courtesy of Girl Scouts of Colorado.

NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 13

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET Come to the Margarita at Pine Creek to browse handmade local art, crafts and holiday foods at the Colorado Farm & Art Market annual Holiday Market.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 11 am - 3 pm Margarita at Pine Creek 7350 Pine Creek Rd.

Nonprofit News Your Community Connection

Volunteer opportunities, nonprofit community updates, fundraisers and events sent to your inbox each week.

FREE: gazette.com/newsletters 14 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

Pam VanOverbeke, Greccio Housing’s Resource & Opportunity Center manager, poses with the facility’s newest Grab-N-Go library. Steve Schultz, Leadership Pikes Peak

Nonprofits collaborate to complete Grab-N-Go libraries

BY KELLY JACKSON Greccio Housing

According to the Children’s Literacy Foundation, 68 percent of American fourth graders do not read at a proficient level, and one out of six children who do not read at age level by the end of third grade will not graduate from high school.

Inadequate access to reading materials and the inability to purchase or borrow books creates barriers to improving literacy rates. Communities that provide residents with easy access to reading materials see improvements in school outcomes as well as job performance.

Greccio Housing’s Resource Team realized the importance of access to reading materials and implemented a Grab-N-Go library program in early 2014. Later that year, Greccio submitted a project request to Leadership Pikes Peak (LPP) to build, install and stock six libraries. The project was selected to be part of LPP’s LNOW! program for young professionals.

After many hours of design, building, painting and community outreach, the LNOW! team installed new Grab-N-Go libraries in December 2014. In Spring 2015, the Leading Edge Teen Program adopted four more libraries, and this fall, the Encore Leadership Team adopted the final libraries.

Greccio is proud to be a collabora-

tive partner with LPP, whose teens, rising professionals and seasoned community leaders have made an impact on over 800 lives. Volunteers responsible for restocking each library have reported that residents of all ages are lined up waiting for new books to read.

“One-hundred percent of our properties now have Grab-N-Go libraries, and residents have expressed their appreciation for the access to a wide variety of books,” said Pam VanOverbeke, Greccio’s Resource & Opportunity Center manager.

The Grab-N-Go libraries are stocked with donated books collected by the LPP teams, library volunteer corps and generous donors.

Greccio welcomes ongoing donations to keep the libraries stocked for years to come.

Greccio Housing has served low-income families and individuals in the Pikes Peak region since 1990.

Greccio’s mission is to provide stable, safe, affordable housing, and to create supportive opportunities and services for residents to enhance their individual growth and maintain self-sufficiency. Greccio currently owns, co-owns, or manages 22 properties, providing 510 affordable apartments throughout Colorado Springs. For more information, visit greccio.org.

Protect your business from cybercrime this holiday season

Peak Holiday Emporium

BY BRUCE PARKMAN CiSMB

For many small businesses, the holidays are a crucial time of year. Unfortunately, it’s of the same for many Bruce Parkman cyber hackers.

Colorado Springs-based nonprofit CiSMB (Cybersecurity Institute for Small & Mid-sized Businesses) offers these inexpensive steps business owners can take to secure business this holiday season:

1. No new technology:

The holiday season is no time for you to try out new technology in your company, as updates can impact your IT architecture in ways you might not be aware of. Wait until after the busy season to make changes.

2. PCI compliancy:

The new PCI DSS 3.1 standards require you to scan quarterly and pentest annually. These simple actions and compliance with PCI requirements like firewall management and anti-virus solutions will reduce your vulnerability to hackers.

3. Protect mobile data:

Many retailers are using tablets to conduct store transactions, order food and get customer feedback.

Ensure these devices are encrypted both internally and on the networks used to communicate.

4. Data encryption:

This is one of the best security measures a retailer can take to protect data that is on site or that could be stolen. Even if data is stolen, it can’t be read, and you might not have to report it.

5. Back up:

Once data is hacked, encrypted

The Life Without Lupus Foundation In cooperation with The Downtown Colorado Springs Partnership Presents…

Gift Shoppe & Marketplace

Saturday December 5th 11:00 am – 4:30pm through ransomware, or stolen on devices it is gone, but it doesn’t have to be forever. Ensure your data-hosting facility provides regular backup of your data.

6. Lock down hardware:

Lost data is often obtained via a company’s stolen hardware. Enumerate your hardware and identify to whom it is assigned. Ensure you are able to track it.

7. Secure your network:

Ensure your WiFi network is secured using WPA2 encryption and secure the password. Better yet, install a “guest” network that operates in parallel to your retailer network but is not connected.

8. Quality customer service:

Consumers who purchase goods and then call credit card companies to challenge the purchase or quality — called “friendly fraud” — force retailers to incur steep charges. Provide quality customer service to ensure consumers have a friendly place to voice dissatisfaction.

9. Hire security.

Hiring a third-party-managed service provider or cloud-based security alerting service can provide businesses with another level of security.

Want more?

For more information on cybersecurity for your business, visit cismb.org or call 1-877-412-9407.

Sunday December 6th 11:00am – 3:30pm

Historic City Auditorium | 221 East Kiowa (Kiowa & Weber)

Stop by the Peak Holiday Emporium before the Festival of Lights for entertainment, food and family fun! Pick up locally made gifts or visit the Pike Masters Model Railroad Club Open House in the City Auditorium.

FEATURING… COURTESY GIFT WRAP STATION GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEAS FROM PREMIERE VENDORS & MERCHANTS AWESOME FOOD & CURBSIDE CUISINE OUR ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION LUXURY CAR & RV PRESENTATION

BY LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE RETAILERS BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY MUSIC Various Performers & Choirs

KID ZONE

PUPPETS & THINGS ON STRINGS FUN VENDORS AND OF COURSE… SANTA CLAUS!

PO Box 76221 | Colorado Springs, CO 80970 719-380-8330 | 719-380-5029 fax | www.lifewithoutlupusproject.org

Admission is FREE, but a $10 contribution to The LIFE Without Lupus Foundation is greatly appreciated.

Call for more information

719-380-8330.

no known cause…no known cure… YET! NONPROFIT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 15

MRE Lunch Day Demand and Sales Continue

The Home Front Cares’ MRE Lunch Day was so successful, the nonprofit will continue selling the militarystyle ready-to-eat meals until their supplies are gone.

The nonprofit THFC sold some 600 MREs for its Veterans Day awareness and fundraiser drive. The event called on people in the Pikes Peak Region to “eat like a soldier” in support of our Colorado military on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Proceeds benefited THFC’s mission of paying essential life expenses like rent and utilities for needy veterans. Sales were first scheduled to end on Nov. 9, with MREs delivered on Nov. 10. But the organization was still receiving calls and emails days later.

“We wanted to give our community a tangible way to show solidarity with our veterans and military families on this Veterans Day,” said April Speake, THFC’s executive director. “But the response has continued past Veterans Day, and fortunately we still have a few hundred MREs left. So we are encouraging companies and families to hold their own MRE Lunch Days, and we’ll keep selling them until we’re out.”

MREs can be ordered at thehomefrontcares.org/MRE. The MREs cost $11 each, with discounts on orders of 10 or more.

Orders of five or more will be delivered by volunteers or staff from THFC, while smaller orders will be available for pickup at The Home Front Cares’ office at 1120 N. Circle Drive, Suite 7.

The MREs were provided at cost by Old Colorado City Surplus, a local military surplus store. The Gazette, KVOR, Kat Country, and KKTV also sponsored the drive.

16 DECEMBER 2015 NONPROFIT NEWS

Helping Colorado Veterans and Military Families In their last fiscal year, the nonprofit THFC made grants to pay essential life expenses for 375 clients and their families.  About 60% of their clients are from the Pikes Peak Region  Nearly two-thirds of clients needed aid for housing  Nearly 70% of clients are disabled  Nearly 70% of clients have children to support

Learn more or DONATE today at www.thehomefrontcares.org

THFC Part of Empty Stocking Fund The Home Front Cares is honored to once again be selected to be part of the 2015 Gazette Empty Stocking and IndyGive! campaigns. This is the second time, and second straight year, that THFC has been selected by these annual community giving drives.

Thanks to the good people at IndyGive! and the Gazette for not only recognizing our work, but also recognizing the needs of our Colorado veterans as they return home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our veterans and their families need our support more than ever, and we are grateful that both the Gazette and Give! will help us aid even more families.

We encourage you to support both campaigns, as well as the many other worthy nonprofits participating this year. All organizations involved are part of what makes our community great!

Learn more at www.indygive.com and www.fillanemptystocking.org.