This is one of a series of stories about the nonprofit agencies that receive money from The Gazette/El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund campaign that runs through Jan. 20.

Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) and TESSA of Colorado Springs work hand in hand to help those in need in Colorado Springs.

“TESSA serves 10,000 victims of sexual and domestic violence each year, just in El Paso and Teller counties,” said SherryLynn Boyles, Executive Director of TESSA. “The police respond to 30-40 calls a day relating to domestic violence. We are responding to a very big problem.”

TESSA also works to encourage community involvement in stopping domestic violence, said Boyles.

According to its website, “TESSA’s mission is to help women and their children achieve safety and well-being while challenging communities to end sexual and family violence.”

Ecumenical Social Ministries works closely with TESSA, said Ann Lantz, Executive Director of ESM. According to their data, they serve 7-12 families a month who have been referred to or from TESSA.

“ESM provides services to those experiencing homelessness and to the economically disadvantaged in Colorado Springs,” Lantz said. “This year we will serve 74,000-75,000 in the Colorado Springs area.”

ESM serves a nine zip code radius in the city with emergency services as well as free showers, free laundry, a large clothing and food bank, rent and utility support, and help finding jobs.

“We talk a lot about removing the barriers to unemployment,” Lantz said. This can mean specific tools, transportation or uniforms since they have many ways to help people.

Both organizations have noticed a similar trend – more people need their help.

“We continue to serve more and more victims,” Boyles said. TESSA receives 5,000 phone calls a year and have a hotline to take calls. They also respond to hospital calls 24/7 when a victim may arrive at the hospital. Additionally they have people who work in advocacy services in their main office, people who work at the courthouse, people who will give presentations in the community and people working in their satellite locations

“We’re kind of all over the community,” Boyles said. With 40 employees and lots of volunteers, TESSA is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year. She said they couldn’t do it without their volunteers.

ESM has also seen a huge increase in the need for its services as well.

ESM has 15 staff members and more than 100 volunteers. Lantz said what sets it apart is that it was originally funded by the eight large downtown churches, but has branched out and serves all faiths, focusing on meeting people at the level they are at, with no judgment.

“No one goes away hungry,” Lantz said.

“The partnerships we have throughout the community through different organizations are really critical for helping meet the needs of our clients,” Boyles said.