Fountain Valley Senior Center Launches Emergency Campaign to Sustain Vital Senior Services Amid Budget Cuts

Fountain, Colo. — The Fountain Valley Senior Center has launched an urgent campaign titled “Help Us Thrive in a Time of Uncertainty” to raise support for critical senior services threatened by significant funding reductions. The campaign aims to prevent disruptions to transportation, and wellness programs that serve hundreds of older adults throughout the Fountain Valley area and surrounding communities.

“Our seniors are facing more than just aging—they’re facing isolation, hunger, and disconnection,” said Mark Bowers, Executive Director of the Fountain Valley Senior Center. “This center has been their safe haven for over four decades. Now, we are the ones who need help.”

Recent cuts in federal and local funding have forced the center to reduce transportation capacity by 20%. Without additional community support, core services such as meal provision, wellness programs, and outreach could soon be impacted.

Critical Needs

- Transportation rides cut by 20% in 2025 due to funding shortfalls

- Meal programs and wellness services are at risk of scaling back

- 60% of FVSC clients live alone or below the federal poverty line

The center’s new campaign includes a fundraising initiative, public awareness outreach, and volunteer mobilization effort. Supporters are encouraged to donate, share the center’s mission, or volunteer time and resources.

“When I lost my spouse, this place saved me,” said Martha K., a senior who relies on FVSC’s daily meal service. “The drivers know my name. I’m not just another number. Without them, I don’t know how I’d cope.”

How to Help

- Donate online: www.fvscenter.org

- Mail donations to: Fountain Valley Senior Center, 5745 Southmoor Dr, Fountain, CO 80817

- Volunteer: Inquire via phone or email

- Contact: 719-600-2644 | info@fvscenter.org

Since 1975, FVSC has been a trusted hub for older adults, delivering more than 43,000 rides and 27,000 meals annually, along with fitness classes, enrichment programs, and social connection.

“This isn’t about saving a building. It’s about protecting people’s dignity,” Bowers said. “If we act now, we can preserve what truly matters for the people who built this community.”

Thanks to a generous donation from Andreas “Andy” Wilfong and his wife, Lisa, Thomas B. Doherty High School will soon be home to School District 11’s newest indoor practice facility. Construction on the state-of-the-art field house is set to begin in mid-July, with a ceremonial groundbreaking scheduled for July 16, 2025, at 10 a.m.

“This field house is possible because of Mr. Wilfong’s fond and influential memories of his time at Doherty and his commitment to supporting both current and future students,” said Principal Hillary Hienton.

Additional donations have also directly benefited Doherty students through academic and athletic scholarships, musical instruments, program support, Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility upgrades, auditorium renovations, student recognition awards, and campus beautification projects.

Mr. Wilfong shared that, "Building this field house is about investing in the future of Doherty High School. It will give current and future Spartans the space they need to train, grow, and compete at the highest level—on and off the field. Our students deserve a facility that matches their potential, and I’m proud to help make that a reality.”

The 1,800-square-foot indoor fieldhouse will offer a dedicated space for students and athletes to train when outdoor conditions are not ideal. In addition to supporting baseball, softball, football, color guard, JROTC, and other sports teams, the facility will also serve as a versatile space for academic use during the school day.

“The field house will provide much-needed space during the colder months and inclement weather,” Principal Hienton explained. “It will also be a tremendous resource for our athletic programs and other student groups, including our marching band and JROTC. With so many teams and programs on campus, having an additional indoor space is truly a gift.”

The field house is expected to open in December 2025, barring any construction delays.

“I’m incredibly thankful that Mr. Wilfong believes in Sparta and continues to invest so generously in our students,” said Hienton. “He truly embodies the spirit of ‘Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.’”

Mr. Wilfong added, “Providing for the field house exemplifies what my parents (Don and Christel Wilfong) instilled in me – success should be shared.”

July 7, 2025, Colorado Springs, CO – Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) invites the community to join them at the 14th annual Night of Comedy (NOC) – Comedy’s Gone Country on Friday, September 26th, at the Phil Long Music Hall featuring renowned professional Comedian, K-Von.  This signature fundraising event raises funds supporting wraparound services across the lifespan for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. 

For more than 25 years, Special Kids Special Families has served the Pikes Peak region and has been committed to providing care and respite for those with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities. By promoting, strengthening, and supporting children and adults living with disabilities, SKSF provides specialized care needs throughout the life span of these individuals.  Every month, hundreds of people and their caregivers are supported by services and guidance provided by SKSF.   

"Ensuring our clients and their caregivers have critical resources available are paramount to our mission," said Derek Wilson, Senior Director of Development and Communications.   "The people we look after are unique and require specialized care and attention.  Moreover, we offer respite and assistance for caregivers.”

SKSF Executive Director (ED) Kevin Porter stated, “Helping individuals build life and independent living skills is one of our top priorities. Just as importantly, we never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. The actual cost of delivering this level of care exceeds what we charge. That’s why the funds raised through the Night of Comedy are essential, allowing us to continue reaching more families with exceptional care.” 

Special Kids Special Families knows that laughter really can be the best medicine!  The care and respite that they provide to families is priceless.  Daily, the families served deal with hefty challenges that can at times feel overwhelming.  Having a night that provides that “medicine” and levity can be equally invaluable to those who are investing in the impact of SKSF’s good work and mission.

Here’s what you need to know about the Night of Comedy:

The evening’s event requires online pre-registration.  The whole community is invited to support, however, SKSF recommends ages 15 & older as alcohol will be served, and the comedy is adult centered. All per person pricing is the same regardless of age.  Early bird tickets are available through 7/31/25 at just $85 per person (price increases to $100 on 8/1), $150 per couple ($200 after) or $650 per table of 8 ($800 after).  Tickets offer so much and include:

• High top table seating with buffet style brisket or pulled pork dinner (special dietary meals and lower handicapped tables available upon request)
• Complimentary beverage ticket (well wine/beer & soda)
• Live Comedy performances by comedian – K-Von Moezzi and surprise opening act
• Live DJ and Dancing
• Silent auction with terrific packages (will be placed online a few days PRIOR to the event)
• Memory Maker Photo Booth
• AND MORE!

The theme of the event is Comedy’s Gone Country, so casual western wear is highly encouraged but not necessary.

While the night’s entertainment will be full of laughs, it wouldn’t be funny if you missed out.   Purchase your tickets online-today!  https://sksfcolorado.org/noc2025/

How to be involved and ways to participate to be an SKSF Hero:

1. Sponsorship:  Become a sponsor for the organization.  Need knows no season, and this immediate and practical contribution has significant impact and offers numerous benefits for companies—amongst those benefits is the social impact for the community.
2. Participate in the Silent Auction:  The silent auction will start a few days prior to the event and this year the auction will be online and allow those who cannot join in person to participate in the fun---all for a great cause.
3. Donate:  Donations can be made online or mailed in.  Donation dollars fuel SKSF efforts so they can serve even more individuals and their families.
4. Become a volunteer:  SKSF consistently has ongoing volunteer needs to enhance and amplify all that they do.  Visit their website to learn more on how you or your organization can join the SKSF volunteer team. 
5. Connect:  Share your passion for SKSF’s mission and the Night of Comedy with your friends and the community!  Like, share, and follow SKSF on all their major social media platforms.  Sign up for their newsletter and tell all the folks you know about the good work SKSF is doing in the community.

About Special Kids Special Families: SKSF a non-profit umbrella organization with several unique programs designed to support people with disabilities of all ages from early childhood through senior adults as well as their families and caregivers. SKSF offers programs for individuals with disabilities including:

• Children and Family Services that encompasses Zach’s Place child & respite care center, and Foster and Adoption Care services.
• Adult and Senior Services offering day programs and Host Home opportunities for adults and seniors with disabilities.
• Support and Empowerment Services offers a range of assistance including transportation, gardening program, QMAP classes, home care services, veteran & military services, and Behavioral Health Services offering counseling and specialized therapy to individuals ages 4 to adulthood.

SKSF serves families without discrimination including all ethnicities, ages and situations. For more information about SKSF programs and available job opportunities call (719) 447-8983 or visit www.SKSFcolorado.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 07, 2025

Colorado Springs, CO — Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) is excited to announce its upcoming All Positions Hiring Fair, taking place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Doherty High School gymnasium, located at 4515 Barnes Road, Colorado Springs, CO.

This event provides a one-stop opportunity for job seekers to explore a wide range of positions in the district, including:

• Teachers (all levels and subjects)

• Special Service Providers

• Educational Support Professionals (school-based and non-school-based)

• Transportation staff

• Food & Nutrition Services staff

• Custodial staff

• And more!

“At District 11, we believe that what you do matters. Every position in our schools and departments helps create a positive impact on students, families, and the greater Colorado Springs community,” said Jennifer Harris, Senior Executive Director of Talent Management. “We invite anyone looking for meaningful work to join us and see where they can make a difference.”

Attendees will have the chance to meet hiring teams, learn about open positions, and apply on-site.

For more information about the D11 All Positions Hiring Fair, visit www.d11.org/hiringfairs