One-Stop
for Veterans
& Military
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Independence Day is a time to celebrate and reflect on the ideas that make America the country we love – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. At Mt. Carmel, as we celebrated our nation’s 245th birthday, we took time to remember our military and veterans whose patriotic service has protected our nation and allowed the freedoms we all enjoy. This milestone filled our
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hearts with gratitude and fortified our resolve to continue to serve our local military and veteran community to the best of our abilities.
We are looking forward also to the Mt. Carmel 5th Anniversary Community Celebration with great anticipation. Since its inception, Mt Carmel has grown to become a “beacon of support” in the community, delivering integrated programs and supporting creative partnerships to make a lasting difference in the lives of local military, veterans and their families. As I reflect on the incredible effort over the past five years, I’m grateful for the support of a wonderful community, devoted partners and a dedicated team.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center has always been ahead of its time, filling a critical gap in services to provide support for Colorado’s military, veterans and their families. We look with anticipation to the opportunities ahead, but we also reflect on an issue that is of critical importance. September is National Suicide Awareness Month and we will shed light on the often-stigmatized topic of suicide. Suicide has hit our veterans hard. We will take this time to reach out to those affected by suicide, to raise awareness and to connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to address suicide prevention.
I am grateful to every member of our team for their resilience and determination. I am also thankful to our partners who continue to support Mt. Carmel and share our commitment to meeting vital needs in our community. Finally, I’d like to thank this great community for its confidence in our team, our goals and our future. Without the team effort from our Mt. Carmel family, we would not have been able to support over 60,000 client visits and offer the full menu of support services that we provide. I am also proud that, in 2020, our center never closed its doors. In the first half of 2021, as we continue to recover from a global pandemic, we have served nearly 1,400 clients and are pursuing an ambitious plan to expand to both Pueblo and Trinidad to build on these achievements.
By Col. Bob McLaughlin, U.S. Army, Retired
Executive Director
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Behavioral Health & Wellness Update |
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The behavioral health team is always looking for training opportunities. We choose trainings based on the needs of our clients. We also run statistical measures to ensure we are providing best practices and clinical care. We continue to engage in suicide prevention measures throughout Mt. Carmel and community collaborations. In addition, we started a LGBTQ+ group and music program to increase services. We were asked to join a pilot program with the SHARP team on Fort Carson to increase effectiveness of their SHARP advocates. We have seen an increase in behavioral health needs in our community and continue to work hard connecting people with care, whether here at Mt. Carmel or within the community. |
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Veterans & Family Resources Update |
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Veterans & Family Resources would like to welcome Madison Bell to the team. Madison came to us while completing her internship for her Masters in Social Work. She was a natural at assisting our clients from the start and was a wonderful fit to the team. After only a month as an intern we were happy to offer her a full-time position as a Supportive Services Case Manager.
Madison is a proud military spouse and has lived in Colorado for a little over 18 months after living in Florida all of her life. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in May 2018 and will receive her Masters in Social Work from Florida State University in August 2021. Madison works hard and puts her whole heart into advocating for her clients as well as connecting veterans and their families to the resources that they need. When Madison is out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son exploring the beautiful state of Colorado that she now calls home. Welcome to the team and the Mt. Carmel family, Madison!
In other exciting news, we have teamed up again with Progressive Auto Insurance for their annual Keys to Progress event. Every year Progressive celebrates veterans by rewarding vehicles across the nation to veterans in need. If you are a veteran or know of a deserving veteran, please reach out to our VFR team to get an application submitted. Please adhere to the following eligibility requirements:
- Be able to provide a DD214
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have a clean driving record – no major infractions in the past seven years
- Be able to insure and maintain the vehicle
- Not own a vehicle currently, or show a hardship with current vehicle
- Be able to cover recipient legal obligations and liabilities, including vehicle title transfer fees, all applicable sales tax and fees after one year of vehicle ownership, and insurance coverage after the first six months of vehicle ownership
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Please consider making a contribution to help us continue providing essential services to our veteran and military community. This may be given as a general gift or directed to a specific program. Gifts can also be designated in honor of a loved one. To donate, please visit veteranscenter.org or text THANKAVET to 44321.
You may also mail your contribution to:
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
530 Communication Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
If a gift of appreciated stock is something you are considering, or if you would like to include Mt. Carmel in your estate planning, please contact Paul Price at (719) 309-4717 or pprice@mtcarmelcenter.org to begin the conversation. And, don’t forget that you may direct your IRA Required Minimum Distribution to Mt. Carmel to support our important work.
Mt. Carmel deeply appreciates your support. Thank you!
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Or text THANKAVET to 44321 |
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Partner Spotlight: Veteran Yoga Project |
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Certified yoga instructor, Lynne Prouhet, fell in love with yoga following her first “hot yoga” class 14 years ago. It sparked her inspiration to create a safe environment for veterans to experience the same strength and peace she enjoyed. She developed a grant for a yoga program at the Colorado Springs VA Clinic and took many veteran-specific training courses for trauma-informed yoga and began leading classes seven years ago at the VA Clinic. Three years ago, Lynne transitioned her classes to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, which offers a beautiful venue in which to practice yoga with its large windows and serene mountain views.
Lynne is passionate about creating a safe space to practice yoga. Her classes allow veterans personal freedom and adaptation in moving through postures with an emphasis on breathing technique. Breathing is what separates yoga from exercise. In working with the breath, concentration and focus are developed. Veterans are taught how to experience stress with less psychological and physiological cost while gaining piece of mind. Her classes teach veterans how to take yoga off the mat and be more present in their lives.
Classes are offered every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel VSC. They are free and open to active military, veterans and their families. If you’re interested in joining, please call (719) 309-4758.
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Are You Listening to the Award-Winning Veterans Voice? |
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The Mt. Carmel Veterans Voice podcast, presented by USAA, broadcasts the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 8:00am. Veterans Voice features success stories from military, veterans and their families and offers military-related news, information and resources. Veterans Voice is FREE and available to download and listen on-demand, any time.
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Transition & Employment Coming Events |
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August 17: Manufacturing and Food Service Hiring Event
August 18: Fort Carson Resource Fair
August 25: Creating Your Best Resume Workshop
September 13 - 17: Prep Connect 360 Workshop
September 15 - 16: 11th Annual Peak Cyber Symposium
September 21: Law Enforcement and Security Hiring Event
September 22: Fort Carson Resource Fair
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New Tactical Advantage Podcast
Gives Listeners the Upper Hand
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We are excited to partner with Power Media Group (KPPF 98.5 FM, 1040 AM, 95.7 FM) on a new podcast called Tactical Advantage with host John Register. The one-hour podcast airs every Saturday morning at 8am and celebrates the diversity of our military connected community. In difficult economic times, underserved members of military connected communities are presented with invaluable resources. Tactical Advantage listeners gain the upper hand...the tactical advantage.
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Limited Edition Mt. Carmel Scarves Have Arrived! |
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Every year, the design will change, and there are only a limited number
of scarves, so don't delay! Purchase yours today!
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Patriot Day Give Back Sept. 3, 2021 |
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On Friday, September 3, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center will host our 6th Annual Patriot Day Give Back event. Once again, free food and personal necessities will be provided to our community. We anticipate helping over 400 families, with the support of several key partners and a team of volunteers.
The history of Patriot Day dates back to 2001 when then President Bush signed a joint resolution designating September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," in observance of the September 11 terrorist attacks and as an annually recognized "National Day of Service and Remembrance."
Bob McLaughlin emphasized, “On 9/11, the American people demonstrated that in times of hardship, the values that define us do not simply endure -- they are stronger than ever. With today’s challenges, Mt. Carmel and our partners will again come together and use this year’s Patriot Day to provide service and goodwill. We will use this event to reaffirm that same spirit of patriotism, service and unity that we felt in the days and months that followed 9/11. By volunteering our time, skills and resources, we make our community stronger.”
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Stay tuned for more info on these coming events. |
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August 17, 2021 Mt. Carmel Charity Golf Tournament - SOLD OUT! - Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center will host our 6th annual Charity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. This will take place at the prestigious Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, CO.
The vision of RE-MAX, LLC Co-Founder Dave Liniger, the Sanctuary allows service organizations to host fundraising events, raising a net profit of over $112 million during the last 24 years.
Proceeds from Mt. Carmel’s tournament and silent auction provide funding for Mt. Carmel to continue its mission of providing essential services and programming to our military, veterans and their families.
Our tournament has sold out! Please visit our silent auction,
You won't want to miss this incredible auction!
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September 18, 2021 Mission to Zero Poker Ride - September is Veteran Suicide Awareness month and the Pikes Peak Mission to Zero Family is continuing their mission to raise awareness by holding a poker run in collaboration with Mt. Carmel. This year, Mt. Carmel is the final stop after an enjoyable route that includes a ride up Pikes Peak. The end of event celebration will include live music, food trucks, beer garden and more. Mt. Carmel Community Partners interested in participating in the event by showcasing their services to veterans or organizations interested in sponsoring the event should contact Melodie Owens at mowens@mtcarmelcenter.org.
Registration information will be available soon for participants. Check the following link for event updates:
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November 5, 2021 Mt. Carmel Hoedown 4 Heroes - Our 3rd Annual Hoedown 4 Heroes Fundraiser will be held at the Boot Barn. Join us for a boot scootin' fun time with BBQ, bourbon, live music, dancing and silent auction.
As always, we truly appreciate the support that we receive from our community supporters. We have many ways that you can support our efforts, either through volunteerism, sponsoring an event, or individual donations. Please contact us for more information on how YOU can support our deserving veterans, military and their families.
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Weekly Groups & Classes
(All events at Mt. Carmel VSC unless noted – additional events at veterascenter.org)
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MONDAY
Art Expression
Music Program
Grand Canyon University (2nd Monday)
Mission Medical (3rd Monday)
TUESDAY
CSU-Pueblo
Medicare Mentors
Bible Study
Spiritual Connection Group
Yoga Therapy
WEDNESDAY
LoanDepot
Medicare Mentors
Veterans Upward Bound
Family Art Expression (paused until August)
Financial Wellness Workshop
HomeWell
THURSDAY
Medicare Mentors
Maximum Elevation Homes
Post-Traumatic Stress Support Group
Vet Path (1st & 3rd Thursday)
CTU (2nd & 4th Thursday)
FRIDAY
Veterans Advocacy Group (Discharge Upgrades Assistance -
last Friday of the month)
SATURDAY
Tai Chi
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