Marian House works in association with many agencies.  Some have satellite offices at the Hanifen Center at Marian House.

• Pikes Peak United Way
• S.E.T. of Colorado Springs
• Ecumenical Social Ministries (E.S.M.)
• Interfaith Hospitality Network
• Housing First
• Partners In Housing
• Peak Vista
• Penrose-St. Francis Community of Care Nurses
• Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group
• Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

Marian House also works with agencies in our community to provide referrals for our clients, and in partnerships that provide opportunities for our clients to move forward in their goals to become self-sufficient.

Recently, Marian House entered into a partnership with the Springs Rescue Mission and Pikes Peak Urban Gardens to build and maintain a 5,000 square foot Community Garden at Dorchester Park in Colorado Springs.  Marian House Clients and staff maintain portions of the overall garden which supplies fresh produce and herbs for use in the Soup Kitchen.

This particular garden is different from other community gardens in that it’s purpose is twofold:

1. The produce which is grown in the garden supplies the Marian House Soup Kitchen and the Springs Rescue Mission with fresh produce, used in the meals prepared at both centers
2. It helps restore the dignity of our clients by providing them the opportunity to have a part in feeding themselves

Two people work each day, both morning and night, seven days a week to grow carrots, radishes, green beans, cilantro, and basil.

Currently there are two Marian House clients who assist with this project.  The first is a client who was recently released from the Colorado Department of Corrections.  While incarcerated, he became certified in Horticulture.  Helping with the garden has given him the experience and a second chance at becoming a productive member of our community.  He continues to help out and has since become employed by a local nursery.

The second is a client volunteers at the garden as a way to work his way back as a guest at the Marian House.  Occasionally, clients are banned from the soup kitchen due to serious behavior issues, but can join a re-entry program to work on whatever issues got them banned int he first place.

Additionally, as a means to become more environmentally conscious, Marian House will be beginning a compost program at the gardens, as a way to recycle food scraps, coffee grinds, and non-salvageable produce.  This will be started once funds are raised to purchase a composter.

For more information, please view a short video that was made prior to the start of the garden by visiting the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNaHKgU1dM&feature=channel.