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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2026
Colorado Springs Announces Second Annual Colorado Senior Games

Colorado Senior Games Presented by Medicare Mentors Returns June 5-7, 2026

Colorado Springs, CO — The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation (Sports Corp) and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region are proud to announce the return of the Colorado Senior Games presented by Medicare Mentors, taking place June 5-7, 2026, in Colorado Springs. Now in its second annual year, the Colorado Senior Games continues to build on the momentum of bringing older adult athletics back to the state, celebrating health, wellness, competition, and community for participants ages 50 and older.

The Colorado Senior Games is Colorado’s official State Senior Games and a proud member of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA), serving as a qualifying event for the National Senior Games. Athletes from across the state will have the opportunity to compete in a wide range of sports and activities designed for all levels from experienced competitors to first-time participants looking to try something new.

The 2026 event will feature returning and new opportunities for senior athletes, with sports including:

• Archery 

• Badminton

• Basketball Skills

• Basketball 3v3

• Billiards

• Bowling

• Golf

• Pickleball

• Powerlifting

• Racquetball

• Softball

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Track and Field

• Race Walk

• Power Walk

• Volleyball

“We’re thrilled to bring the Colorado Senior Games back to Colorado Springs for its second year,” said Megan Leatham, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. “This event is about more than competition, it’s about celebrating active aging, community pride, and giving older adults across Colorado a meaningful opportunity to train, connect, and showcase their abilities. We’re grateful to continue this partnership with the YMCA and our presenting sponsor Medicare Mentors as we grow the Senior Games into a premier statewide tradition.”

Boyd Williams, President & CEO of the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, said:

“For nearly 150 years, the YMCA has stood as a place where healthy living, connection, and purpose come together at every age. The Colorado Senior Games reflect what is possible when we invest in active aging; championing vitality, resilience, and community. We are honored to continue our partnership with Sports Corp as we expand opportunities for older adults to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.”  

The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging will return in 2026 as the official Volunteer Sponsor, supporting volunteer engagement and helping ensure a strong and welcoming experience for every athlete.

Volunteer opportunities will also go live on March 15, 2026, and community members are encouraged to apply to get involved and support senior athletes throughout the weekend.

Registration for the Colorado Senior Games will open February 1, 2026, at coloradoseniorgames.org. Seniors of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, and volunteer opportunities will be available for community members who want to support senior athletes throughout the weekend.

The Senior Resource Council (SRC) is proud to sponsor the SRC Active Aging Scholarship Fund, offering $5,000 in financial support to help older adults participate in the 2026 Colorado Senior Games. This scholarship covers the full cost of registration for one sport per eligible athlete, helping more seniors compete, connect, and stay active.

Scholarships are available for athletes ages 50 and older who demonstrate financial need and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, pending available funds. The scholarship may be used for any 2026 Colorado Senior Games sport; however, each sport has a different process for how and when funds are applied. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the sport-specific scholarship details in the FAQs before applying.

Applicants must apply for and receive notification of award prior to registering for their selected sport. Registering before a scholarship is awarded will make the athlete ineligible for scholarship funding for that sport for the year. The scholarship is limited to one sport per athlete per year and the deadline to apply is May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Learn more and apply online HERE.

Information on registration, sport schedules, volunteer opportunities, and event details will be available at coloradoseniorgames.org.

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The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y. At the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, we believe lasting personal and social change happens when our community comes together to invest in health, connection, and well-being at every stage of life. That is why we are proud to partner with Colorado Springs Sports Corp to support the 2026 Senior Games, an event that inspires older adults to keep moving, stay active, and celebrate what their bodies can do. We love being out in the community with aligned partners to help host events that promote healthy living and lifelong wellness. As a cause-driven organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA looks forward to serving our community and supporting participants at this exciting regional event. 

Colorado Springs Sports Corporation (CSSC) exists to inspire and advance Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, and the Pikes Peak Region through sport and community events. Through event promotion and community development activities, CSSC plays a critical role in bringing civic leaders together with some of the nation's premier sporting organizations to promote tourism and create positive economic impact. CSSC hosts annual signature and partnership events including The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit, Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, Downtown Summer Fest, Pikes Peak APEX, Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, Rocky Mountain State Games, Star-Spangled Symphony & Fourth of July Fireworks, and various sport centric celebrations. In addition, supporting the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, National and International Governing Bodies of Sport, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum remains a staple component of the overall mission.  

Medicare Mentors Medicare Mentors, powered by Spark, delivers NO COST relationship-based education and services to ensure EVERY Medicare eligible person understands Medicare and all their options to optimize coverage and benefits. We commit to advocate for you today and all your tomorrows.