“The Mt. Carmel team is honored to be a partner of the Empty Stocking Fund,” says Executive Director Bob McLaughlin. “The ongoing collaboration allows us to positively impact the lives of military, veterans, and their families.”

For nearly 10 years, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center has been steadfastly serving those who served. In 2015, philanthropist and late Marine Corps veteran Jay Cimino developed his vision to provide a safety net through services for active-duty military and veterans in the Pikes Peak region, ensuring that no one would fall through the cracks. Life-changing support is provided to these vital members of our community.

More than 38,000 military and family members have been served since Mt. Carmel’s inception. In 2024, there were 15,420 contacts ranging from simply answering questions to providing information and giving referrals to connect with partner agencies. So far in 2025, 800 clients have been given extensive assistance through supportive services, employment and transition assistance, health and wellness care and case management.

James Herrington, director of development and fundraising, says that 2025 has been an exciting year for Mt. Carmel. Popular fundraisers such as the Norwegian Ruck March, (an endurance race), and the sold-out Sanctuary Golf Tournament provide community outreach through friendly competition. Over the summer, Mt Carmel provided military outposts for attendees of the Senior Open Golf Tournament, and at the Pikes Peak Rodeo for volunteers, most of whom were military members. Snacks, beverages and a place to take a break were provided.

In September, more than 400 families attended Patriot Day Giveback to receive food, sports equipment, clothing, additional supplies and information about available services.

In October a moving tribute to members of the Bataan Death March took place in Larkspur, honoring American solders who were killed or captured in Bataan during World War II.

Most recently, in October, Mt. Carmel participated in the Homeless Veterans Stand Down. Sixty-three partner vendors came together to offer warm meals, haircuts, employment assistance, housing solutions, medical and dental support, and other essentials to vets in need. At least 120 homeless veterans in El Paso County attended.

Of particular note were the 10-15 veterans who expressed a strong interest in getting off the streets and changing their situations. The goal was to move these individuals into housing and into employment within 30 days. They received temporary housing along with extensive case management, which can lead to a high success rate for returning to self-reliance.

Next Chapter was a pilot program started three years ago that has now become a permanent program. The team is led by veteran leaders, health care professionals and community partners to provide an immediate response to moving forward. The transition from military service can be challenging for both veterans and their families. In the first two years, 1,200 people benefited from receiving behavioral health services and resources from Next Chapter, with no out-of-pocket expenses.

In 2026, Mt. Carmel will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The hope is to set a goal to expand the number of people who receive services, leading to an increasing community impact.

Dan Daily, sergeant major of the Army (Retired), sums up the tremendous impact of Mt. Carmel. “There are few missions as important as serving those who’ve bravely served our country. Every day, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center lives this mission, supporting military, veterans and their families.”