Colorado Springs Ecumenical Social Ministries.
Assistance from Ecumenical Social Ministries can help families in need across Colorado Springs. The organization offers direct financial assistance as well as referrals to partner organizations if an when needed. What may be provided includes rental assistance, free food, gasoline vouchers, clothing, and other services.
The charities housing, rent and utility bill assistance program is always in high demand. As funding allows, clients can be assisted with partial funds for paying housing costs such as those energy bills or rent. The goal is to prevent homelessness and forestall eviction in the El Paso County Colorado area. If any financial aid is paid out, then mandatory budget counseling workshops are required.
From time to time Ecumenical Social Ministries may have money to help clients pay for any propane needs. The program works in similar fashion as that for the rental and energy resources.
The Direct Services Program can provide for basic needs and other support. The organization normally assists thousands of families per year with needs ranging from prescription medications to clothing, a 4-day emergency food supply, transportation vouchers or toiletries.
Groceries are disbursed from the Colorado Springs Emergency Food Pantry. This is available at most four times per year. Vouchers for paying for gasoline may also be offered. Similar to those are the USDA Commodities Program, which is provided in partnership with federal government.
Other basic needs are as follows.
- Bus Tokens/Vouchers for are for the local mass transit and bus system.
- Clothing Closet is offered from Ecumenical Social Ministries / ESM. Vouchers may be passed out.
- Prescription medications are offered as a last resort.
- Personal hygiene items and kits, including a shower facility, is on site.
Any aid is short term in nature. Therefore clients are encouraged, or may need to participate, in case management and jobs programs. Employment assistance can help either unemployed or underemployed residents with a wide array of needs including resume preparation, skills assessment, job referrals, computer training classes, transportation vouchers, and work uniforms.
There is also a Jobs Resource Room on site in which clients may both search for and apply for jobs online or they will be able to access other community resources. All of this is done in an effort to coordinate job placement assistance. A separate Ecumenical Social Ministries Computer Training Room allows the charity to conduct basic computer instruction classes. The organization will also hold periodic on-site job fairs to connect job seekers with information on and leads local employment opportunities. All employment services are offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis.
Counselors are on site for those that need them. Anyone going to a site should also bring information related to past work history and work experience. The services can enable counselors to assist clients with resume writing and job search programs. Please note that all computers in the ESM Resource Room are restricted to job searches and job applications.
There may be some workshops and classes held as well. They can cover GED classes & testing, Computer classes in MS Word, MS Excel, basic Internet use, resume writing classes, and more. Dial (719) 228-6794.
A Food Pantry is maintained. The center is stocked with nutritious packaged and canned goods. The food items are supplied from Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, member churches and also as the result of outright purchases. The organization also stocks surplus government commodities supplied by the federal government Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Mental health issues are arranged by Licensed Professional Counselors in partnership with Ecumenical Social Ministries. Volunteer clinicians and doctors help people deal with issues such as anxiety, traumatic experiences, depression, bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders. Several free counseling sessions may be paid for if they are needed. In some cases a sliding fee scale is in place and is based on income levels.
Partnerships and referrals are in place too. Social service organizations and charities in the community also coordinate and leverage resources for the poor and low income. Other groups in Colorado Springs include Mercy's Gate (formerly Northern Churches Cares), Westside Cares, Tri-Lakes Cares, Springs Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and also the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency.
In order to apply for any services, a number of conditions are in place and proof will be needed. Applicants need to be able to prove their income, live in a certain zip code, have proper ID, and register in credit and budget counseling services. Call or stop by 201 N Weber St, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Dial (719) 636-1916.
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