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Helping hand
ESM: building self-sufficiency, restoring dignity
Were it not for Ecumenical Social Ministries, about 18,000 people may have been left in severe personal crisis last year. Those 18,000 individuals needed help with food, utilities, rent, jobs, transportation, and mental health - and sometimes, just a caring person to listen to their stories.
ESM was founded by eight Downtown churches in 1982 to serve low-income and homeless people in crisis in central and southeast Colorado Springs. Its mission: "In response to the Gospel, ESM promotes self-sufficiency and restores dignity by providing food, medicine, housing, job placement, educational programs, and spiritual encouragement."
Eighty percent of the people ESM serves are the working poor; 20 percent are chronically homeless. Forty-three percent of clients are employed in one or more jobs.
In these tough times, do you know people who are going hungry? Up to four times a year, they can receive emergency food assistance (enough for four days of meals) through ESM's food pantry. Has someone lost a job? ESM helps with resume preparation, job referrals, transportation vouchers, skill assessments, clothing and more. ESM also can provide assistance paying for medications. Their business is to help people on the road to self-sufficiency.
In its last fiscal year, ESM served 18,000 people with 24,000 services. In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, ESM has already provided more than 23,000 services to nearly 15,000 people. Its $3 million budget and full and part-time staff of 18 are being stretched to the limit.
Ecumenical Social Ministries
201 North Weber
719-636-1916
Client hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To learn more, go to www.ecusocmin.org. |
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Clarifications on Parking & Fines
Parking issues incite widespread objections
Since publication of the March Downtown Partnership News, many Downtown businesses and patrons have voiced discontent regarding extended parking meter hours, as well as the doubling of fines for parking meter violations.
We want to assure our constituents that we are listening, gathering opinions, and discerning how best to proceed in advocating on behalf of our constituents, the Downtown Partnership organization, and in general, the Downtown district.
The Partnership would like to clarify that it did not initiate, nor does it support at this time, either of these measures.
Extended parking meter hours is one alternative revenue-generating idea proposed by City Parking Administration, via City Council directive and in response to revenue shortfalls and budget trimming. As was reported in our March issue, Parking Administrator Greg Warnke came up with the idea of extended meter hours as a way to generate revenues to help support the free DASH service - at 50 percent of its 2008 schedule. Initially the Partnership believed this to be a fair and reasonable option.
However, given the widespread opposition within the district, the Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, as well as leadership of the Business Improvement District, will both present letters of opposition to extended meter hours to City Council.
Rates for parking meter violations were determined by the Presiding Judge, Hayden Kane, in Municipal Court. The judge did not invite public or stakeholder comments prior to his determination. Downtown Partnership's Executive Committee has since met with Judge Kane and voiced concern about the timing of the fine increase and the lack of dialog prior to its implementation.
One potential softening of the parking fine structure might involve the use of software that could help differentiate first-time and repeat offenders, and provide a tiered rate structure. DP leadership will be exploring the concept with Parking Administration in the coming months. We will report any further developments as they occur and as we are aware of them.
To voice your opinion on these topics, send an email to info@downtowncs.com |
Creative challenge
Put more art on the streets - permanently
In just a couple months, the 11th annual Art on the Streets exhibit will be installed, featuring 13 innovative new works from across the country and around the world for the public to enjoy for the next year. With your help, at least one of those works will be purchased and placed permanently Downtown.
Art on the Streets is a cornerstone project of Community Ventures, Inc. and is presented each year by US Bank, Nor'wood Development and G.E. Johnson. Community Ventures's vision is to"promote a diverse and engaging cultural environment in downtown Colorado Springs that will attract visitors and enrich the daily lives of the city's residents."
Imagine how dull Downtown would be without the likes of Humpty Dumpty, the giant sunflowers on Cascade, and the always charming Bella and the Bug in Acacia Park - three of more than 40 works of art on permanent exhibit in the district. Outdoor art enlivens the urban landscape, engages our senses and invites dialogue.
Thanks to a generous seed gift of nearly $6,000, the Palermo Art Acquisition Fund has been established to help in that and future art purchases. According to Community Ventures President, Judy Noyes, fundraising is underway to build up the fund to enable a purchase from this year's upcoming exhibit.
Donations of $100 will be recognized in the Art on the Streets Program brochure. Sponsorships of $1,000 and $2,000 will have their names on plaques at the art installation sites, as well as receive other publicity.
Show your heart for art in Downtown. To make a donation or learn more, contact Denise Schall at 886-0088 or deniseschall@downtowncs.com.
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From the Downtown Snoopster
Tejon, the Tease
News Flash! Tejon does not alone constitute downtown! If you didn't know this, it's time you turned a few corners with the Snoopster to discover a few delights in all directions.
Let's start west of Tejon and park in the garage on Cascade (at Bijou), which is cheaper than meter parking (a whole lot cheaper than a $20 violation). We'll go Saturday, when we can park all day for a dollar. This garage is quite extraordinary because it's not ugly. It's a graceful redbrick structure often mistaken for an elegant shop or restaurant.
From there, let's walk south down Cascade to Kiowa. We turn left (east) and head for lunch at Bistro de Pinto. Besides enjoying their fresh, healthful, yummy Continental cuisine (tortilla soup, my favorite for lunch; lobster ravioli, for dinner appetizer), we might luck out and be greeted by the most informative, charming, and lovely hostess in this city: eleven-year-old Shianne Pinto. On a recent visit, when I asked for recommendations, she replied, "I can assure you that everything my father prepares is absolutely delicious." She is right.
Next we'll continue east on Kiowa to Nevada Avenue, then swing left, heading north for almost three blocks. There, at A-1 Alterations, Aesim Capen can do anything. Remember all those clothes you bought that almost fit you, but, oh, well, they were on sale? If anyone can alter them to fit, it's Aesim. I learned from Aesim that jeans should be hemmed one-half inch from the floor. Besides ordinary clothes, she works on formals, costumes, and uniforms. She's busy, though, so plan ahead a week or two.
Finally, we'll turn back and head south on Nevada, cutting across Acacia Park to Bijou Street, where Out of the Box owner, Jo Lynn Garlow, shows a keen instinct for up-and-coming designers. She houses nothing that's mundane and everything that's funky and cool: hats, jewelry, bags, scarves, sunglasses, computer bags, and Jo Lynn herself. She says her business has increased since Tejon became two-way. Sometimes the Snoopster visits Out of the Box just to yuck it up with Jo Lynn because she always has good stories to tell.
You'll never know what you're missing until you step a few blocks beyond. This little tour is just a beginning. Tejon Street is only the big tease.
Mentioned
A-1 Alterations, 328 1/2 N. Nevada, 719-633-0446
Bistro de Pinto, 26 E. Kiowa, 719-473-3538
Out of the Box, 11 E. Bijou, 719-633-7090
Parking Garage, 215 N. Cascade, 719-632-5138 |
Can you guess?
Downtown Puzzler
This stoic figure has been keeping watch over us for more than 100 years. Do you know where he's located? |
MEMBERSHIP 
Welcome Back Renewing Members!
Click here for a complete list of Downtown Partnership Members
Friends Level
Conover Realty
Gain-Stovall, Inc - Welcome New Member! Associates Level
Trestle Office Condominium Owners Association, Inc - Welcome New Member!
Holland & Hart LLP
Bradley Commercial Group, Inc
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Kaiser Permanente
Old Town Bike Shop
Jennings and Jennings
Member Level
Colorado Springs Health Partners PC
Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Inc
Bryan Construction
Mulliken Weiner Karsh Berg & Joliet P.C. |
We've got answers
Puzzled no more
A bit of mystery surrounds the lone Indian perched above the entryway to the historic Cheyenne Building, now home to the Phantom Canyon Brew Pub, at 2 East Pikes Peak Ave. Did he play a role in the city's heritage or is he simply an anonymous reminder of the surrendering of the West to civilization? The identity or intent of the artist remains unknown. But what we do know is Downtown wouldn't be the same without this gem! | |
