Assistance Programs

Aspen Mine Center Food Pantry: Emergency food assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Aspen Mine Center. The food pantry may be used on an emergency basis six times per six-month period. Clients are encouraged to volunteer to assist others in need.

Teller County Commodities Program: On the last Friday of each month at the Aspen Mine Center, about 130 families take home groceries free of charge through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Emergency Food Assistance Program. Many area families qualify. Check the website Calendar for dates, and feel free to call or email us for more details, using the information on the Contact page.

Teller County Department of Social Services: The DSS staff administers public assistance programs. These include Medicaid, Food Stamps, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), a program designed to help clients improve their chances of getting work by paying for training, transportation, childcare and related expenses. The department's other major function is to provide protection for children and adults who are unable to protect or care for themselves. The new DSS offices are on the ground floor of the Aspen Mine Center and are staffed each weekday except Tuesday. Phone 689-3584, ext. 106. To visit the DSS pages at the Teller County website, click here: DSS Website.

Teller County Salvation Army: The Salvation Army can help with emergency needs you bring to the attention of the Aspen Mine Center staff.

Teller Senior Coalition: Door-to-door transportation is offered, for a small donation, to shopping in Woodland Park on Tuesdays, medical appointments between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the 8th Street Wal-Mart in Colorado Springs on Fridays. Hot lunches are offered in conjunction with the Golden Circle Meal Program Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Aspen Mine Senior Center, as listed on the website Calendar. A Handyman Program offers volunteer labor to install grab-bars and do minor plumbing and carpentry. Other services for disabled and senior citizens include delivery of health-related goods through the Visiting Nurses Association, computer classes, a driving course, legal aid, and free tax assistance. Call the Coalition office at 687-3330 for more information. For caregiver support, call Dana Lee Collins, M.A., at 687-1353. To visit the Teller Senior Coalition website, click here: TSC Website.

The Dressing Room: Clothing and household items are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The dressing room is located on the lower level of the Aspen Mine Center. Donations are gladly accepted, and donors are encouraged to call the Aspen Mine Center, 689-3584, prior to dropping off goods.