Helping HandsProviding Help...Creating Hope | February 2019

Quarterly Newsletter of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

Volume 51 Issue 1

House Works! vocational training program, and employer partnerships to fulfill the vision for the HEC. A team of volunteers will be integral to the daily work of the center, particularly with computer training and reception support.

Many thanks to the El Pomar Foundation, the Estate of Laura Everitt, Downtown Rotary Club, Amnet, and Firma IT Solutions & Services for providing funds and in-kind donations to help with this expansion.

Catholic Charities jobs program began in 2015, and to date, 407 jobs have been filled. With a focus on employing clients with some of the highest barriers to work, we are committed to placing 160 more clients in jobs during 2019.

Hanifen Employment Center Opens

Joy Roane, HEC staff, and Wayne Meiden, HEC Volunteer, help James search for jobs.

The Life Skills & Career Development Center has officially changed its name to the Hanifen Employment Center (HEC) and is located on the first floor at the Hanifen Center at Marian House (previously Life Support Center location). The Center opened Feb. 1 with triple the space which provides a training room, more offices for 1:1 coaching and interviews, a partner agency office, and an expanded computer center.

A dynamic team, headed by Michael Branscum - Director of Income & Relief Services, Joy Roane - Vocational Counselor, Sarah Kersey - Client Advocate, and a HEC Manager, will build HEC program resources, the Marian

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

Providing Help. Creating Hope. Providing Help. Creating Hope.Providing Help. Creating Hope.Providing Help. Creating Hope.

F r o m t h e c e o - A n d y B a r t o n

Judy Overcomes Homelessness to Rebuild Her Life

Judy had a “normal” life. She had worked in inventory control for 17 years when her company asked her to come in on her day off to fill in for a co-worker. That day, while in a company van, the driver had an epileptic seizure. The van rolled and Judy lost consciousness. She woke up in the hospital, after being in an induced coma for weeks. Her doctor said, “Welcome to your new life.”

In addition to her broken body, Judy had suffered a traumatic brain injury. She spent nearly three years recovering and trying to cope with her disabilities: she had to learn how to walk, talk, and live again. She says, “I can remember things that happened 20 years ago, but not yesterday." The brain injury affects her short-term memory, preventing her from holding steady employment.

Once her therapy was complete, her son who lived in Colorado, invited her to live with him and help out with the grandkids. However, when she and her son had a falling out, Judy had to leave. With nowhere to go and no work, she became homeless in the middle of the Colorado winter in February 2016.

Judy said it was a stressful experience. At first, it was difficult to even process the shift from a stable and secure lifestyle to one that was traumatic and isolating. She sat at Penrose Library for hours doing nothing - overwhelmed by what to do and how to start building a new life. “I was in a fog for the first month. I began coming to the Marian House for meals and slowly built relationships with other people in the community.”

Soon she became acquainted with Velda, the Penrose-St. Francis Community Nurse and the staff at the Hanifen Employment Center at the Marian House, where she received help enrolling in Medicaid,

SNAP, and other services. Judy says, “After about a year, I finally got it all figured out. I knew where I needed to go for specific services and began to share that information with others."

Catholic Charities staff soon recognized Judy’s potential. She was organized and excellent at connecting people with resources, so they asked her to train as a Peer Navigator - helping others who were struggling to find resources.

Simultaneously, she began volunteering with local charities such as Seeds Community Café, the Concrete Couch, and the Echo (a newspaper designed to serve as income for people who are experiencing homelessness). She trained as a Peer Navigator, where she receives a small stipend, and also was hired to work limited hours for the Concrete Couch. The additional income, combined with her modest monthly disability payment, has allowed her to think about getting an apartment with three other women. She says, “I don’t know anyone who can make it alone. Even folks who are not homeless seem to live with 4 or 5 other people to be able to afford a place to live.”

Judy is excited to see what the future holds. She will continue working and volunteering because she says, "it makes me feel more normal.” Judy says she probably adjusted to being homeless better than others simply because she was in the process of beginning a new life as a result of the accident. She says, ”Some days it is just so hard to be homeless. People don’t understand that things happen that prevent you from getting out of that situation.”

Through her interactions with Catholic Charities, Judy found a paying job, unexpected friendships, and a community that she calls home.

"Some days, it is just so hard to be

homeless."

Throughout the final two months of 2018, the City of Colorado Springs hosted six town hall meetings at various locations across the city. The intent was to present and gather feedback for a document to address homelessness. The eight point “Action Plan for Homelessness Response” was drafted by the staff in Mayor John Suthers’ office and, with the support of some on City Council, is a response to one of the most frequent complaints the city receives: homelessness.

Catholic Charities staff were present at all of the meetings both to learn and to advocate for the addition of language addressing family homelessness, which was absent in the first draft. Working in collaboration with Partners in Housing, Family Promise and The Salvation Army, we called for explicit attention to the often hidden issue of family homelessness in the Pikes Peak Region. Early in December, before the final three town hall meetings were held, city leadership approved the addition of a ninth point to the Action Plan specifically addressing families experiencing homelessness. We saw it as a win for families, but also as an example of good politics.

Our local elected officials are presented with a no-win situation when it comes to homelessness. The issue is far bigger than government at any level has the ability – or responsibility – to solve. Poverty is a community problem that must be addressed through the collective support and work of all residents. Yet the

issue impacts business, tourism, law enforcement, emergency response, community health and so many more areas over which local government does have purview. As a result, they become the sounding board and punching bag for the anger and frustration that arises from negative impact – real and perceived – of homelessness.

On the other side, agencies like Catholic Charities have a responsibility to advocate for the marginalized: to be a voice for those who do not have an opportunity to speak for themselves among the decision makers. As such, we end up pushing back on and questioning our elected officials on behalf of the people we serve, sometimes, doing just as much complaining as the other side.

I have come to appreciate our local politicians in my time spent at those town hall meetings, and in other interactions and meetings. They are working tirelessly, and often thanklessly, to achieve justice as it relates to the city and to our homeless. Most people would give up on what seems like an impossible task, but Mayor Suthers and City Council continue to take on this issue with the determination to find what is right. We at Catholic Charities do not always agree with the approach, but I believe the intent is right and good.

More will be out in the months to come about the City’s Action Plan. As a supporter of the people we serve at Catholic Charities, I would encourage you to make yourself aware of the information and to support the effort. It is thoughtful, vetted and accurate. Most importantly, it is a result of our political leaders at their best: seeking the common good for Colorado Springs.

“Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.”

Pope Francis

#SUCCESSANOTHER

STORYAt Catholic Charities, we help families succeed so they can thrive, and not just survive. Luis

and his mom are successfully achieving their goals of financial health and stable housing through employment, educational opportunities, and working with a Family Life Coach for ongoing support.

Invest in success at 719-866-6422 or CCharitiesCC.org.

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

Providing Help. Creating Hope. Providing Help. Creating Hope.Providing Help. Creating Hope.Providing Help. Creating Hope.

S t . P a t ' s G a l a

What a difference a DAY makes!

Call 719-866-6427 to Sponsor-A-Day

P l a n t o A d d r e s s Fa m i l y H o m e l e s s n e s s

of Central Colorado

Marian HouseSponsor-A-Day

1/4 THANK YOU Mortgage Solutions Financial, St. Pat's Title Sponsor

1/5 Today's Meal is Sponsored by Friends of the Marian House

1/11 THANK YOU Diocese of Colorado Springs, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

1/13 Today's Meal is in Honor of St. Peter Catholic Church Volunteers

1/18 THANK YOU Ent Credit Union, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

1/22 Adoption: The Real Option

1/24 Today's Meal is in Honor of Matthew Schell

1/25 THANK YOU Penrose- St. Francis, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

2/1 THANK YOU Mortgage Solutions Financial, St. Pat's Title Sponsor

2/6 Today's Meal is in Memory of Jim DeMoor

2/8 THANK YOU Diocese of Colorado Springs, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

2/9 Today's Meal is in Memory of Kerry

2/12 Today's Meal is in Memory of Chester & Eugenia Miszkowicz

2/15 THANK YOU Ent Credit Union, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

2/18 In Memory of John & Clara Donatucci

2/20 THANK YOU Penrose-St. Francis, St. Pat's Associate Sponsor

2/23 Today's Meal is Sponsored by John and Sandra, Your Friends in Christ

3/1 THANK YOU Mortgage Solutions Financial, St. Pat's Title Sponsor

3/5 THANK YOU GE Johnson, St. Pat's Gold Sponsor

3/7 THANK YOU Murphy Constructors, St. Pat's Gold Sponsor

3/8 THANK YOU to the Faricy Boys, St. Pat's Gold Sponsor

3/11 THANK YOU O'Briens Carpet One, St. Pat's Gold Sponsor

3/13 THANK YOU V3Gate, LLP, St. Pat's Gold Sponsor

In December, the City of Colorado Springs added a ninth point focusing on family homelessness to the proposed “Action Plan for Homeless Response.” The effort to include families in the City’s comprehensive plan to address homelessness was spearheaded by a Homeless Family Solutions Collaborative comprised of Catholic Charities, Partners in Housing, and Family Promise. This collaborative presented a white paper on the issue of family homelessness referred to as the “20/40 Plan” and has begun work addressing a three year timeline presented within that plan. (The “20” refers to the need for 20 family shelter units and the “40” to the number of recommended family transitional housing units.)

The first major steps focus on data gathering and addressing the shortage of family shelter space. During the Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homeless individuals

in the community that was just completed in January 2019, greater focus was placed on counting families through increased volunteers and outreach to new locations

where homeless families are located or receive services. In addition to the expanded PIT effort, the collaborative is working to more effectively engage local school districts through their federally mandated McKinney-Vento counts, which identify

homeless students.Conversations regarding the feasibility

of developing a 20 unit, single family occupancy shelter are taking place. Local agencies working with homeless families, including Catholic Charities, see this kind of shelter as a critical component to help stabilize homeless families. Currently, the only family shelter in Colorado Springs turns away an average of over 40 families per month due to a lack of appropriate space. Additionally, our current family shelter is forced to separate mothers and fathers once in the shelter due to space constraints. Adding 20 units of single occupancy family shelter would address both the community's shortage of space as well as the current reality of separating parents/families.

The Collaborative has set a goal of late 2019 for opening this shelter, at an estimated cost of $1.5 to $2 million.

For just $1,500, you For just $1,500, you can provide more can provide more

than 600 meals than 600 meals to families and to families and

individuals who are individuals who are hungry. hungry.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Dust off your lucky shamrocks - it's time for the St. Patrick's Day Gala! Join us for a fun evening of fine dining, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and a night of fun, all hosted at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Club St. Pat's was such a hit last year, with live music by One More Shot and dancing in a nightclub atmosphere, we are offering it again!

We welcome Lisa Lyden this year as the Mistress of Ceremonies, who will pair up with our favorite auctioneer - Kevin Patterson of The Patterson Group - to conduct the live and paddle auctions.

Thank you to our sponsors, committee

members, volunteers, donors, and attendees for making this event a success! There will once again be fabulous auction items including trips, spectacular jewelry, and fine dining opportunities.

Buy Tickets or Tables: Host your friends or invite a special someone for a one-of-a kind St. Patrick's Day celebration. Tables of 10 cost $1,500, individual tickets are $150, or purchase a sponsorship. Tickets include a seated gourmet dinner, wine, welcome Champagne, and entrance into Club St. Pat's!

Go to CCharitiesCC.org/StPatsGala for tickets and more information. Hope to see you there!

5:30 - 9:00 pm

Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Cocktails & Dinner

Live Music & Dancing at “Club St. Pat’s” from 9:00 to 11:00 pm

♣ Bronze Sponsors

Colorado Springs Toyota Dealer AssociationD.A. Davidson-McCarty, Brown & Eden Group

Lewis Roca Rothgerber, LLPMichael Wolfe, CLU, ChFC, MSFS

Nussbaum | Speir, PLLCRyan Glass, Inc.

U.S. Bank

Hoelting & Company, Inc. Osborne, Parsons & Rosacker, LLP

The Patterson Group

♣ Green Sponsors

Champagne: CheersWine: Matt & Cathy Gendron

Program: KPB PrintingInvitation: Cheetah Printing

Media:

♣ In-Kind Sponsors

♣ Presenting Sponsor

Diocese of Colorado SpringsWWW.DIOCS.ORG

♣ Associate Sponsors

♣ Gold Sponsors

♣ Silver Sponsors5 Star Bank

Colorado Community Health AllianceEl Pomar FoundationPhil Long Dealerships

Simply Kids Dental, PLLCThe Centurion Group Inc.

The Platinum Group

Barry & Betsy Sobral are ready for some St. Pat's Auction action!

Providing Help. Creating Hope.

N e w s

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

N e w s

Providing Help. Creating Hope.Providing Help. Creating Hope.

Follow Our Blog!

The Catholic Charities Blog is a collection of work and ideas from our Catholic Charities team.

CCharitiesCC.org/BlogDonate Online @ CCharitiesCC.Org/Donate

Current Volunteer Needs Volunteers are needed in the Soup Kitchen, Family Connections, Client Services, English as a Second Language, and in Castle Rock.

Call 719-866-6559 or email VolunteerOffice@CCharitiesCC.org

to get involved!

Take a "Touch the Need" TourFirst Friday Tour

at Catholic Charities

Family Connections: 9 a.m. 917 E. Moreno Avenue.

Marian House Services: 10 a.m. 14 W. Bijou Street.

Register online for these tours atwww.CCharitiesCC.org/tours

Thank you to everyone: donors, volunteers, clients, staff, employment partners, foundations, grantors, and the community for your support in 2018. We served over 31,000 unduplicated individuals with programs and services to help their families find help and hope. This would not be possible without your commitment to our mission and your generosity of time, talent and treasure.

We invite you to see firsthand how your support changes lives. Visit us at CCharitiesCC.org/get-informed/tours to sign up for a tour.

Castle Rock Office

In our holiday issue of the Helping Hands Newsletter,

we announced the move of our Castle Rock office to 410 S. Wilcox to accommodate the tremendous growth in the northern region. On Feb, 26, we will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House at the new facility. We invite you to join us for this special occasion. Catholic Charities staff, board members, and the Castle Rock Advisory Committee will be available to conduct tours, talk about our programming, and our vision for the future.

Castle Rock Office Expands Counseling Services

In February, Catholic Charities Castle Rock welcomed Heart Centered Counseling in the subleased space of our new facility. This will expand counseling services available to our clients. Current services with Kelly Sheftall and Marica Frank are on a private pay basis, with Catholic Charities providing vouchers on a sliding scale for affordability. They also provide Faith-based counseling. Heart Centered Counseling accepts Medicaid and Medicare as well as all major insurance, will provide evening and Saturday hours, and have both female and male counselors, so clients will have more options in choosing the right counselor fit for them. Look for more service options in the coming months!

Citizenship Preparation

Classes

Learn everything you need to know about the citizenship application process.

Registration Date: March 12 at 6 p.m.

Classes begin March 12from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Atlas Preparatory High School1450 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs

Learn about the application process, and

the civics, history, English, writing, and reading tests. Cost is $30. Contact Gabriel Cobos at 719-866-6516 for more information or to register.

Crime Victim AdvocateCatholic Charities has added a Crime Victim Advocate to the staff of Family Immigration Services who will work primarily with domestic violence victims and crime victims who are engaging with the local police. This increases FIS's ability to serve these clients.

Save the DateApril is Volunteer Appreciation Month

April 28 will be the 4th annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Look for more details in the coming months or contact Doug Rouse

at drouse@CCharitiesCC.org

Want a career helping people at

a trusted non-profit in Colorado

Springs? Catholic Charities posts job offerings at CCharitiesCC.org/about-

us/employment. Check us out!

Careers

Safe & Secure is a free, two hour class focusing on infant/child health and safety. Offered weekly, Tuesday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. - noon, parents completing the class can choose to receive a new portable crib or a new car seat. Learn more at CCharitiesCC.org/Family Services, or register by calling 719-309-2965.

Catholic Charities Attends Strive to Thrive Fair

For Douglas County residents enduring hard times, a free hot meal and access to more than 25 local service organizations was available at the bi-annual Strive to Thrive fair in January. This free event provides attendees with information on where to access food and clothing, medical assistance and more, while providing an opportunity to receive many of those benefits at the event. Attendees also learned about employment opportunities, how to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), receive a wellness check, as well as many other supportive services.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less. VITA services at Marian House started Jan. 28 and be available until April 15. Appointment must be set up

through Pikes Peak United Way 211.

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

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Mission StatementIn response to Jesus Christ’s call to affirm the value and dignity of each human life, to build solidarity within the community, and to advocate for justice for the poor and vulnerable, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado humbly engages in the ministry of charity for those in both economic and spiritual poverty so that all – staff, volunteers, and clients – may fully achieve their God-given potential.

Helping Hands is published in Feb., May, Sept., & Nov. No article in this publication may be reprinted in whole or in part without permission of the editor. © 2019 Catholic Charities of Central Colorado. Postmaster: send address changes to Catholic Charities, 228 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

PublisherCatholic Charities of Central Colorado, Inc.President & CEO - Andy Barton

Editorial StaffEditor, Writer, Layout - Rochelle SchlorttContributors: Andy Barton, Jen Polk, Hannah PennisonCirculation - Betsy Finley

Colorado Springs Office

228 North Cascade AvenueColorado Springs, CO 80903

T: 719-636-2345 F: 719-636-1216

Castle Rock Office

410 S. Wilcox Street, Suite 102Castle Rock, CO 80104

T: 720-215-4521

The Marian House

14 West Bijou StreetColorado Springs, CO 80903

T: 719-475-7314 F: 719-633-0289

Helen Hunt Campus

917 E. Moreno Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903

T: 719-578-1222

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado228 North Cascade AvenueColorado Springs, CO 80903

www.CCharitiesCC.org

info@CCharitiesCC.org

M a k e a D i f f e r e n c e b y M a k i n g a G i f t

Special State Income Tax CreditsEnterprise Zone 25%

Check donations to Marian House of $250 or more

Child Care Contribution 50%Donations to Child Care Contribution or Life Connections

Gift Societies• Caritas Society ($10,000/year)• 1968 Founders Society ($1,968+/year)Other Ways• IRA Distributions, Stocks/Securities • Sponsor-A-Day at Marian House• Tribute Gifts – In Honor or Memory• Planned Giving or Estate Planning• Employer Matching Gifts

Monetary Donations & Tax Credits:

719-866-6422 or 719-866-6440

Material DonationsFood: Spoons, ground beef, hot chocolate, spices, canned vegetables, nondairy (powdered) coffee creamer

Infants & Children: Size 5 diapersLayette items: Newborn sleepers and onesies (neutral colors), Newborn pacifiers

Home & Transportation: Dishes, pots & pans, working vehicles, grocery store and gas gift cards

Clothing & Essentials: XL+ sweatshirts & hoodies, Men’s/women’s underwear, ladies socks, gloves, beanie caps, blankets, razors, shaving cream, and deodorant

Drop donations at the Marian House DockMonday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Material Goods: 719-866-6281 Vehicles: 719-229-9942

Thank You Grantors!Anschutz Foundation

Bruni Foundation - Empty Stocking FundBuell Foundation

El Pomar Foundation – Empty Stocking Fund Gazette Charities - Empty Stocking Fund

Mabel Horrigan FoundationRussell Grinnell Memorial Trust

Western Digital Foundation