Councilman Bernie Herpin and his wife, Linda, at the fundraiser
The Community Partnership Project is a new nonprofit that’s interested in running up to three community centers facing closure next year.
On Wednesday, the group unveiled its “New Vision for Community Opportunity” at a fundraiser at the El Paso Club.
Next up is a presentation to City Council on Monday.
The board of the new nonprofit is comprised of: Eric Phillips, president/CEO; Bob Cope; Glenn Powell; Pastor Cleveland Thompson; Kimbra Smith; Peggy Littleton; Adam Merilson; Angela Boeck; Lee Warner
Phillips said that among those working with the board to cement a future for the community centers are: City of Colorado Springs, El Pomar Foundation, Steve Schuck’s Parents Challenge, UCCS, USOC, Lutheran Family Services, Urban League, Emmanuel Baptist Church, City Housing Authority, El Paso County Democratic Party (which did a resolution in support in February), Peak Vista and America Grant Writing Service.
Phillips said there are 270 volunteers already signed up for the future. Among the things announced was a new employee structure over all of the community centers: Hillside, Deerfield Hills and Meadows Park.
The group’s mission is to take over the three remaining community centers, but if it’s two, they’ll work with two, he said.
(Gazette reporter Linda Navarro authored this blog post.)
This is outstanding!
On the surface it looks exactly like what we need from those in a position to do such things. Which is to say, those with the disposable income to promote and financially back such non-profit areas of the city.
As mayor I would certainly back proposals such as this and would seek to find similar solutions (volunteers, non-profit organizations, and donated services) for our park maintenance, swimming pools, and services for the poor and homeless.