FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2019
Contact: Rochelle Schlortt, Chief Communications Officer
(719) 866-6443 or rschlortt@ccharitiescc.org
Marian House to “flip the switch” on solar panels
On May 13, 2019, at 9 a.m., we will celebrate the “flipping of the switch” on our new solar panels at the Marian House as we become one of less than five solar-powered soup kitchens and food banks in the country! Join us for a media event to usher in a new era of energy-efficiency and love for our community at the Marian House. We will hear from Nancy Brodhagen, owner of Peak View Solar, Andy Barton, CEO of Catholic Charities, and Jim Benavidez, Marian House Director, on this remarkable gift to Catholic Charities of Central Colorado (CCCC). You are invited to join us as we thank the team at Peak View Solar and share a few more of our efforts to continue to ‘Go Green’ at the Marian House. Colorado Springs Utilities will be on hand to share in the event and celebrate their contributions to the new energy-efficient initiative at the Marian House as well.
In early 2019, Nancy and Phil Brodhagen, owners of Peak View Solar/El Paso Green Energies, contacted CCCC with an idea to help the Marian House ‘Go Green.’ Nancy and Phil said they felt called to give back to the community they love and chose the Marian House to do just that. They originally planned to donate a few dozen solar panels for the roof of the Marian House, hoping to help save valuable dollars on energy costs and return those funds back to our programs. As many of their employees heard the idea, the effort grew. Several of their employees mentioned they had needed the services offered by the Marian House at one time, and it was a godsend in their time of need. Many of these same employees asked to install the solar panels at the Marian House on the weekend so they could donate their time and labor. The Brodhagens decided to increase the donation to 90 panels and include the labor and installation. Peak View Solar estimates the fair market value to be $75,000, not including the estimated $500 a month in energy cost-savings the Marian House anticipates as a result of this gift!
About Marian House
The Marian House is much more than a soup kitchen. It is a place of help and hope for people seeking sustenance, employment, health services and so much more. This year, Catholic Charities celebrates 25 years of operating the Marian House Soup Kitchen, although the soup kitchen has been around since 1970 and located at the Marian House location since 1985. Over that time, it has grown from a place to receive a daily hot meal and a warm welcome, to a hub of activity to help individuals and families move forward to achieve a sustainable future.
About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado (CCCC) is a nonprofit organization serving people in need. We provide compassionate, competent, and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families, and communities based on the value and dignity of human life. CCCC provides numerous services within a 10-county area for families, the working poor, low-income, and vulnerable populations through Community and Parish Engagement; Family Immigration Services; Family Services, Life Connections Pregnancy Support Services, Counseling, and adoption programs; Marian House Hanifen Center programs – Client and Community Outreach Services, the Hanifen Employment Center; Marian House Soup Kitchen; and programs and services originating in the Castle Rock regional office.
Services are focused on four main areas and case management is available in all service areas:
Family Services:
Childbirth Education; Parenting and English as a Second Language classes; Adoption and related support services; Family Immigration Services; Early Literacy, Family Mentorship; Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY); Playgroups and more.
Health & Well-Being Services:
Families, Individuals, and Couples Counseling; Prenatal Nurturing classes; Hygiene Item support, and access to Community Health Partners for medical and mental health services.
Paths to Opportunity:
Financial Literacy and Computer Classes; Know Your Rights Seminars and Citizenship classes; Tax Assistance via VITA; Legal Help; Hanifen Employment Center Job and Life Skills Training.
Emergency & Essential Human Services:
The Soup Kitchen is open 365 days a year; Emergency and Senior Food Boxes; Community Outreach Services such as help with household items, children’s & adult clothing, and baby needs such as diapers, baby food, and formula.
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado services are available in three locations:
Colorado Springs Office Castle Rock Office
228 North Cascade Ave. 210 South Wilcox Street, Suite 102
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: (719) 636-2345 Fax: (719) 636-1216 Phone: (720) 215-4521 Fax: (303) 688-4016
Marian House Complex Helen Hunt Campus
14 West Bijou Street 917 E. Moreno Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 475-7314 Phone: (719) 578-1222
www.CCharitiesCC.org
