March 2025

Welcome!

Welcome to the our first 2025 issue of the Friends Chronicle, our quarterly newsletter designed to keep our community partners, donors and supporters informed about what is happening and what drives us.

In this month's issue we will share our new Executive Director's Vision, some of the amazing stories about the children we serve, and we'll introduce you to one of our amazing Friends (Professional Mentors)!

News from the Clubhouse

Dear Friends,

I am both honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Friends of the Children Colorado Springs. It’s a privilege to step into this role, and I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside all of you to create lasting, positive change for the children and families we serve.

As I take on this role, I want to begin by acknowledging the incredible work of Judy Cara, who has so dedicatedly led this organization over the last three years. Judy’s leadership and tireless efforts have laid a strong foundation for the work we do, and we are all deeply grateful for her commitment and vision. While we will miss her passion and guidance, we wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. Her impact will be felt for years to come.

Looking ahead, my vision for the next three years is focused on growth and sustainability. Our goal is to increase the number of professional mentors in our program so that we can serve more children and families. Our mentors are the heart of what we do—they are not just role models, but professionals who commit to standing by each child for 12 years, guiding them through the toughest times and celebrating their successes. Their dedication creates transformative, long-term change.

El Paso County has the highest number of foster children in the state, and our mission has never been more critical. What if we could reduce the number of foster children by just 10% over the next few years? Imagine the ripple effect on families, communities, and future generations. That’s the kind of systemic change we’re working toward, and it’s possible with your continued support.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. We need you more than ever to make this vision a reality. Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and no one has to face their challenges alone.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I am eager to work alongside you all as we move toward creating lasting, positive change for the children and families of our community.

With gratitude,

Heather Steinman

Executive Director

Friends of the Children Colorado Springs

Real Results

Did you know that 83% of youth in the Friends of the Children program earn a high school diploma or a GED, while 60% of their parents did not.

That's how we know our program works, and we're constantly improving as we grow and learn!

Mentorship Matters

*Names are changed to protect children's privacy.

Exciting News! Summer Camp

2025 has been a challenging year for many of our families. They have faced challenges caused by changes to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program eligibility through the last several months and an inability to access after-school extracurricular activities due to access to regular transportation or challenges with the time frames.

We are excited to be able to offer a summer camp to the children in our program to give them an opportunity to experience something they wouldn't be able to otherwise, but also to help their families through a challenging time.

You can help make this camp possible by sponsoring a child, volunteering, donating supplies, or supporting the program. Contact Erich Nelson at ENelson@FriendsColoradoSprings.org to connect with different opportunities to support this great program!

Since our last newsletter we have had a lot happen at the clubhouse!

Here are just a few of our major events:

Mayor Yemi visited in December

December Tales for Tails

Breakfast with Santa

Family Engagement - Movie Night

Let's Play! Game Night

Tales for Tails with Jack Swigert Middle School

Ways to Engage

Meet the Team

Kevin Barkocy

Friend (Professional Mentor)

Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Kevin discovered his passion for helping young people dream big and navigate the turbulence of adolescence while working as a summer camp counselor in college. Kevin has over 30 years of experience in youth education and ministry in Colorado and New Mexico. He earned degrees in Chemistry and Education from the University of New Mexico and the College of Santa Fe. He was ordained to the permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in June 2014. Before moving from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs in March 2021, he worked at St. Pius X High School teaching classes in Chemistry, Physics and Theology while serving as the Chairman of the Theology Department. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed his time mentoring, coaching, educating and generally spending time with middle and high school aged youth.

Learn More about Kevin and our Team