FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Colorado Springs School Celebrates Completion of Launch Pad Building with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony –You’re Invited 

Community invited to tour new facility for 4th and 5th grade students on February 13

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Colorado Springs School (CSS) announces the completion of its Launch Pad building project and invites media and community members to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.

The new Launch Pad facility represents a significant milestone in CSS's commitment to ongoing program and facility expansions targeted toward the 4^th and 5^th grade transition to Middle School. The building will serve as the dedicated home for Lower School students, who will officially began classes in the space on Monday, February 2nd.

To learn about the specialized curriculum for these formative years and preparation for Middle School that includes emphasis on STEM providing hands-on gardens and horticulture, a year-round living laboratory, experiential learning, purposeful executive functioning skill development vital to the higher grades of Middle and Upper School Divisions – To learn more,  visit the Launch Pad webpage here.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
• Time: 8:15 a.m.
• Location: The Colorado Springs School, Launch Pad Building (campus north)

The ceremony will feature brief welcoming remarks, the official ribbon cutting, and guided tours of the new facility and conclude at 8:40 a.m.

"This new facility marks the beginning of a new chapter for our Lower School community," said Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School. "The Launch Pad building reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for all CSS students."

The project was made possible through the dedication and support of the entire CSS community, including families, faculty, staff, and donors.

Media representatives are welcome to attend the ceremony and tour the facility and must check-in at the front desk in the Trianon. Photography and interview opportunities will be available upon request.

About The Colorado Springs School (CSS):

The Colorado Springs School has been the leading independent (private) school since 1962 serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through experiential education and superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and to meet the needs of a dynamic world through belonging, leadership, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity. Learn more at css.org. The school is located on a historic property of 28 acres at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Springs, CO — February 5, 2026 — The newest resource addressing addiction and homelessness in Colorado Springs has reached a milestone:

87 men served in 100 days.

Step Springs provides same-day admission for any man ready and willing to reclaim their lives. Thanks to philanthropic support from the community, Step does this with no cost to enter, no government funding, and no insurance or Medicaid billed. The program’s unique model emphasizes sobriety, accountability, employment, and long‑term stability — and early indicators show that residents are embracing the opportunity.

Step is a time-tested model which last year accomplished the following outcomes in the Denver program:

140 alumni were reached in the 12 months following departure from the program. Of those, 85% were still sober, 75% had full-time tax-paying jobs, and 90% were housed.

Promising early Step Springs results demonstrate that similar sustained outcomes can be achieved for men in Colorado Springs. By the first week in January, 72% of Step Springs residents had obtained a full-time tax-paying job in under 45 days in the program. Employed by local businesses, Step Springs residents are earning an average salary of $35,600, breaking the cycle of dependency, and saving for their future transition to independent housing. This rapid reentry to the workforce reflects both the residents’ commitment and the strength of Step Springs’ self-sufficiency focused, dignity driven approach.

It is noteworthy that Step Springs residents have freedom and face temptation while out working and engaged in the community. 98% of residents have maintained sobriety. Only 2 discharges have occurred due to relapse.

22 men have progressed to Phase II by achieving key stability milestones/goals.

“Reaching the 100‑day mark with this level of engagement and progress is a testament to the men we serve and the efficacy of Step’s practical peer recovery method,” said CEO Meghan Shay. “Every resident who walks through our doors is choosing a new direction, and we’re honored to walk alongside them.”

Step Springs’ early success has been made possible by local donors and in strong collaboration with community leaders and referral partners. The program continues to expand its outreach and strengthen its network to ensure that men in crisis can access same‑day admission and an immediate opportunity to recover.

In keeping with Step’s peer-led model, 100% of program staff are in long-term recovery. This includes six alumni of the Step Denver program.

Anonymous Step Springs Resident: “Alcohol had me drowning. I ended up in the hospital, and I had to make a decision. I saw a brochure for Step. It stood out more than anything else — the structure, the stats, the fact that it was men‑only. Something about it grabbed me. I walked in because I needed help, and I couldn’t do it by myself. The community is amazing. The staff get it — they’ve lived it. I’m blessed they accepted me. I wouldn’t be where I am today, or this happy, without Step and the people here who understand exactly what I’m going through.”

About Step Springs

Step Springs is a men’s residential peer recovery program built on the core principles of sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Modeled after Step Denver’s unique model and proven solution, Step Springs provides robust addiction recovery, life skills, and employment support to help men with nowhere else to turn rebuild their lives.