"Make a Friend" Care Center Ministry
You may have noticed the impressive historical building that stands at the intersection of Union Blvd. and Pikes Peak Ave. (near Memorial Park). The Union Printers Home was erected in 1892 by the International Typographical Union and for over 100 years, it provided a home to over 25,000 sick and indigent printers — many afflicted with Black Lung Disease and Tuberculosis from exposure to carbon-based ink.
Originally, an 80-acre plot of land, it was self-sustaining with a dairy farm, vegetable gardens, wheat fields and an array of livestock. Union Boulevard, the busy north-south arterial that runs though town, was named for this facility.
Today it is a Care Center for over 100 elderly and physically challenged residents (three printers still survive and are provided lifetime care).
For several years, Legacy has explored possibilities for an active care center ministry in Colorado Springs. An opportunity to serve the residents and staff of Union Printers Home has developed. Our desire is that participation be a church- wide, WVC initiative. Families, Small Groups, Student Ministries, Singles (MOSAIC), Men's and Women's Ministries, as well as Legacy members all are invited to find a place in "Make a Friend."
Below are several of the ways one might get involved:
- Friend-Making, Spiritual Encouragement and Visitation with residents and staff
- Provide the residents with Worship Opportunities
- Service projects (yard work, painting, etc) working in conjunction with A.C.T.S. ministry on the 29-acre property
- Seasonal Celebrations: Operation Golden Christmas
Ken Lardie is the point of contact for this initiative. You may contact him at k.e.lardie@q.com or 719.640.2579. Another Legacy partner, Crossroads Ministries, provides training sessions to help one be equipped and feel comfortable engaging in this ministry.
If your gifts and interests are in providing worship opportunities for the residents, contact Tamara Robinson at teejayrob@msn.com or 719.265.1992. Singers, musicians, dancers, artists — all those who have hearts to serve while leading praise and worship are welcomed.
With a 29-acre lawn and buildings that exceed a century in age, there is much maintenance work to be done. Greg Mitchell heads up the A.C.T.S. team crew that schedules service opportunities on the facility. Contact Greg at 719.651.8290.
It is estimated that 85% of care center residents rarely have visitors. "Make a Friend" has been raised up to try and make a difference in that statistic. Your participation will brighten the day of a resident — and it will bless you immensely!
