Episode 191: The ICONS Are Here!

Bonus Episode! Empty Stocking Fund

The Empty Stocking Fund supports health and human services organizations around the area - the very organizations working to keep our country together through the recent pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.  We sit down with Deb Mahan (over Zoom) to talk about this year's campaign and what she is hearing from our community members who are in the trenches.  Find out more about all The Little London Show episodes at www.thelittlelondonshow.com

Special Give! Podcast: Peak Education

Peak Education fills a gap that many people have faced - becoming the "college counselor" we all wish we had in high school. Their work in Harrison District 2 has had some major impact: * Prior to the pandemic, only 43% of Colorado Springs low-income students enrolled in a postsecondary option compared with nearly 90% of Peak Education Scholars.  * National income data indicates that individuals who earn an associate’s degree earn 16% more than high school graduates and those with bachelors earn 40% more in weekly wages. Ensuring enrollment in a postsecondary option for our city’s youth directly impacts economic development and opportunity in our community. * Ninety percent of Peak Education scholars would be the first in their family to complete a college degree, and 87% identify as students of color. Nearly 90% qualify for free and reduced lunch. * Peak Education has a track record of producing strong outcomes including 100% of recent cohorts of Peak Education Scholars graduating from high school on-time, and more than 90% matriculating to colleges and universities. This episode is part of our media partnership with the Give! Campaign. You can find more information about the Give! Campaign at www.indygive.com and you can give to Peak Education at https://indygive.com/nonprofit/peak-education/ [https://indygive.com/nonprofit/peak-education/]

Special Give! Podcast: Energy Resource Center

Energy Resource Center may be one of the most surprising local non-profits. For 40 years, they have helped low-income families upgrade to more energy-efficient homes, thus lowering their utility bill, making their housing more affordable overall, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the draw on Martin Drake. Today, they work in 27 counties across Colorado with a mission to “erase energy poverty in Colorado.” Listen as we talk to their Development Director, Mike Mazzola, about the organization, where it is headed, and how you can help them make Colorado a more sustainable place to live, work, and play.

Episode 192: Culinary Distancing

As counties across Colorado move into heightened risk levels and COVID-19 numbers surge, our local restaurants, breweries, bars, and coffee shops are trying to pivot, innovate, and stay afloat.  Our guests this week, Matt Schniper and Lauren Hug, started the Culinary Distancing COS [https://www.facebook.com/groups/culinarydistancingCOS] group on Facebook. The group, currently with over 7,800 group members, highlights how businesses are keeping the doors open, encourages community support, and is a sounding board for positive approaches to our current "normal."  Join Darcie and special guest co-host Jacen Spector of the Cross Street Coaching podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/22cGas040PizW7dHvl69ip] as we talk to Matt and Lauren about the restaurant scene, how to keep our community vibrant in the face of uncertainty, and what ideas we hope stick around long after the pandemic.

Episode 191: The ICONS Are Here!

We are excited to bring you the local happenings that you need to know about. In this episode, we interview Josh and John, the new owners/proprietors of ICONS the "Downtown area’s only food and drink establishment geared toward the LGBTQIA+ Community." These Broadway performers, one of which is a native Colorado Springsian, moved to COS to open a much needed, inclusive, beautiful space downtown. Hear about their journey and their vision and make your reservation at ICONS, which is now open.  Get more information on this episode at www.thelittlelondonshow.com.