Mt. Carmel believes that Colorado's veterans bring strength, diversity and resiliency to our communities. When the impact of their sacrifice requires them to seek support, Mt. Carmel's core programs offer the critical resources veterans need to establish successful and fulfilling civilian lives.
These comments were made at the July 2018 Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center annual strategic planning summit: Sal Pace, veteran and El Paso County Commissioner - "Mt. Carmel has excellent relationships with the County and the key connections are in place - as a government we rely on effective private organization partners"; David Francavilla, veteran and regional VA Administrator - "Mt. Carmel is the most trusted resource and support organization in the region"; Col. David Wortinger, Ft. Carson Garrison Commander - "the biggest problem for my soldiers leaving the military is who to trust. Your new veterans transition office on our base is the answer for many who need to form a civilian life plan before separation, so thank you." Mt. Carmel was nationally recognized with the Seal of Distinction award from the Call of Duty Endowment, awarded to only three organizations. Mark Goulart, Principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP stated, "Once again, our rigorous vetting process -- with an emphasis on metrics, transparency and high standards -- has identified best-in-class organizations that are fully deserving of the Endowment's support."
The mission of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is to collaborate with community partners providing best practices in transition and wellness services for veterans, military and their families by delivering expertise, resources, space and sustainability. No military member, past or current is turned down for service due to discharge, duty or deployment status. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Mt. Carmel support veterans and families in a 16,000 square foot center with direct programming accessed seamlessly by the veteran. We support onsite 30 plus nonprofit, private and governmental organizations coordinated by Mt. Carmel staff. Our programs across six functional areas offer comprehensive resources and supportive services to meet the complex needs of veterans. These are the core values at the heart of our mission: 1. All our processes, programs and staff recognize that a veteran's health and welfare is the sole reason we exist; 2. We ensure veterans and families receive specialized services through individual unique case management by staff; and 3. We offer all services at no or minimal cost and serve all veterans, without discrimination.
In 2014, a Marine Corps Veteran and prominent Colorado Springs businessman envisioned creating a nonprofit organization to serve the Pikes Peak region's vast military and veteran populations, providing needed services not met by any other military, governmental or private agency. It was determined early on that, while many services exist for veterans and active-duty military throughout the community, navigating the system to obtain needed services is a significant challenge for and hinders access to these services. None of these organizations offered a full range of services in one location. With this realization the vision for Mt. Carmel was born. With the recruitment of a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Ft. Carson Garrison Commander as the first Chief Operating Officer, and with a large facility and startup seed funding in hand, Mt. Carmel hired a mostly veteran staff and began operations March 1, 2016. Since the founding, more than 19,000 individuals have visited the campus, including over 3,700 individual veteran clients totaling 17,000 client visits. Mt. Camel's programs have placed over 900 veterans in meaningful jobs with startup salaries averaging over $26.00 per hour.
The housing assistance program has assisted more than 700 individuals with emergency and transitional housing, and the behavioral health program has served over 500 clients by professional counselors and interns from local college graduate degree programs. These programs are supported by more than 100 volunteers who have provided over 7,700 hours of service. Mt. Carmel's programs continue to expand, surpassing all expectations. The range of Mt. Carmel programs are helping veterans achieve a better life by effectively leveraging their skills into successful civilian lives. This has inspired the community to engage in our innovative approach with dedicated volunteer leadership, financial support and committed partners - enhancing a program now recognized as an effective and sustainable approach.
Organization name
Mt Carmel Veterans Service Center
other names
Mount Carmel Center of Excellence
2016
Tax id (EIN)
81-1652178
Category
Military & Veterans Organizations
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
530 Communication CircleHeadquarters
530 Communication Circle Colorado SpringsEl Paso County, CO, US