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Colorado Springs Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) was established as a nonprofit organization in 1982 by eight large downtown churches. Considered an outreach extension for the community, ESM responds to the emergency social service needs of low-income, homeless and unemployed individuals and families in Colorado Springs.
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The Mural at ESM |
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Thanks to the generosity of our donors, ESM successfully matched a challenge grant issued by the Downtown Partnership/Downtown Development Authority last fall. Work on the mural commenced shortly after the holidays. The artist on the project, Kim Polomka, is a noted local fine artist painter and muralist. His award-winning work also graces three other buildings in the downtown area: The Giddings Loft building on North Tejon Street, the Mozart@250 Celebration mural on the In-Sight Optical building at Pikes Peak and Cascade, and the Nuevo Casas Grandes Sister City mural on the north wall of the former Wachovia building at Pikes Peak and Tejon Streets.
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Click here to see the evolution of the painting (PDF file; requires Acrobat Reader) |
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) |
ESM is again be offering the VITA program to low-income individuals or families who need assistance in preparing and filing their federal and state income taxes.
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Hours
First-come, first-serve
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Questions? Call 228-6792 |
The VITA program is administered by the IRS and originated with the Tax Reform Act of 1969 as part of the increased emphasis on Taxpayer Education programs. The program offers free tax help to low income individuals who cannot afford professional fees. Volunteers under-go a rigorous training process with tax returns filed electronically on secure computers provided by the IRS. Nearly all of these volunteers return on a yearly basis to help clients file their taxes.
Snow Policy
Regarding delays and closures, ESM follows School District #11. When District #11 is closed, ESM is closed. If District #11 is on a two-hour delay, opening at 10:00 a.m., then ESM will open at 10:00 a.m. for clients.
If there is snow or other inclement weather during holiday closures at District # 11, then ESM will follow Ft. Carson delays or closures.
Call our main number (719) 636-1916 if you are unsure.
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