Western Slope, Glenwood Springs

Recognizing the unique needs of the people and communities on the Western Slope of Colorado, Catholic Charities has established a strong regional service network in Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle Counties with a highly dedicated staff. Our main office is in Glenwood Springs, with satellite offices in Avon and Eagle. We provide material, emotional, and spiritual support that enable individuals and families to live independent and dignified lives.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT:

One of the most pressing issues on the Western Slope is wage theft, particularly in the hospitality and construction sectors. Many seasonal workers, often immigrants with limited English skills, are vulnerable to exploitation. Pam Sailer, a community advocate, describes how Catholic Charities steps in to mediate disputes between workers and employers. "We’ve helped recover tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages," Pam says, attributing the success largely to the agency's reputation and their ability to offer mediation and translation services. "When an employer realizes we’re involved, most of the time they pay up."

In many cases, the workers are unaware of their rights under Colorado labor laws. "We help them read their timesheets, explain that they’re entitled to breaks, and make sure they understand their rights," Pam explains. "When they return to the workforce, they’re more empowered because they know how things work."

OUR PROGRAMS:

• Homeless Prevention - Assists families and individuals threatened by homelessness in Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties by providing rental assistance, individualized case management, supportive services and tenant advocacy.

• Emergency Assistance - We provide financial aid to help prevent homelessness, stabilize families in crisis, prevent utility shut-off, assist with basic emergency health needs, and more.

• Community Integration Services (CIS) - CIS assists the most vulnerable in our community advocating for and helping clients access social justice. Services include case management, victim services (including cases of wage theft, crimes in the workplace and housing fraud), community building, conflict resolution, and interpretation/translation.

Statistics according to our 23/24 fiscal year:
• 59 individuals assisted with victims' services, mediation, life-skills programs and more through Community Integration Services
• 665 individuals helped through Emergency Financial Assistance
• 159 households moved out of homelessness or avoided imminent eviction through the Homeless Prevention Services

*Western Slope is a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver*