At the intersection of 21st Street and Gold Camp Road, El Paso County once operated the El Paso County Poor Farm. It was a place for members of society who were unable to care for themselves, often the elderly, those with mental disabilities and those struggling with substance abuse.
The Poor Farm operated from 1900 to 1984, when it was demolished and its residents were dispersed into the community.
Several churches from the west side of Colorado Springs gathered at Bethany Lutheran Church and formed a partnership to make their commitment to the community more permanent, founding Westside CARES.
“Since its inception, Westside CARES has been a collaboration of human beings and organizations seeking to offer care and compassion to neighbors in need,” said Westside CARES CEO Kristy Milligan. “I love that broad scope of its mission allows Westside CARES to be deft and responsive to the community it serves, amplifying key programs in times of community crisis.”
As one of 20 partner agencies supported by the Empty Stocking Fund, Westside CARES is now comprised of 27 member-faith communities, with over 375 volunteers and 1,000 donors. The organization is unique in that it focuses on both ...