La Puente Home Summer 2014

A little consideration,a little thought for others,makes all the difference.

-A.A. Milne

Hope

Dream

Love

Believe

Encourage

HelpSup

port

La Puente endeavors to meet immediate needs and empower people to live independently, with dignity. We provide

emergency shelter, food assistance, transitional housing, self-sufficiency services, homeless prevention, community outreach

services and job training for the homeless and other community.

www.lapuente.net911 State Ave719.587.3499

Created and Edited by Jaime Peca

The Voice of La Puente is aquarterly publication that is

meant to provide readers with a glimpse of the day-to-day life at La Puente Home. It is a way

to share the goals, dreams, and accomplishments of our staff, guests and clients. La Puente

Home strives to provide support and resources to the

residents of the Valleyexperiencing crisis. We could not accomplish what we do without your support and

commitment. If you would like more information or would like

to join our electronic mailing list, visit www.lapuente.net

Like us on Facebook!

Table of Contents Letter from the Editor..........................2 Homeless Families and Community Barriers ...................3 New Beginnings......................................6 Program Stories: A Second Chance...................8 Facing Success......................10 Small Hands, Big Hearts...12 The PALS Kids’ Dreams....14 Follow Your Feet.................16 The Little Things.................17 Summer Daze.......................18 Want to Volunteer?.............................19 La Puente Needs List..........................20 The Beauty of Giving..........................22 Ways to Give...........................................23 Leaving a Lasting Legacy..................24

Letter from the Editor By the time I graduated last May, I had learned so much about the problems that are present in the US. I had taken classes focused on extreme poverty and homelessness and the number of people that are affected by this every year. I learned how difficult it is to work with the US’s social services agencies, which are making it nearly impossible for people to lift themselves out of poverty. By May, I had grown so tired of merely learning about these problems and the seemingly non-existent solutions and was ready to start doing something to make an impact. La Puente Home has been my opportunity to make that difference. I know I am not eliminating poverty and homelessness throughout the US, but I know at the end of a shift that at least the people that came to the shelter for help left no longer hungry and hopefully full of a little more hope. I wanted this newsletter to focus on “Hopes, Dreams, and New Beginnings” because

I feel that when people think of La Puente Home, they think of homelessness and hunger. And although we focus on eliminating these things in the Valley, there is so much more positivity and optimism at La Puente than what these problems would lead one to believe. The homeless population is often grouped into one homogeneous group, but getting to know all the guests on a personal level, I’ve been able to hear so many amazing stories and all the dreams that they have for their future. Instead of focusing on the obvious homelessness and hunger, I want to focus on the more subtle hopes and dreams of the guests and clients we are all lucky to have gotten to know. Dream on, Jaime

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Homeless Families and Community Barriers

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There are few, if any, magic pills in life. When a family’s circumstances deteriorate to the point of homelessness, there is no easy fix. My rule of thumb is that the measure of time, the nature of circumstances, and the life choices that have eroded a family dynamic are a reasonable measure of the amount of time, energy and resources it will take to put a family back together.At any one time, La Puente’s Adelante program serves 13 families, who are in various stages of crisis and rebuilding. Each family has chosen to move forward, working with Adelante to rebuild their lives. The amount of rebuilding that needs to happen will be relative to how serious their problems are: whether there is addiction, domestic violence, mental illness, educational deficits, a disability, family dysfunction, or a traumatic life event. At the same time, there are

community barriers that undermine programs like Adelante in their work with families. In particular, it is challenging to agree on a definition of “success” for a graduating Adelante family. Classic definitions take measure of a family’s “self-sufficiency,” measuring motivation, full-time employment, emancipation from social services (food stamps, welfare, subsidized health, etc.), their ability to manage a family budget, take care of their home, and meet the wide range of needs required to raise children.

By: Lance Cheslock

Whew! It’s daunting to think of everything that is expected and I’m not sure I, myself, would get a passing grade in several of these categories. Yet, when the financial support of programs like Adelante is dependent on creating such successes, it changes the way the game is played. Statewide, when family programs are required to graduate families at the “classic” measurements of success, programs fall into the trap of only enrolling higher functioning families, those who are close to meeting their goals of self-sufficiency, and need just a little more time and support. Over time, the result of picking the “easy successes” means the more dysfunctional families get bypassed and begin to pool in numbers. Without some intervention or assistance, these overlooked, difficult, hopeless families continue the painful journey to multi-generational, chronic deterioration. They will become more entrenched in addictions, get sanctioned from services,

and experience domestic violence or increased incidences of child abuse and neglect. A second barrier is the stigma of being “unmotivated,” or “unwilling” to help oneself. If you’re unmotivated, you’re seen as unworthy. There’s no appeal in helping someone who seems to want the easy way out, seeks entitlements, and isnot energized to seize the opportunity presented to them. For Adelante, it’s important to work with a wide range of fami-

lies, serving some of the most severe cases, yet enrolling some stronger families that canbalance the picture and mentor others who are struggling. For this to be possible, success needs to be defined by first considering a family’s starting point, and then by measuring how far the family advances forward. The most important ingredient is to help the mother or father find hope and, subsequently, a spark of motivation.

“The older boy wanted to keep the family together...”

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Turning motivation around is often all that is needed to have everything else begin to fall into place. This takes time because often issues such as lack of marketable skills, healing from prior abuse or trauma, or improving self-esteem are prerequisites to motivation. Years ago, an 18 year-old teen and his two younger twin brothers were brought to our attention. Their father was in prison and their mother had disappeared, leaving the three boys behind to fend for themselves. The older boy wanted to keep the family together and entered Adelante with the goal of raising his two brothers. Despite the fact that all three of them were still in school, the older brother found a part-time job, managed the household, and supported his siblings

with their schooling. For sure, thehouse was constantly a wreck, the family budget was in chaos, and their diets left a lot to be desired, but all three made it through their school year with the oldest graduating. Although they needed lots of support from both Adelante and Social Services, the three brothers had reasonably stable lives. While they were far short from the classic definition of success, they accomplished a tremendous amount and graduated from Adelante in two

years. We are so proud of them.

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New Beginnings - My Storyby Bethany Howell, Community Education Director

In Victor Hugo’s classic story Les Misérables, the protagonist Jean Valjean is a former convict who cannot live a life of value with the stigma of his past. He commits another crime, breaking parole, in order to create an entirely new identity – one which allows him to finally become a man of integrity. This paradox, having to lie in order to become the person he wants to be, reminds me of those utilizing La Puente’s services. The trap of not seeing people in difficult circumstances as worthy of value, rather than just a problem, is easy to fall into. Just like Jean Valjean, those with past mistakes or difficult situations still yearn to be seen as people – not problems. Once given the opportunity to start again, life changes. Circumstances don’t have to be negative in order to inspire change. Moving from Texas to Colorado this past summer was a major shift for my family. Suddenly, we weren’t in breath-stealing heat on a flat dusty plain. Instead, we adjusted to seeing mountains everywhere we drove and wearing jackets indoors in August. But not all the changes were so immediately welcome. We had to start over again finding a place for ourselves, making friends, creating a space in this community that was uniquely Howell-shaped. One place that drew us in was La Puente. Through the VEGI Garden Club, my kids learned about locally produced veggies, weeded the garden, and made friends before the school year even started. We bicycled down to Milagros for ice cream on the (admittedly rare) warm summer evenings.

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Thanksgiving brought the opportunity to purchase a meal on behalf of someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford dinner. Outreach Service’s Christmas party for the shelter gave over 600 gifts to families and individuals. Never had we seen a non-profit in any of our previous cities so unreservedly community-oriented. Since arriving in the Valley, I’ve learned about the extremely high numbers of homeless and poverty-stricken (nearly 20% of the Valley’s population lives in poverty). Heading the Community Education program has opened my eyes even more to the realities of poverty. Recently, the Food Bank here in Alamosa served 57 families in just under an hour. That’s basically one family per minute receiving food assistance in order to make it through their day. And now the Valley has cycled back into migrant season, when workers at the surrounding farms sleep and eat at La Puente’s shelter in

between working long hours harvesting produce. The shelter feeds them with food donations, provides hygiene kits (also entirely donated), and provides a sorely needed place of respite before moving on yet again. Our service programs have seen every type of change, from families needing emergency shelter services due to sudden upheavals in jobs or families, to the kind in Outreach Services or at the Food Bank Network, where every day is a new struggle in heating a home or feeding children. I’m just grateful that the changes in my own life brought me to a new opportunity to encounter real life here in the Valley, and to offer a helping hand.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and

a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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A Second ChanceBy: Michelle Phillips

At La Puente Home, we strive to help others recognize their self-worth and importance in this world. I am known by the shelter staff and volunteers as someone who refuses to give up on people; I discovered this would be most beneficial in supporting clients. In early August, I first met a middle-aged man named Joe, who struggled with alcoholism and had numerous crimi-nal charges related to his addiction. He used La Puente’s services for meals, and often would be asked to leave because he was intoxicated. A few months passed by and the community was struck by news of a death; it was a man who was close to the hearts of many in Alamosa and the shelter community. This sudden news inspired many chronic alcoholics to seek help towards sobriety, one who would be my client. Joe checked into the shelter and I became his case manager. He was motivated to find a job but I knew that his history of addiction could be dangerous, if not addressed. Joe informed me that he had never been to treatment, but was ready to get help. Soon after, I discovered a Christian treatment center in Denver that strives to empower men and provide long-term support that would help to transition

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them into sobriety and housing. I wrote a five page proposal on the program, as well as transportation ideas for him to get there, and gave it to our shelter director.

A younger guest rests at the shelter.

The shelter served

over 46,000 meals in 2013 and is currently

serving 60 to 80 people a meal!

Joe boarded the bus, left for Denver, and began his journey to sobriety. A few months later while preparing dinner, I received a life changing phone call. It was Joe. He called with exciting news that he had graduated from the first stage of treatment, and would be moving into transitional housing. Joe said that he was attending a nightly prayer meeting and that I will be in his prayers. He thanked me for believing in him, when no one else had before. Joe taught me to never give up on people, even when it’s difficult, and that everyone needs someone to believe in them.

Shelter Statistics for 2013

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10,876 Night Stays78 Families with

children

49 Veterans

165 Guests who were 55 and older

1,176 Hygiene kits distributed

84 Guests who had some college or were college graduates

54 Guests who were 18 and under

“If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit...” -Psalm 130:3

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“There may be a certain point or peak that one is aiming for and just as this point is going to be achieved something happens and this moment is taken away from their grasp.”

-Oliver J.R. Cooper If we bring a family into our program, it’s not because they need a home; it is because we believe in them and their dreams… we are their biggest fans! Sitting with Todd and Deborah at their kitchen table for their weekly home visit, I noticed something was different. Usually I come in and am greeted by organized file folders and agendas and Deborah proudly begins telling me all the goals they’ve been working on that week. Todd and Deborah entered Adelante one year ago. They came from humble families, got married, had four children at a young age, and tried to move out on their own. They found that without an education or savings, and living hours away from the nearest town, it was hard to get by. As soon as Todd and Deborah walked through Adelante’s doors, we knew they were going to make it. They had strong passions, a loving relationship, and dreams to work hard towards a better life. And they did just that. That first year, Todd and Deborah both earned their GEDs, entered college and made the Dean’s list each semester, and addressed some ongoing health concerns with Todd. They were an example to our other families that if you keep a strong vision of your goals in mind, remain focused, and forget the excuses, you can change your life. But today was different. I looked into Deborah’s eyes and the usual sparkle wasn’t there. “I’m not going to school this semester,” she stated. “And I’m not going back next semester, I’m not going to get this degree anymore.” I asked her, “Why did you change your mind?” “I’m tired!” she exclaimed. “I’m just so exhausted from doing everything! I can’t work anymore; I just need a break.” Todd and Deborah had begun missing appointments and their children were exhibiting signs of anxiety over the last couple of months. Now she was ready to give up.

Facing Successby Jordan McIlveen

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The sad truth is that many people who try to recover from poverty do not maintain sobriety; they relapse. Great, unexpected, significant changes and behavior can be the cause for falling into relapse. Many families come to Adelante with no support system, struggling to create motivation and resources to sustain themselves. Others come with a network of negative family and friend influences, which proves to be extremely difficult for fami-lies who are trying to move forward, as they face many barriers when stepping into new (unfamiliar) territory. At Adelante, we strive to be a positive support team for our families, telling them what they deserve to hear- encouragement and praise - and setting examples of healthy relationships and activities. Two weeks later I was sitting again at the kitchen table with Todd and Deborah. I noticed her agenda and important papers had made their return. “Can you help pay for my books?” she asked. Earlier that week, Deborah had talked with her friend about quitting school and her friend was shocked. “You are so close!” she said. “You can’t quit now.” Deborah remembered then just how important this goal was to her and to her family. A few more months of school was a ticket to help move the whole family towards financial stability and continued happiness.Todd and Deborah are back in school again and Adelante is here to support them as they continue their journey to fulfill beautiful dreams- Todd, to become an accountant, and Deborah, a physical therapist. And so life goes on at Adelante - a little push here, a bigger push there, and high-fives all around - to validate that we support and believe in our families’ dreams. Their dreams are worth the wait (and also the work!).

A mother & son enjoy a Life Skills class together.

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Small Hands, Big Hearts

Olyvia, Ruby, & Ella

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Olyvia and Ella, two very young sisters from Summit County, are the highlight of the many donors I have come to know. Though they may be young, only 10 and 8 years old, they seem to understand the concept of being homeless or hungry. While attending church, Olyvia and Ella listened to a woman telling the congregation about La Puente. A work group spokesperson, upon return from La Puente, stood at the podium and explained to the congregation the poverty, hunger and homelessness that many people in the San Luis Valley are experiencing.So these little girls, hearing the story of hunger, wanted to make a difference…and they did. Olyvia and Ella decided to have a fundraiser for the Food Bank of Alamosa. Instead of the usual fun of making snow angels, skiing or making snowballs, the girls went to work making crafts of their own to sell. They made many beautiful gifts, including Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and wallets made out of duct tape. Being so excited to raise money for the Food Bank, Ella and Olyvia also invited many friends and family to participate. And participate they did. Ruby, 4 years old, will not be left out of the excitement. Little sister helped too, in her own way of course.

By: Julie Donald

Small Hands, Big Hearts

As a result of everyone’s participation, Olyvia and Ella now had the community involved. The excitement continued and grew as they planned and prepared. The craft sale had a wide array of items, and was growing daily. In addition to the young girls’ items, the craft sale was loaded with handmade gifts of flowers, bath soap, earrings, warm-up lotions, strawberry jam, purses, …with so many beautiful donations, the fundraiser was ready. Finally, the craft sale was on --- Olyvia and Ella raised $500 for the Food Bank! I am awed by these girls, though they are only small children, they have hearts of giants. They saw a need, they did what they could to help, and expected nothing in return. Their joy was in knowing they helped feed many people that are hungry and in need. And even more impressive, they are planning a second craft sale. They are already collecting, crafting and preparing for another fundraiser for the San Luis Valley Food Bank. Thank you Olyvia, Ella, and Ruby, for helping to feed the hungry and support La Puente. We love your beautiful hearts!

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The Food Bank Network is thankful to partner with

community members from across the state.

During the month of April, the Food Bank

Network served over 24,000 meals to 2,770 people!

The PALS kids dream to...

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“...be a singer.” -Beverlin, 9

“...get all good grades and get into college!” -Aden, 9

“...be a designer.” -Jaclyn, 6

“...be a mystery solver and a football player.” -Stephen, 8

“...be a scientist.” -Thor, 7

“...play basketball.” -Morgan, 5

“...be Spiderman.” -Brin, 6

“...be a firefighter and a rockstar, and a zookeeper and to tame a lion.” -Kadence, 7

“...be a Race Car Driver.” -Lionel, 9

“...be a football player.” -Yovany, 7

“...meet Lightning McQueen.” -Julian, 5

“...be a princess and I will wear my crowns.” -Alicia, 7

“...be a mystery detective.” -Leeana, 9

“...be a singer.” -Ruby, 6

The PALS kids were asked what their dreams were for the future and this was their response!

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“...be Cinderella.” -Jordyn, 6

PALS is a children’s program providing a positive, nurturing after-school and vacation day home for kids experiencing challenging home life. PALS provides a positive structure, offers an explorative learning environment, and builds trusting relationships in order to enhance each child’s sense of

self, family, and community.

Follow Your FeetBy: Rich Stepp

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When I was a kid I loved Magnum PI because of the little voice in his head. It seems the older I get, the louder my little voice has become. Throughout the last year of serving the Valley at Rainbow’s End Alamosa and moving out here from Illinois, I have really been following my feet and little voice. I trust in God’s will and I know I am on my path, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Earlier in the year, I met a man named Harley at Rainbow’s End Monte Vista who had been volunteering there for a week. He rode his bike 15 miles one way to get there even

though he lived only 6 miles from Alamosa. At the time, my pricing room in Alamosa was filling up and I had been praying on it, hoping for help. Harley has now been working in the pricing room at

Alamosa ever since, doing God’s work and volunteering out of the goodness of his heart. I see proof every day of God’s grace in our lives. He provides people, signs, laughter, and all the good things that come along in life. One of the best feelings in life is to see someone go from homelessness to being stably housed and independent through the help of one of La Puente’s programs. There is an appreciation that comes from the clients of La Puente that plants in them a desire to give back and this give and take is what is easily seen in this community. So, I would invite you all to follow your feet, give back, and keep a close ear to what He has prepared for you.

During the first hour of opening at the Food Bank, it is not unusual for us to serve one household each minute. Amazingly, we are able to distribute thousands

of pounds of food during our “rush.” However, it leaves little to no time to get to know our clients or their stories. For this reason, a particular short encounter with one of our donors will always stay with me, long after my time with La Puente ends. This donor was not our typical donor, and I realized this as he handed me a twenty dollar bill. I began to thank him for his kindness and asked if we could send him a thank you note. He humbly responded that he used to come to the food bank, but he just got a job and wanted to give back to us. And with those few words, he didn’t want to be thanked anymore and left. I was not even able to ask for his name. Although our interaction was very brief, it was one of the most life-giving and meaningful experiences I have had while serving with La Puente. If someone has suffered misfortune and is teetering on the edge of disaster, basic life-giving

support like the food we distribute at the Food Bank can help them to stabilize and start over. While the Food Bank doesn’t quite offer enough for our clients to totally live off of, between Food Bank groceries and Shelter meals, our organization can help push our clients through lean times and on toward better days.

The Little ThingsBy: Stacey Hoang

“The Food Bank Network can help push our clients through lean times and on

toward better days.”

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Summer is upon us which means it is time for new starts, plant starts that is. Warmer weather means it is time for the gardens to get into full swing after sleeping all winter long. VEGI has been extremely busy renovating new sections of the Boyd and elementary school gardens along with teaching garden lessons to all the K-5 classes at Alamosa Elementary School. However, school is out now which means it is time for Garden Camp. Many of the students at the elementary school do not want a break over the summer and are super ecstatic about being able to continue learning in the garden all summer long. Every Thursday morning we have a FREE garden camp for kids aged 5-12 from 9am-12pm at the Elementary School garden. Bring your kids whenever they can make it, it runs through July and they can come to all or just some. We also have community garden nights every week for people to just come hang out and help around the garden. Every

Tuesday from 5pm-7pm we will be at the Boyd Garden on the corner of State Street and 11th Street. Every Thursday from 5pm-7pm we will be at the Elementary School Garden on 8th Street. We are also hoping to offer a Yoga class at the Boyd Garden (soon). ‘Tis the season for growing so come out and let’s grow together!

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Summer DazeBy: Cody Robson

“‘Tis the season for growing”

Want to Volunteer?Do you want to serve?There are many volunteer opportunities at La Puente for community members looking to give back! Much of what LaPuente does would not be possible without the commitment and love of our volunteers.

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If you are interested in what you can do with La Puente, come visit us at our Volunteer Office at 317 State Ave or call 719.587.3499 ext. 14 and talk

to our Volunteer Coordinator.You can also print out an application at lapuente.net.

Click “Serve With Us” and print out your own application!

Full-Time Volunteer: During a year of service, Full-Time Volun-teers and AmeriCorps Members obtain firsthand experience work-ing at a nonprofit organization.Community Volunteer: Accepts volunteers of all ages and abilities for one-time, weekly, or monthly intervals at many of the La Puente programs. What can you help with? 1. Create hygiene kits for the Shelter 2. Lead Life Skill classes for Adelante 3. Work at the front desk at Outreach 4. Read to or lead a craft for the PALS kids Work Group Service: Groups come for a short time from all across the United States in order to work with La Puente on special projects, to support everyday activitIes and to engage in service learning. What can you help with? 1. Sort and hang goods at Rainbow’s End 2. Create and distribute commodities boxes for the Food Bank Network 3. Prepare meals at the Shelter

PALS:*Alamosa supermarket gift cards*Help send PALS kids on summer learning experience

La PuenteShelter:*Hygiene kits

Shampoo/conditionerSoap

Toothpaste/toothbrushLotion

Feminine productsRazors

Deodorant*Dry erase markers*Diapers*Fresh Produce

Volunteer Coordination & Community Education:Needed for the Volunteer Houses: * Microwave *Lawn mower *Tire iron *Car jack *Weed whackerNeeded for the Office: *New and used tools *Painting supplies *Camera (DSLR) *Paper cutter

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Enterprises:*Pick-up truck *Ink pens*New/nearly new computers

Food Bank:*Plastic quart sized bags (to separate out bulk items)*Peanut Butter*Kid friendly food (since school’s out)

Maintenance:*8 ft & 10 ft tall ladders *4 plastic saw horses*Ratchet wrenches*Cordless 18V drill*Tool stamping kit

Needs ListOutreach:*Backpack drive supplies Backpacks (no wheels) Pens/pencils Crayons/colored pencils Calculators Erasers Glue Binders*Safeway gas voucher gift card

VEGI:*Cordless drill*Organic soil/compost*Organic straw bales*Wood chips*Weather proof paint Primary green, red, yellow*Volunteers

Adelante:*Cars (used)*Inexpensive/free car repair*Phone cards(Straighttalk or Verizon)*Gas vouchers for Safeway, City Market, Alta, Monte Vista Co-op*Life Skills class presenters*Bicycles*Gift cards for food*Toiletries

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The Beauty of GivingBy Gena Akers & Bethany Howell One of the greatest joys of working at La Puente is our partnerships with others. Recently we have been blessed with an out-pouring from our church partnerships. A local church here in Alamosa donated several lovely women’s purses for Mother’s Day for our moth-ers in the Adelante program. A trip to visit a church in Colorado Springs brought back over 20 migrant kits with much needed hygiene items such as hand towels, soap, shampoo, and safety razors, as well as bottled water and other household items. The ways that people give to La Puente are as varied and unique as the people themselves. Here are just a couple of examples: After working and saving up for a few years, Stacey was able to buy a more reliable car. Her old car, which she had humorously named “Symphony in Maroon,” was a 1987 Chevy Celebrity given to her in high school. It had served her well during high school, college, and the beginnings of her professional life and she was ready to pass it on. She donated it to an Adelante family- a single father and his two young children. Stacey’s generous gift helped them move one step closer to self-sufficiency. Nearly every morning at 8am you’ll find Jay getting a cup of coffee at Milagros Coffeehouse. It just looks like part of his regular routine. He likes the atmosphere. The coffee is consistent. The staff is friendly. Yet, more than these things, he buys a cup of coffee every morning because he knows Milagros supports the work and mission of La Puente. For Jay, it is an easy way to buy something he loves while also giving back to and supporting the place he calls home.All of these gifts are equally valued by our staff and clients, and we look forward to continuing to partner with others of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

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Ways to GiveTax Credits Can Stretch Your GiftTake advantage of Enterprise Zone tax-savings!Follow these five steps: 1. Donate $100 or more and your gift qualifies for both a tax deduction and tax credit.* 2. Make your donation payable to “The Enterprise Zone” (supports all programs) for a 25% tax credit or the “PALS Program” for a 50% tax credit. 3. Mail us your gift. 4. We will send you a certificate of tax credit you can use for your Colorado Income Tax Return.*Must be a Colorado resident for tax credit

Did you know?Enterprise Zone and Child Care tax credits can be carried forward to future tax years, to assist donors with tax planning.

Donate Your CarWhen you donate your vehicle to La Puente, we will handle the title transfer and supply you with a receipt for your vehicle and tax records. To learn more about vehicle donations, call Julie at 719.589.5909.

Leave a Lasting LegacyJust as we endeavor to empower our clients to plan for a brighter future, we are planning for our own bright

future! To do this, we formed the Legacy Fund in October 2012. The Legacy Fund is an endowment,

managed separately from other donations that holds and invests its principle value and

contributes only the earnings for the needs of La Puente’s work with the hungry and homeless.

Give a Gift TodayIf you are drawn to our values, consider leaving a

legacy of love that will allow us to be a stable rock of support for those we serve. Donations of any amount get us started on meeting needs today and planning

for the needs of tomorrow. A contribution to the Legacy Fund can give you much

more than the traditional tax deduction. Any donation of $100 or more is eligible for a 25%

Enterprise Zone tax credit for Colorado residents.

Give a Planned GiftConsider writing a clause in your will or trust that

identifies “La Puente Legacy Fund” as a beneficiary to a portion of your estate. This is a simple way to arrange

for a significant gift in support of our mission, while leaving you in control of your assets during your life-

time. If you’ve already included us, we’d love to know!

To learn more about the Legacy Fund, call Gena Akers at 719.588.5678 or visit our website at

www.lapuente.net/donate. Your gift will help afford critical services for the years ahead!

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As the rain hides the stars,As the autumn mist

Hides the hills,As the clouds veil

The blue of the sky, sothe dark happenings of my lot

Hide the shining of thy face from me.Yet, if I may hold thy hand in the darkness,

It is enough, since I know,That though I may stumble in my going,

Thou dost not fall.- Traditional Gaelic Prayer

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