The Marian House continues to find new and better ways to expand its services
The long-running Marian House here in Colorado Springs is continuing to find new ways to expand its services. First launched as a soup kitchen in 1970, it’s now celebrating 25 years with Catholic Charities as its operator. In that time, the Marian House has grown from a small soup kitchen to much more.
Andy Barton, CEO of Catholic Charities said, “We’ve been the main provider of meal services in Colorado Springs since we took over the soup kitchen in 1984.”
Now, people can go to the Marian House and get so much more than just a warm meal. Barton said the Marian House is a one-stop shop for medical services, employment, and nutrition.
“The Marian House soup kitchen meal is apart of the health and wellness which a system that breaks down the folks we serve,” said Barton. “We know that employment is a huge gap, we know that access to healthcare is a huge gap.”
And now, through the newly renovated Hanifen Employment Center, people can come and take classes in resume building and basic computer skills, and take part in individual mentorship that has become a staple of the center’s success.
Michael Champion has been coming to the Marian house for eight months now. He says the services provided have really helped him with his business plan.
“They’ve helped me tremendously with food, this computer lab is amazing. I have access to a social worker that’s helping me with my business plan,” said Champion.
With a new soup kitchen set to open here in the Springs, rumors have emerged that Marian House might be closing, however, Barton says that is not the case.
“The most important message is that we are not closing,” said Barton. “We’re going to keep providing services for those who are in need in the community and we are working to provide more for more people.”
Other changes to the Marian House include an expansion of health-related services and a more robust senior food box program. Barton says the Marian House has helped people for 40-plus years and will continue to be available for many years to come.
A job fair will also take place at the Hanifen Employment Center next Tuesday from 2-4 p.m.
