Nonprofit News Your Community Connection
February 2016 • gazette.com/nonprofit Seniors
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United Way offers free tax prep, credit info BY CINDY AUBREY
Pikes Peak United Way
Kimberley Sherwood, Third Sector Group, presents at the 2014 Nonprofit Day Conference. Dr. Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor, UCCS, will kick off the 2016 conference as the first keynote speaker. Bryan Oller, Colorado College
2016 Nonprofit Day Conference to highlight talent development, future of nonprofit sector Courtesy Center for Nonprofit Excellence
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) will host its annual Nonprofit Day Conference on March 4 at The Antlers, 4 S. Cascade Avenue. Attended by more than 450 individuals representing 235 organizations last year, the 2016 conference promises to provide nonprofit and business professionals, volunteers and community leaders with the insight they need to see their organizations excel, increase in knowledge and advance the nonprofit sector as a whole. “CNE’s Nonprofit Day Conference is vital to the health of our community,” said CNE Executive Director Dave Somers. “As the Center for Nonprofit Excel-
Nonprofit Day Conference 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., March 4 at The Antlers, 4 S. Cascade Avenue Early bird tickets: $80 for CNE members, $110 for non-members Info: info@cnecoloradosprings.org, cnecoloradosprings.org Join CNE for a day of education, idea sharing and relationship building. Featuring more than 15 breakout sessions, four keynotes and exhibitors, this annual event brings together nonprofit and community leaders, businesses and the public sector.
lence celebrates its twenty-fifth year in 2016, this conference draws a cross section of community leaders who look forward to essential education, informative discussions and key relationship building. Business and nonprofit professionals alike set this day aside to develop staff, advance
their missions and connect with each other.” With an eye towards the future, this year’s conference will focus on talent development, including investing in our greatest resource: people. Several of the 18 breakout sessions will – CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 –
Low-to-moderate income families in El Paso County might receive a larger tax refund this year by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But, to get it, individuals must file a tax return and claim it. Pikes Peak United Way (PPUW) is now offering free income tax preparation assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Sponsored by the IRS , VITA helps individuals and families with household incomes less than $54,000 file a tax return and determine if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $6,000. This special tax benefit from the Federal government is designed to help reduce tax burden and supplement wages. “As part of our commitment to address education, income and health — the building blocks for a good quality of life — Pikes Peak United Way will again this year oversee the – CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 –
THROUGH FEBRUARY 14:
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Pikes Peak Opera League presents
A Magic Carpet Ride to Exotic Locales Gala Dinner & Silent Auction Friday, February 12, 2016 • 5:30 pm Antlers Hotel, 4 South Cascade 5:30 Social Hour & Silent Auction 7:00 Dinner • 8:00 Program Musical Selections from around the World by Opera Theatre of the Rockies Singers Tickets $70 per person ($35 tax deductible)
On-Line Reservations & Information at www.pikespeakoperaleague.org or call (719)667-0603
2 FEBRUARY 2016 NONPROFIT NEWS
Serving Colorado with 8 locations
Nonprofit News
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FEBRUARY 3, 2016
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30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
GENERAL MANAGER Brad Howard brad.howard@gazette.com
Visit gazette.com/newsletters to sign up for nonprofit news email updates, volunteer opportunities and event information.
EDITOR, NONPROFIT NEWS Hannah Blick hannah.blick@gazette.com
@CSNonprofitNews /CSNonprofitNews
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Nonprofit Day Conference attendees dance and cheer along with past keynote speaker Alicia McConnell. This year’s conference will provide education and networking opportunities for local nonprofit and business professionals. Bryan Oller, Colorado College
Nonprofit Day Conference: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 focus on leadership development, strategy and planning and the potential impact of the impending generational shift in the US workforce. Throughout the day, attendees will participate in panel discussions, workshops and lectures on topics related to fundraising, nonprofit governance, volunteerism and more. Most workshops are led by homegrown nonprofit experts like Jody Alyn of Jody Alyn Consulting, Joan Rennekamp of Lewis Roca and Rothgerber, Kimberley Sherwood of Third Sector Group, and international speaker Crystal Jonas. “We believe that investing in an organization’s talent is essential,” said CNE Deputy Director Abby Laine Sienkiewicz. “Our people — staff, volunteers, board members — are our most valuable resource.
CNE is excited to honor those who serve the community and highlight the importance of building up talent in the nonprofit sector.” Along with breakout sessions, exhibitors and networking opportunities, the conference will feature several keynote speakers. Dr. Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, will kick off the day as the morning keynote speaker, and Mike Gemm, Lauren Hug, and Michael Diaz-Rivera will be featured speakers during the luncheon. Early bird tickets, with discounts for CNE Members, are available through February 10. Regularly priced tickets are available through February 24 or until the conference is sold out. For more information, or to register to attend, please visit cnecoloradsprings.org.
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Want a larger tax refund this year?
Call 2-1-1 to make an appointment at a Pikes Peak United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program preparation site and find out if your family can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Pikes Peak United Way: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 VITA program to help taxpayers
get their maximum refund,” said PPUW President and CEO Jason Wood. “This is money that can be saved or spent to pay bills, rent or utilities, tune up a car, make a down payment on a home, or in many other ways gain greater financial stability.” Last year, $2.1 million was spent back into the local economy through the EITC program. Earned Income Tax Credit is
the nation’s largest anti-poverty program that works by supplementing the earnings of workers with low wages. Studies show that EITC has increased family income, reduced child poverty and promoted employment particularly for single mothers who have low levels of education. The public is asked to call 2-1-1 to make an appointment at one of the tax preparation sites and find out what documents to bring along.
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A volunteer with the Pikes Peak United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helps a community member file a tax return and determine if she is eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit. Courtesy Pikes Peak United Way
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Celebrate Valentine’s with Velvet Hills Chorus Make Valentine’s Day extra special for the one you love: have a Velvet Hills Chorus Singing Valentine quartet or small group sing two songs to your special someone at no charge. Call 630-2525 and press 4 to schedule. The ladies of the Velvet Hills Chorus pose while performing at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Las Vegas. Courtesy Velvet Hills Chorus
All-female Velvet Hills Chorus performs in variety of venues BY ARLENE J. ARMATA Velvet Hills Chorus
Velvet Hills Chorus, the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, celebrated its 50-year anniversary this fall with a successful show and has an exciting performance and entertainment schedule lined up for 2016 in the Pikes Peak region. The chorus, made up of 80 diverse women passionate about making extraordinary music, sings four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style under the direction of the dynamic and tal-
ented Kathy Carmody, master ed- in the Sweet Adelines International Competition and soon after, in a ucation and director. Velvet Hills Chorus invites wom- Chapel Hills Mall flash mob on en ages 15 years and older to attend World Sing Day. In December, the a rehearsal, which happens at 7 group performed in the America each Monday night. For those who The Beautiful Christmas Show, the would like to participate but don’t Life Without Lupus Fundraiser and know how to sing, chorus members sang Christmas carols in local resiwill gladly instruct you. Monday re- dences and nursing homes. On Janhearsals are at Harmony Hall, locat- uary 30, the chorus performed in ed at 3815 N. Academy Boulevard. CHORAL aborative at the Pikes Peak The chorus entertains and per- Center, along with nine other local INNOVATORS OF COMFORT™ forms in a variety of venues. In Oc- THE choral groups, filling the Center tober, it was in Las Vegas competing with beautiful music.
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This March, Velvet Hills will compete in the Sweet Adelines Region 8 Competition at the Pikes Peak Center, along with choruses and quartets from eight states. The Quartet Competition will begin at noon on March 17 and the Chorus Competition at noon on March 18. Tickets can be purchased at the Pikes Peak Center, 190 Cascade Street, for each event, with senior and student discounts available. For more information about the Velvet Hills Chorus, visit velvethills.org.
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Nonprofit Events To submit an event for the Nonprofit News calendar, please send details and contact information to nonprofitnews@gazette.com.
February 3 & 16
Homeschool Days: “MathAlive!” 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr. Info: 576-8000, spacefoundation.org.
February 4
ter. Info: 495-2176
February 9
Space Story Party: “The Robot Book” 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr. Info: 5768000, spacefoundation.org.
Nature Adventures: Wild Cats
Extreme Couponing Workshop
10–11:30 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $3/family. Reservations: 520-6745.
3:30 p.m. & 7 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 314 W. Bijou St. Free. Registration: gazette. com/coupon.
February 5
February 10
7–8:30 p.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $4/member, $5/ nonmember. Reservations: 5206745.
8–10 a.m. in the Penrose Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave. Free. Registration: 531-6333 Ext. 2335, tsayles@ppld.org.
February 6
Star Days: “MathAlive!”
Stroke and Heart Attack Identification Training & Response Class
10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr. Info: 576-8000, spacefoundation.org.
9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Black Forest Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1353 S. 8th St. Free. Hosted by the Black Forest AARP Chap-
Winter Night Sky for Beginners
Nonprofit Workshop: Hiring Beyond the Job Description
Monthly Neighborhood Meeting 5 p.m., social; 5:30–7, meeting at the Council of Neighborhoods and Organizations, 309 S. Cascade Ave. Info: cscono.com.
February 11
Nonprofit Workshop: Grantseeking 8 –10 a.m. in the Penrose Computer Lab at Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave. Free. Registration: 531-6333 Ext. 2335, tsayles@ ppld.org.
Twos and Threes Outdoors: Feet, Flippers, Hooves & Hands 10–11:15 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $3/family. Reservations: 520-6745.
Cheyenne Mountain at 50: Military Icon, Engineering Marvel 6 p.m., exhibit opens; 7 p.m., lecture at Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 225 North Gate
Your #1 source for arts, culture & fun! 6 FEBRUARY 2016 NONPROFIT NEWS
Blvd. RSVP: 488-0880.
rsvp@wmmi.org,
February 12
Pikes Peak Opera League Gala 5:30 p.m., silent auction; 7 dinner and concert at Antlers Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave. $70/person, benefiting Opera Theatre of the Rockies. Registration: pikespeakoperaleague.org.
Space Mixer: The Science of Love 7–9 p.m. at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr. Info: 576-8000, spacefoundation.org.
February 13 Kritter Karavan
10–11:30 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $4/member, $5/nonmember. Reservations: 520-6745.
Certified Pound Hound Rescue 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Pet Pantry, 5148 Academy Blvd. Info: 629-9274,
pet-pantry.com.
spacefoundation.org.
Fundraising Roast: Honoring Jim Johnson of GE Johnson Construction Company
AWR Cat Rescue
5:30 p.m. at Antlers Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave. Benefiting Cheyenne Village. Info: 592-0200, tinyurl.com/nu2elkj.
February 14
Valentine’s Day Tea 11 a.m. at The McAllister House Museum, 423 N. Cascade Ave. Info: mcallisterhouse.org/eventteas/calendar.
February 16
Pikes Peak Urban Gardens Panel Noon–1 p.m. at the Council of Neighborhoods and Organizations, 309 S. Cascade Ave. Info: cscono.com.
Diabetes Community Center Karma Hour 5–9 p.m. at Bristol Brewing Company, Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave. $1 for every pint sold benefits Diabetes Community Center. Info: 633-2555, bristolbrewing.com.
February 17 CASA 4-1-1 Hour
Noon–1 p.m. at CASA, 701 S. Cascade Ave. RSVP: 447-9898 Ext. 1033, kellyp@casappr.org.
February 20
Tarryall Ice Fishing Tournament 6 a.m.–1 p.m. at Tarryall Reservoir in Tarryall State Wildlife Area. Benefiting Teller County Regional Animal Shelter. Registration: 8360308, tcrascolorado.org.
Fontaine Qui Bouille: A History of Colorado Springs’ Essential Fluid 10-11 a.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $3/member, $4/nonmember. Reservations: 520-6745.
Tesla’s Toolbox: Mars Rover Design Challenge 10 a.m.–noon at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr. Info: 576-8000,
10 a.m.– 4 p.m. at Pet Pantry, 5148 Academy Blvd. Info: 629-9274, pet-pantry.com.
Colorado Society Sons of the American Revolution Annual Conference and George Washington Luncheon Noon, luncheon; 1 p.m., program and speaker at Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center, 2886 S. Circle Dr. Registration: Mail $25/per person check made out to COSSAR to Dick P. Marsh, PO Box 49397, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9397.
February 21
“Hope, Hearts & Home:” Benefit Luncheon & Auction 12:30 p.m. at Hotel Eleganté, 2886 S. Circle Dr. $44/person by February 5; $59/person after, benefiting Family Promise of Colorado Springs (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network). Registration: ihn-cos.org.
February 24
Nonprofit Workshop: Demographic Resources 8–10 a.m. in the Penrose Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave. Free. Registration: 531-6333 Ext. 2335, tsayles@ppld.org.
February 27
call for artists: Visual artists are invited to apply for inclusion in the 18th annual Art on the Streets juried sculpture exhibition. The deadline for artists to apply is February 16. Applications available at callforentry.org. Info: downtowncs.com/aots.
473-8477 for location information. 6-week program for caregivers of children who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. Info: namicoloradopsrings.org/education-and-classes/ basics, info@namicos.org.
Raffle tickets for sale
NAMI Homefront
$10/each or $50/six. Monument Academy PTO is selling raffle tickets for a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle. Proceeds will support the construction of a turf play area for the school’s students. Tickets can be purchased at Monument Academy, 1150 Village Ridge Pt., Monument, 4811950 or at Pikes Peak Harley Davidson, 5867 N. Nevada Ave. The drawing will take place March 5, winner need not be present. Info: 278-2300.
6–8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Call 473-8477 for location information. 6-week program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and vets with mental health conditions. Info: namicoloradopsrings.org/ educ at ion - a nd - cla s ses/ homefront, info@namicos.org.
Host an international student through CIEE
Family and Caregiver Encouragement Group
The First Tee of Pikes Peak Military Family Golf Clinics
Employee Retention & Being Successful at a Job
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.
10 a.m.– noon every Thursday at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 471-8181, theindependencecenter.org/ calendars.
NAMI Family-to-Family
9 a.m.–noon at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Ln., Fountain. $8/member, $10/ nonmember, plus $5 material fees. Reservations: 520-6745.
6–8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Call 473-8477 for location information. 12-week course for family and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. Info: namicoloradopsrings.org/education-and-classes/family-to-family, info@namicos.org.
10 a.m. at Prospect Lake, Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Benefiting Special Olympics Colorado. Registration: specialolympicsco.org/give/polar-plunge/.
Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. at Pet Pantry, 5148 Academy Blvd. Info: 629-9274, pet-pantry.com.
ONGOING
18th Annual Art on the Streets
10:30 a.m.– noon every Monday at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 471-8181, theindependencecenter.org/ calendars.
Welcome a CIEE high school student into your home and form a bond that lasts a lifetime. To learn about hosting, contact your local representative, Elizabeth Young: 934-3438, elsabet80 @gmail.com.
Gourd Workshop
2016 Polar Plunge
Living Well With a Disability
NAMI Peer-to-Peer 6:30– 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Call 473-8477 for location information. 11 session program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Info: namicoloradopsrings.org/education-and-classes/ peer-to-peer, info@namicos.org.
NAMI Basics 6– 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Call
5:30–7 p.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday monthly at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon Street. Info: 471-8181, theindependencecenter.org/calendars.
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. Lucky Dog Rescue is in need of administrators, dog holders/ walkers and foster homes. Info: luckydogvolunteer@gmail.com, bealuckydog.com/rescue. The Youth Transformation Center is planning its Fall Talent Show. The committee is forming now! Contact YTC at 440-1983 or youthtransformationcenter@gmail.com.
NONPROFIT NEWS FEBRUARY 2016 7
Red Cross seeks volunteers to support military, disaster relief BY BILL FORTUNE
ican Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado has positions available at Peterson Air Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy, and Fort Carson, which includes Evans Army Community Hospital.
American Red Cross
This year, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado has volunteer openings in both disaster and non-disaster roles. The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of disaster — that mission is met using a workforce that is 90 percent volunteers. Every year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters across the United States, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to f loods and hurricanes that affect tens of thousands. Red Cross volunteers know they are making a difference in their communities and their compassion provides help and hope in someone’s darkest hour. Check out these available volunteer positions and visit redcross. org/colorado for more information or to sign up to volunteer with the American Red Cross in Colorado.
DISASTER ACTION TEAM VOLUNTEER:
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team Patrick Martin and Brad Rice assist displaced residents at a structure fire on Constitution Avenue on April 11, 2015. Arnett Luce, American Red Cross
SERVICE TO ARMED FORCES LEAD VOLUNTEER: The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program helps an average of 150,000 military families and veterans annually. The Lead SAF volunteers work at mili-
tary locations managing other local volunteers through recruitment, scheduling and recognition. They work closely with the SAF paid staff to ensure a high quality volunteer experience and successful completion of the SAF mission. The Amer-
Disaster Action Team (DAT) members are Red Cross frontline responders for disaster response in the community, especially for home fires. A DAT member works as part of a team to assess the disaster situation and determine the best possible response. That response can help a family get back on its feet after a home fire or rally additional Red Cross support to help a community recover from a flood, tornado, earthquake or other natural or man-made disaster. The teams provide resources to support the immediate needs of those affected, like temporary lodging, food, clothing, medical support and mental health services.
Independence Center presents disability access kits to Red Cross BY JESSICA TENBRINK The Independence Center
We provide individualized instruction for students with learning differences to improve students’ rate of success and confidence! • Half-day accelerated learning for grades 1-8 • 4 to 1 student teacher ratio • Reading, writing, math and study skills • Direct instruction • Academic year program • After-school small group tutoring • 5-week summer school
To schedule a visit: Call (719) 576-3840 www.hillsprings.org
We empower students with learning differences to become confident, independent learners.
8 FEBRUARY 2016 NONPROFIT NEWS
The Independence Center presented an Emergency Preparedness Access and Functional Needs Kit to the Colorado Red Cross headquarters last fall. The kit contains over 45 accessibility items to assist seniors and people with disabilities with functional or access needs in an emergency evacuation shelter situation. Made possible by a grant from the Daniels Fund, The Independence Center is creating over 20 of these kits with an accompanying instruction manual. Each kit is valued at $1,300 and contains items to assist with eating/ drinking, mobility, hearing/communication, low vision, service animals and facility barriers to accessibility. The kits are being distributed to Colorado Red Cross Chapters, county emergency preparedness managers and independent living centers. “This kit of assistive devices will be invaluable when they set up an emergency shelter because these items are typically not provided, or quite frankly, even thought of,” said
Pat Going, contractor for The Independence Center. The Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires brought to the forefront the need for an understanding of accessibility for persons with disabilities. When persons with disabilities are evacuated from danger zones, significant accessibility and etiquette issues arise. John Monteith, independent contractor for The Independence Center, who created and assembled the kits, said: “Having a professional and personal perspective as an occupational therapist with a spinal cord injury, I can relate to how important these items are for helping those with access or functional needs while they are at a disaster shelter.” The Independence Center has risen to the occasion to educate local officials and Red Cross staff with help from two grants, one from Disability-Benefit Support Contract Committee (DBSCC) and one from the Daniels Fund. The two grants worked synergistically; the DBSCC grant funded the production of
John Monteith (left), independent contractor for The Independence Center who developed and assembled the Emergency Preparedness Kits, presents a kit to Michael Masto (right), Senior Disaster Program Manager American Red Cross of Western Colorado and Jaici Murcia (center), Division Disaster Director for Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Courtesy The Independence Center
a training video and The Daniels Fund grant paid for the creation of Emergency Preparedness Access and Functional Needs Kit to be given to all the Colorado Red Cross chapters.
Foster kids find biological family connections through CASA program BY TRACY SELLARS
CASA of the Peak Region
Picture a teenager who has been in foster care for most of her young life: she can count on one hand the caring adults who are in her life, and of those, all but one is a paid professional. Disconnections from family and multiple personal losses lead to feelings of insecurity, sorrow, isolation, and a sense she is unloved and alone. Sadly, this is not an uncommon scenario for children in the foster care system. Foster care is meant to be a temporary haven for children living in unsafe conditions, but about a quarter of the nation’s 500,000 children in foster care stay in the system until the reach adulthood. They are raised apart from immediate and extended family, and in many cases, they don’t even know who their family members are. This is why CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is providing family search and engagement services for foster kids through CASA’s Life Long Links (LLL) program. The goal is to locate, connect and engage family and other important people in the child’s life to facilitate supportive relationships and lifelong connections. CASA is growing the child’s support network so that he or she has at least three to five individuals actively participating in their life through regular contact, support, planning, and potentially permanent placement. The program is based on the conviction that all children in care should have more than just a place to live — they should also develop a network of natural support, including people who will care for them now and in the future. CASA trains and supports LLL volunteers who specialize in finding family for foster youth. They spend between 12–20 hours per month on activities like mining information from case files, searching public records and social media, reaching out and interviewing relatives and other significant supportive adults through calls and letters, gathering family stories and photos, and study-
ing social history, medical information, contact lists and family trees. In the first two years of the LLL program, one third of referred children reported having either no connections or one connection at case open; CASA located between 10 and 85 relatives, with an average of 49 discovered relatives per child. Over 80 percent of youth served had at least three long-term supports at case close; over 60 percent had 5 or more. Not only are these kids being united with caring family members, they are also receiving valuable insight into their family histories. One teenager, a victim of several failed adoptions, had been told that her biological mother looked like a witch and was a terrible person. What a gift for this young girl to discover that, not only was her mother beautiful, but she overcame her challenges with addiction and substance abuse. Another child received his only photo of his deceased mother from a relative he met through the program, and a local infant girl now has a family tree and life book to help her understand where she came from as she grows older. Additional volunteers are needed to expand family finding services to waiting children. For information about becoming a Life Long Links volunteer, call 447-9898 or visit casappr.org.
Renee Ellis (center) was placed in foster care at age 16 after her mother overdosed on drugs. She never knew her father and did not have connections to her biological family. The Life Long Links team, including coordinator Jillian Wiker (left) helped locate and connect Renee with her biological father Matt Ellis (right), along with extended family including a half-sibling, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Courtesy StoryCorps
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NONPROFIT NEWS FEBRUARY 2016 9
Visit downtown Colorado Springs in February for culture, arts tours BY LARA GARRITANO Downtown Partnership
Downtown Partnership serves as the catalytic champion for Downtown Colorado Springs, which has been designated by the State of Colorado’s Colorado Creative Industries as a Certified Creative District. Included in the district are cultural landmarks, award-winning outdoor sculpture, independent galleries, and other cultural and entertainment opportunities. For more information visit downtowncs.com or call 886-0088.
FEBRUARY 5
First Friday Downtown First Friday Downtown continues in 2016 with monthly art openings, meet-the-artist events and performances. Free and open to the public, First Friday Downtown offers artwork and cultural activities the first Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. at galleries, retailers, and venues throughout Downtown Colorado Springs. Visit downtowncs.com/ firstfriday for more information.
FEBRUARY 18
Downtown Photography Walk Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs’ Downtown Photography Walks offer a new way to explore downtown Colorado Springs: from behind a camera lens. Join acclaimed photojournalist Bryan Oller for monthly lunchtime photography walks. The architecture, people, and events of downtown Colorado Springs offer ideal and ever-changing photo shoot options. Oller will highlight different locations and topics each month, and will offer photography tips along the way. Currently the staff photographer for Colorado College Communications, Oller served as a staff photographer for The Gazette and then worked as a freelance photographer with work produced for The Independent, The Denver Post, the Associated Press and Reuters. Oller has been assigned to cover events like the Colorado floods and forest fires, Hurricane Katrina, Denver’s Demo-
Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery
3190 Benet Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Phone: (719) 633-0655 Fax: (719) 471-0403 www.benethillmonastery.org Located in Black Forest off Hwy 83 at mile marker 25.
Forgiveness Prayer Retreat Forgiveness can be healing: Is there someone in your life you would like to forgive? Come and learn more about this process! Retreat Description: Forgiving oneself or others is not easy
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2015 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Fee: $40
though. The Forgiveness Retreat explores our beliefs around forgiveness and offers a method of prayer that facilitates our trust in God’s power and guidance as we strive to forgive the hurts of our lifetime.
FEBRUARY 13
Historic FACES: Downtown Bronzes Core Culture Tour
Presenter: Steve Gabriel
Contact: Ana Cloughly, OSB; sana@benethillmonastery.org;719-633-0655 Ext. 150
Chamber Concert Series: “VIA DOLOROSA” Sunday: Feb. 21, 2016 2:30 pm Tickets: Adult: $20 Purchase Tickets online at Student: $10 www.benethillmonastery.org Description: A wonderful Lenten meditation of Jesus Christ’ Passion, portrayed through art song, sacred art, dramatic readings and choral works with Mezzo Soprano, Valerie Nicolosi, Pianist Carol Wilson, Actor Bruce Philips and Gary De Kler conducting the Roman Catholic Chamber Choir . Our Lady of Peace Chapel
Please register on our website or call 719-633-0655
www.benethillmonastery.org
cratic National Convention and local presidential visits. The hour-long walks will begin at noon on the third Thursday of each month. All levels of photography and camera types are welcome. Participants should bring their own cameras. Cost of the walk is $5, cash only, and free for Downtown Partnership members. Call 886-0088 for details. No reservations required, but participation is limited to 15, and sign-up is firstcome, first-serve at the tour. Tours are generally held regardless of weather, rain may cancel. In case of inclement weather, call Downtown Partnership at 11 a.m. the day of to confirm. Visit downtowncs.com/ tours for more information.
Downtown Partnership holds its Core Culture “Spaces, Faces & Places” guided walking tours at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. “Spaces, Faces & Places” features three separate tours introducing the historic buildings, contemporary artwork, and cultural highlights of downtown Colorado Springs. This month, the Historic FACES tour will focus on a collection of bronze figurative sculptures that dot downtown’s corners and intersections. Learn the stories behind these artworks, the legendary civic found-
10 FEBRUARY 2016 NONPROFIT NEWS Non Profit-Ad for Feb. 2016.indd 1
1/13/2016 9:56:09 AM
TOP: Core Culture guided walking tours take
participants past unique local artwork, like the pictured: “Nine Rings by James Burns.” Michael J. Pach, 3 Peaks Photography & Design ABOVE: First Friday Downtown galleries feature
works like local artists like Tracey Eastland, creator of “Polymer Clay Artwork.” Courtesy of Rico’s Café and Wine Bar
ers they represent, and the downtown people and places that helped to shape our modern-day city. The hour-long guided tour begins at 10 a.m. at The Wild Goose Meeting House, 401 N. Tejon Street. Ticket price for the tour is $10, with free admission for those 17 and under. All paid tour tickets include a free coffee beverage from Wild Goose. Space on the tour is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 9:30 a.m. in order to have time to order and enjoy beverages before the tour leaves at 10. Visit downtowncs.com/tours for more information and to register.
Museum celebrates Cheyenne Mountain’s 50 years as military icon, engineering marvel BY CASEY PEARCE
Heritage lecture and exhibit opening
Western Museum of Mining & Industry
Dug deep into the center of Cheyenne Mountain on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex was designed in the early 1960s to survive a nuclear attack. Currently the centerpiece of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, the complex is celebrating 50 years as an iconic military command center in 2016. The late 1950s were a time of high tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. The advent of massive nuclear weapons, and the long-range bombers and missiles to deliver them, drove military leaders to design and build an underground command center, capable of withstanding a “doomsday” attack. Plans for the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) Underground Combat Operations Center (COC) were approved in February 1961. Project managers chose Cheyenne Mountain for its stable geology and close proximity to other military installations in the area. Construction on the site began with the ceremonial “first blast” on June 16, 1961. Excavation was completed in just more than a year. When excavation was complete, miners had removed more than 1 billion pounds of granite, enough to fill 23,000 20ton trucks which, if set bumper-tobumper, would stretch more than 100 miles. The facility occupies 5.1 acres under Cheyenne Mountain. Two steel
Exhibit opens at 6 p.m.; lecture begins at 7 on February 11 Western Museum of Mining & Industry 225 North Gate Blvd.
Construction crews work to complete the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) underground command facility beneath Cheyenne Mountain during late 1961-early 1962. Courtesy NORAD
blast doors, each three and a half feet thick and weighing 25 tons, protect those working inside the facility from blast, heat, radiation, chemical and physical attack. A hydraulic pump can close the doors in less than a minute. During the Cold War, one of these doors was always closed. Today, the doors are kept open, but are tested regularly. The last time both doors were closed and locked for a crisis was on September 11, 2001. Since beginning full-time operations in 1966, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex has been home to vital national security operations. Best known was the NORAD Command Center. When NORAD joined with the new U.S. Northern Command in 2002, it became apparent that the underground facility was too small to house the expanded command staff. The primary command center relocated to Peterson Air Force Base,
but the NORAD Alternate Command Center remains active inside Cheyenne Mountain. Cheyenne Mountain continues to be an active command center for defense of North America. The Joint Missile Defense Center and many
Join WMMI and officials from NORAD for a new exhibit opening and lecture series about the construction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command center in Cheyenne Mountain. RSVP: rsvp@wmmi.org, 488-0880.
other U.S. military, defense and security agencies maintain operations inside the uniquely protected facility. Recent improvements ensure that Cheyenne Mountain will retain a vital, vibrant part of North America’s defense for many years to come.
Nonprofit News Your Community Connection
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FREE: gazette.com/newsletters NONPROFIT NEWS FEBRUARY 2016 11
Find Your Child’s Creative Essence A Patriotic
Celebration February 14, 2016 3:00 pm Featuring special guest narrators, the FUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra under the direction of James Steven Harter
is a FREE EVENT This offering taken Free-will the concert during 420 N Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 884-2504 www.fumc-cs.org
Now Enrolling for Spring and Summer Sessions
Instrumental Music, Vocals, Theater, Composition, Jazz, Pop, Opera, Musical Theater, Recording Arts, Dance and so much more for ages 4-19 For a complete listing of classes, programs, upcoming performances and events go to our website csconservatory.org 719-577-4556
Friends of the Conservatory
G
Courtesy of GE Johnson Construction
More than 60 years of providing support for individuals with I/DD and their families.
Protection Inclusion Advocacy Guardianship Education Social Opportunities
“As a leader in advocating for the rights of individuals with
disabilities, we look forward to a momentum-filled 2016! We plan to create a community center to provide educational opportunities and more for people with I/DD and their families, while collaborating with other community organizations.” -The Arc PPR Executive Director Wil Romero www.thearcppr.org | 719-471-4800
12 FEBRUARY 2016 NONPROFIT NEWS