Our fabulous annual event is coming up on Friday, October 1.

Antonio Laudisio, chef extraordinaire and owner of Laudisio’s Restaurant, will be cooking with herbs grown in our very own community garden.

Jana Drakka, Buddhist monk and homeless activist, will be the evening’s key note speaker.

We’ll have music, dancing, and a great variety of auction items at the Avalon Ballroom.

Doors open at 6 pm.

The price is $60 per person and includes wine, beer, and a delicious dinner.

Help The Carriage House Community Table to serve the homeless and working poor of our community. Please donate today.

The Carriage House Community Table provides the most vulnerable members of our community with access to food, medical care, job training, and mental health counseling in a warm and welcoming environment. In 2009, we served over 3,500 women, men, and children.

We rely on the generosity of people like you to continue our work.

Please consider becoming a Partner in Giving and making a monthly gift to The Carriage House Community Table. It’s a simple way for you to support the homeless and working poor of your community throughout the year.

Congressman Jared Polis met with constituents at the Carriage House on Tuesday, June 1. A long-time advocate for the homeless, Congressman Polis answered questions from over 40 clients, staff, and friends of CHCT.

Andrew ran his first race to support the AIR Foundation, an organization in Denver which helps to engage people in recovery through running.

Boulder County AIDS Project – http://www.bcap.org

Boulder County Cares – http://www.bouldercountycares.org

Boulder County Safehouse – http://www.bouldercountysafehouse.org

Boulder County Social Services – http://www.co.boulder.co.us/ss

Boulder Shelter for the Homeless – http://www.bouldershelter.org

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless – http://www.coloradocoalition.org

Dental Aid – http://www.dentalaid.org

Emergency Family Assistance (EFAA) – http://www.efaa.org

The Gathering Place – http://www.the-gatheringplace.org

Mental Health Center of Boulder County – http://www.mhcbc.org

Mental Health Clinic – http://bcn.boulder.co.us/housing/bcmhc.html

Metro Denver Homeless Initiative – http://www.mdhi.org

OUR Center – http://www.ourcenter.org

People’s Clinic – http://www.peoplesclinic.org

St. Thomas Aquinas Food Bank – http://www.stthomasaquinas.com/st.htm

Hours:

9 – 3 pm Monday-Friday
Lunch 11:30-1 pm

Carriage House is located at:

1120-1/2 Pine Street (behind the First Congregational Church)
Boulder, CO 80302

• Map & Directions

Contact the Carriage House at:

PO Box 626
Boulder CO 80306

Phone: 303.442.8300
Fax: 866.831.9443
Email: joy at bouldercarriagehouse.org

There are several ways to help The Carriage House Community Table help the homeless in our community. Whether you give financial gifts, supplies, or your time, we are grateful for your help.

Financial Gifts

You can send a check to The Carriage House Community Table at the following address:
Box 626
Boulder, CO 80306

Or you can make a gift on-line via our donation page, hosted by:

Please also consider leaving The Carriage House Community Table in your will or estate plans. For more information, call Executive Director Joy Eckstine at (303) 442-8300.

Gifts of Supplies

Your donated items will immediately be put to use by our clients. Our current needs are:

• Canned food and dry goods
• Prepared meals
• Hats, gloves, clean socks, luggage, backpacks
• Used bicycles
• Dehumidifier
• Toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, combs, hairbrushes, chap stick, lotion, feminine supplies, small shampoos, soap, toothpaste, cough drops, tweezers, nail clippers)
• Laundry detergent, sewing kits
• Women’s underwear and bras
• Men’s underwear
• Office supplies, day planners, notepads, pens, paper
• Bus tokens
• Bike locks with chains
• Towels
• Multivitamins
• Bowls
• First aid supplies
• Books
• Clothing Racks
• Clothing Shelving
• Yoga mats or camping pads

Volunteer Your Time

Our organization only works with the help of hundreds of volunteers. We need help every day in all kinds of ways:

• To bring prepared meals
• To assist with meal preparation, serving and clean up
• To assist with administrative tasks

Please click here for more detailed information on current volunteer needs or contact:

Scott Medina, Volunteer Coordinator at:
CHCTVolunteers@aol.com: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 720-235-6050

Get your Boulder Change

The Carriage House Community Table has an innovative program that will help you and other community members to help the homeless.

Through our Boulder Change program, you can purchase $1 denominations of vouchers that can be redeemed at nearly 20 local vendors including:
King Soopers, the RTD Bus Station, some Conoco Gas Stations, Boulder Recreation Centers, the Mental Health Center and a number of restaurants.

The vouchers may not be used for alcohol or tobacco products and no cash change is returned to the user. This is an effective way to support the homeless of our community without worrying whether the money will be used for self-destructive habits.

Follow this link to get your own Boulder Change

If you would rather pay by check, please contact Vera Line at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (303) 442-8300 for an order form.

If you are a BOULDER CHANGE VENDOR, please follow this link to access our redemption policies and our redemption form.

At the Carriage House Community Table, we work with many partner organizations throughout our community to bring services to our clients.

2007 Recognition of Our Efforts

• Boulder City Council declared October 21-27, 2007 to be Carriage House Appreciation Week
• Received Group Publishing’s Northern Colorado Outstanding Service Award
• Joy Eckstine, Executive Director, received Boulder Rotary’s “Sparkplug of the Year” Award

2006-2008 Operating Statistics

A 5 minute video of three of our clients: a truck driver, an airplane mechanic and an oil field worker. Please watch the video below or view it on YouTube.

The Carriage House is open from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday.

We provide a wide variety of services both at the Carriage House and at the dinners we host at local churches in our community. Clients have the opportunity to get hot meals, medical and mental health services, and to meet with a case manager that will assist them with everything from employment services to addiction concerns.

Meals

Lunch is served at the Carriage House five days a week, Monday through Friday. Dinner is served from 5 pm to 6 pm at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, at Mountain View Methodist Church on Wednesday and at St. John’s Episcopal Church on the second and fourth Fridays.

Medical Services

A professional from the People’s Clinic comes to the Carriage House two times per week to see our clients. We provide assistance with obtaining and purchasing prescriptions for our clients. We also have a holistic health clinic at the Carriage House one time per week where clients can get acupuncture, chiropractory and other alternative health services.

Mental Health Services

A staff member from the Boulder Mental Health Center is at Carriage House four times a week to meet with clients. In addition, we have a licensed social worker that meet with clients daily and hold weekly addiction recovery groups.

Employment Services

We provide free voice mail for job seekers, individual tutoring, help in preparing resumes, interview clothing, and computer access.

Womens’ Hours

The Carriage House is open to women only on Wednesday, from 1 pm to 3 pm to allow them the space to address their specific needs.

Boulder Change

Through this program, the public can purchase coupons to give to homeless in our community that can be used to buy food, gas, transportation and goods at participating stores in Boulder. Learn more…

Community

We offer recreational and social activities such as “open mike”, a crafts group, an art class, a film festival showing documentaries about homelessness. An advisory group of currently homeless clients also meets once per month to provide feedback on our services.

Winter 2009

Cory
I’m a 25 year old female, who has been addicted to pain pills and heroin for almost 11 years. I tried to make a change in my life by leaving my home and all my belongings. I dropped everything and moved to Colorado in September 2005 with only the things I could carry on my back. When I arrived here, I didn’t know anyone so I ended up being homeless and I stayed that way until May 2007. For nearly two years I lived on the street trying to get my drugs, food, and somewhere warm to sleep on a daily basis.

Two or three months after I got here I was introduced to Joy and the Carriage House. Joy was the only person who had the faith in me and she tried very hard to do whatever I needed. She told me about the Methadone Program in Boulder and I went in and put my name on a waiting list (it was about a two month wait at the time). In April of 2007, a woman I met on the street offered me a place to stay if I helped her out; she was going blind and disabled. I accepted the offer, and while I was staying there a man introduced himself to me and later offered me some odd jobs on the side.

By May, I was working full-time. Two weeks into May, the Methadone Clinic called and said there was an opening in June. I started the program June 7th, 2007. In December of 2007, I found I was pregnant with my little girl, so my life was now changing permanently. I had been clean for a couple months and now I had more of a reason than ever to keep on my path to recovery. On July 27th2008 my healthy, beautiful little daughter was born. I no longer want to live like I have in the past. I am a stay-at-home mom now and my boyfriend (my daughter’s father) works full-time to support us. I’m now working my way off the Methadone Program and trying to go back to school. I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor. I think I could make a difference in someone’s life.

Thanks to Joy and the Carriage House, I’m now a good member of society and proud of where I have come. It was a rough road, but extremely worth every moment of it.

Winter 2007

Ray J.
I came to Colorado from Oklahoma. I was on the streets looking for a job and somewhere to sleep.

While I was looking for work, I met some people from the Carriage House that gave me information about places to eat and sleep. They showed me how to work on the computer and that led to me finding work and a place to stay.

Without the help from the people at the Carriage House and from the churches that make dinner for homeless people, this would not have happened for me. I give thanks to Mike, Joy and Mary Katherine. [Ray starts his job as a hotel manager 3/1/07.]

Mark S.
Carriage House helped me stay on a path of success when I had no other resources to turn to. I have been able to keep working since in Colorado because of their staff’s encouragement and help with bus fare, which I could barely afford after paying my bills. Consequently I was able to keep my hous-ing, find a better job, and keep paying my bills.

The Carriage House also helped supportive, effective and affordable counseling for a re-cent loss and grief. I’d like who is considering helping the Carriage House to know how they have helped me.

Fall 2006

Tony C.
Hi, my name is Tony C. I am a Colorado native. I recently came to Boulder, CO and have been homeless for some time now. I heard of a place “where the heart is” called the Carriage House. I have been coming here since I came to Boulder. They have helped me with a lot of support and services for finding a job, getting on the bus, etc. The staff at the Carriage House have been very supportive and helpful with the things you need to get back on your feet. I personally would like to recommend people that need help to go to the Carriage House for help and support to help them accomplish things in their life. I would like to thank the Carriage House for their support and help in getting me where I am now. [Tony began his new job last week.] God bless the Carriage House and thanks a lot to all the staff.

—Text of thank you note received 10/15/06

Spring 2006

Andrew S.
My name is Andrew S. I came to Boulder three years ago and had no-one or nothing. But I heard about the Carriage House, a warm place to get a meal and help with how to get a job.

The biggest thing that the Carriage House has done for me is to help me get off drugs. I came to the Recovery Group and it helped me to stop using. After I got off drugs, I was able to get housing.

The Carriage House is like a big family and just a great all around place.

With no place to go and no money, I found the Carriage House would help me when I was down. They offer a free hot lunch and community that cares about the homeless. It is not about black and white, money or no money at the Carriage House.

I thank God for Joy and Wonshe’ and all the other staff at Carriage House for all they have done and are continuing to do in Boulder.

Denny P.
Last September 26th, I thought the bottom had dropped out of my life. I was in a car accident, spent 9 days in the hospital, had all my personal possessions impounded and had $5800 stolen from my hotel room.

I had $8, and the clothes on my back and ended up at the Boulder Shelter. On my 2nd day I was introduced to the Carriage House, where I found warm food, people I could talk to, and some peace of mind.

Within a week they had provided me a P.O. Box, voice mail, an updated resume’, and most importantly, what felt like a home base. With the resume’ and some new clothes, I found employment and some self-esteem within two weeks.

I’m sure there are more stories like mine and I will be eternally grateful.

• Executive Committee Pages
• Board Pages
• Staff Pages

http://www.scribd.com/doc/29620367

The Carriage House Homeless Community Center has a non-discrimination policy which is enforced. This policy is in accordance with the Boulder City non-discrimination law, Title 12, Human Rights, Prohibition of Discrimination in Housing, Employment, and Public Accommodations as adopted by Ordinance No. 4571, May 1981 and amended by Ordinance Nos. 4574 and 4646, which includes age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, genetic characteristics, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, parenthood, custody of a minor child, or mental or physical disability of that individual or such individual’s friends or associates. Carriage House Homeless Community Center takes appropriate measures to ensure services to persons with disabilities and low income persons.

Adopted by the Carriage House Homeless Community Center Board of Directors July 2009

June 2010

Barbara Bennett
Marilyn Cowgill
Joy Eckstine
George Epp
Bruce Enstad
Donald French
Trudy V. M. Gygi
Frank L. Jones
Pam Kane
Scott Medina
Tom Nelson
Bobby Pelz
William Treadwell
David Williard
Betty Woon

Joy
Joy Eckstine, Executive Director since 2005, is a licensed clinical social worker and CAC III (certified level III addiction counselor), brings enthusiasm and energy to her position with Carriage House and as an advocate for Boulder’s homeless. Most recently, Joy was responsible for supervisory and administrative tasks in the Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health serving methadone clients and general substance abuse clients. Joy has years of experience with the homeless and with people with both mental illness and substance abuse problems. In the past, she has clinically coordinated multiple mental health programs in the criminal justice system and has worked for mobile psychiatric crisis teams. Her first position working with the homeless was at the Pine Street Inn in Boston, a large emergency shelter and she is delighted to return to her professional roots.

Carriage House Annual Reports

• 2007 Annual Report
• 2006 Annual Report

Press Coverage

• “CHCT supports Emergency Warming Center operations”
  Daily Camera
  October 2009

• Boulder’s homeless display their art
  Daily Camera
  March 2009

• Art finds a home
  Boulder Weekly
  January 2009

Press Releases

• Homeless to Attend City Council Meeting
• Carriage House Receives Outstanding Service Award from Group Publishing

Newsletters

• Carriage House Chronicle—Winter 2007 [pdf, 100k]

• Carriage House Chronicle—Spring 2006 [pdf, 100k]

Confilct of Interest Documents

• Policy
• Declaration Form

Audit Documents

• 2007 Audited Financial Statements
• 2007 IRS Form 990

Bonnie
Bonnie Knuti has been a regular volunteer in the kitchen at The Carriage House Community Table since 2007. A retired middle school English teacher, Bonnie has devoted the last nine years to co-authoring a soon-to-be-published book, When Crisis Strikes… What to do, What to say, How to help. As a member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, she is already actively promoting the book which will be available on Amazon.com and in local bookstores.

Journal – volunteering at The Carriage House Community Table

1/18/08
The very cold weather is ever so much more bitter now. . . Imagine sleeping out in that at night? A lot of the conversation today was about which shelter had space and how glad someone was to have slept indoors last night.

4/18/08
The “women and children only” time now has a group of women who have bonded in a homeless sort of way. Two guys unaware of the “women only” time slot came in. The women have confidence in numbers and told the guys in no uncertain terms. . .
I liked the quiet power that beaten women have when they band together. It was palpable, their joy and satisfaction.

7/11/08
A new volunteer started today. . . She said she had heard Joy speak, was moved and knew right away that she wanted to volunteer. That’s how compassion is, I think. “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Ghandi

9/26/08
One man asked what we were serving. I said it was beans, rice, elk, tomatoes and other vegetables. He smiled wryly and said, “I used to be a vegan. Now, I’m an opportugan.”

While volunteering at The Carriage House
Community Table is not always glamorous, it
is often fun and fulfilling. If you would like to be
involved with our community by volunteering
your time, please let us know by e-mail:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
or by calling us at 303-442-8300.

History
In 1996, a Day Shelter Task Force was formed to address the need for day services for adult homeless individuals in Boulder. The task force had representation from the Shelter for the Homeless, Boulder Police, the Social Opportunity and Support Program (SOS), the Mental Health Center, the Salvation Army, the City of Boulder Housing and Human Services, and others. After developing a pilot program and applying for nonprofit status, the program began operation on November 10, 1997 in donated space shared with the SOS program.

Initially called START, the Day Shelter operated five days per week for three hours per day from October through April. In spite of the limited space and operating hours, START provided hot meals, showers, access to employment and housing resources, and counseling. The START board of directors and other community supporters pursued the goal of establishing a permanent, full-time day center in a downtown location.

In 2003, the First Congregational Church at Pine and Broadway offered a 10 year rent-free lease for an historic brick carriage house on the church property, but which needed considerable renovation. While only 1200 sq. ft, the Carriage House is ideally located downtown, close to our clients. With the active support of the First Congregational Church, renovation funding was secured from the State Historic Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the City of Boulder. START, now called the Carriage Homeless Community Center, moved to the new facility in October, 2004.

In May 2008, the Boards of Carriage House and of Community Table, a Boulder organization which provides dinner four nights a week, merged. We believe our combined strengths will help us expand our services to the Boulder homeless and working poor.

History
In 1996, a Day Shelter Task Force was formed to address the need for day services for adult homeless individuals in Boulder. The task force had representation from the Shelter for the Homeless, Boulder Police, the Social Opportunity and Support Program (SOS), the Mental Health Center, the Salvation Army, the City of Boulder Housing and Human Services, and others. After developing a pilot program and applying for nonprofit status, the program began operation on November 10, 1997 in donated space shared with the SOS program.

Initially called START, the Day Shelter operated five days per week for three hours per day from October through April. In spite of the limited space and operating hours, START provided hot meals, showers, access to employment and housing resources, and counseling. The START board of directors and other community supporters pursued the goal of establishing a permanent, full-time day center in a downtown location.

In 2003, the First Congregational Church at Pine and Broadway offered a 10 year rent-free lease for an historic brick carriage house on the church property, but which needed considerable renovation. While only 1200 sq. ft, the Carriage House is ideally located downtown, close to our clients. With the active support of the First Congregational Church, renovation funding was secured from the State Historic Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the City of Boulder. START, now called the Carriage Homeless Community Center, moved to the new facility in October, 2004.

In May 2008, the Boards of Carriage House and of Community Table, a Boulder organization which provides dinner four nights a week, merged. We believe our combined strengths will help us expand our services to the Boulder homeless and working poor.

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