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That is precisely the role Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center was created to fulfill.
Colorado Springs—often called Military City USA—is home to five military installations and tens of thousands of veterans representing every branch of service. Many veterans settle here after retirement, while others return after deployments or medical discharge. Mt. Carmel exists to ensure these individuals and their families never have to navigate post-service life alone.
Leaving the structured environment of the military often means losing access to built-in support. Veterans may find themselves overwhelmed by civilian systems that feel unfamiliar and fragmented. Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center offers something powerful in those moments: clarity, guidance, and understanding.
Rather than addressing one issue at a time, Mt. Carmel approaches veteran care holistically—recognizing that stability comes from addressing interconnected needs.
As Laura Cisneros of Mt. Carmel shares:
“Veterans come through our doors with different experiences and different challenges. Our responsibility is to listen first and then help them build a path forward that truly works for them.”
Mt. Carmel’s integrated model helps veterans avoid the frustration of jumping between agencies. Services are coordinated to support the whole person—mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially.
Key areas of support include:
Personalized case management for veterans and families
Behavioral health and emotional wellness programs
Employment assistance and career transition coaching
Financial education and stability resources
Community engagement and peer support
This approach allows veterans to address immediate concerns while laying the foundation for long-term stability.
As Colorado Springs’ veteran population continues to age, Mt. Carmel has become an increasingly valuable resource for older veterans. Aging-related challenges such as chronic health conditions, fixed incomes, and mobility concerns often require coordination across multiple systems.
Mt. Carmel assists senior veterans and caregivers by:
Connecting them with trusted local providers
Offering benefits navigation and referrals
Supporting spouses, widows, and adult children
Families often describe feeling relief knowing there is a knowledgeable, local organization advocating on their behalf.
Beyond services, Mt. Carmel fosters belonging. Many veterans experience isolation after leaving military life, particularly after retirement or the loss of a spouse. Mt. Carmel combats isolation by encouraging connection through peer relationships and community engagement.
Veterans rediscover purpose—not just as former service members, but as active participants in the Colorado Springs community.
If you or a loved one is a veteran living in Colorado Springs or Southern Colorado, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is a trusted place to begin.
More information can be found on their Seniors Blue Book Listing
FAQs
Who can access Mt. Carmel services?
Veterans, service members, and their families in Southern Colorado.
Are services only for younger veterans?
No. Mt. Carmel supports veterans of all ages, including seniors.
Do caregivers receive help?
Yes. Family members are encouraged to reach out.
Is there a cost?
Many services are provided at no cost.
Many older veterans and surviving spouses qualify for benefits they never claim. These answers outline the major options.What VA benefits are available to senior veterans?Senior veterans may qualify for VA health care, disability compensation, VA pension, Aid and Attendance or Housebound allowances, home-based care, and burial benefits. Eligibility depends on service history, disability status, income and assets.What is VA Aid and Attendance?Aid and Attendance is an additional monthly amount added to a VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or are bedridden, in a nursing home, or have very limited eyesight. It can help pay for in-home care or assisted living.Who qualifies for the VA pension?Generally, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, have a discharge other than dishonorable, and meet limits on income and net worth. Age or disability requirements also apply. Check current limits on VA.gov.Can the VA help pay for assisted living?The VA does not directly pay for assisted living, but Aid and Attendance benefits can help cover the cost. The VA also offers community living centers, State Veterans Homes and home-based programs.Does the VA offer caregiver support?Yes. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services serves caregivers of veterans of all eras, and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers offers stipends and training for eligible caregivers. Respite care may also be available.How do I apply for VA benefits?Apply online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a regional office. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help for free. Gather your discharge papers (DD-214), financial records and medical documentation first.Can surviving spouses receive benefits? Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for Survivors Pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), health care through CHAMPVA in some cases, and Aid and Attendance.
Social Security and the New Senior Tax DeductionBy Senior Tax Advisory GroupTax law changes may help retirees keep more of their income. However, headlines about no tax on Social Security can create confusion. We want seniors to understand what has changed and how the new rules fit their retirement plans.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary additional deduction for people age 65 and older. For tax years 2025 through 2028, eligible individuals may deduct up to $6,000. Married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $12,000 when both spouses qualify. There could be a ROTH conversion opportunity at No Additional Tax Cost!This deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. Married taxpayers must file jointly to claim it, and each person claiming the deduction must have a qualifying Social Security number.Income limits matter. The deduction begins phasing out when Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Taxable IRA withdrawals, capital gains, or Roth conversions may reduce the deduction available.The law did not repeal federal taxation of Social Security benefits. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of benefits may still be included in taxable income. The new deduction reduces taxable income; it does not change the formula determining how much Social Security is taxable. Eligibility also does not require receiving Social Security.For example, a qualifying couple with both spouses age 65 or older could receive the full $12,000 deduction. If that entire deduction offsets income otherwise taxed at 12%, their federal tax savings would be $1,440. Actual savings depend on their tax situation.Before making withdrawals or changing withholding, review your income and eligibility. Social Security claiming decisions still deserve coordination with taxes, savings, and survivor needs. We believe retirement planning begins with understanding people. Contact Senior Tax Advisory Group at 719-596-4844 or visit www.springstax.com for help evaluating these changes within your retirement plan.
Sarasota and Manatee counties are home to a large population of veterans, many of whom served in Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. As these veterans age, some face memory loss, chronic health conditions, or isolation, and their spouses and families often become their caregivers.Adult day care can be a meaningful source of support for veteran families, and for many, VA benefits may help cover the cost.What Is VA Adult Day Health Care?The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers Adult Day Health Care as part of its home and community-based services. It's designed for veterans who need help with daily activities, supervision, or companionship, and whose caregivers need support.The program can be provided at VA facilities or through community adult day centers that work with the VA. Eligibility depends on factors such as enrollment in VA health care and clinical need. A veteran's VA care team or social worker is usually the best place to start.Why Adult Day Care Works Well for VeteransCamaraderie. Veterans often connect most easily with others who served. Shared experiences create instant common ground.Structure. A predictable daily routine can be comforting, especially for veterans living with dementia.Health support. On-site nursing and medication management help manage chronic conditions.Relief for spouses. Caregiving spouses, often aging themselves, get dependable time to rest and take care of their own health.Veterans Are Honored at Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway in Sarasota honors VA benefits and makes veterans feel especially welcome. The center hosts a veterans group that meets weekly, giving members a chance to share service stories and enjoy the company of fellow veterans. Veteran members are also recognized on the center's Veterans Honor Wall, a point of real pride for many who attend.Beyond the veterans group, members enjoy a full day of activities across 15 themed storefronts set in a nostalgic, mid-century town square, a setting that often brings back memories from the years many of these veterans served. The daily rate includes meals, snacks, medication management, and nursing oversight, and on-site primary care, psychiatric care, and therapy services are available through insurance.Support for Veteran CaregiversCaring for a veteran, particularly one living with dementia or the lasting effects of service, can be demanding. Town Square offers free weekly caregiver support groups and monthly education classes, with free respite provided while caregivers attend.How to Get StartedTalk with the veteran's VA primary care team or social worker about Adult Day Health Care eligibility.Call Town Square University Parkway to ask how the center works with VA benefits.Schedule a tour so the veteran can see the center, and the veterans group, firsthand.Thank You for Your ServiceOur veterans gave so much. Helping them age with dignity, purpose, and friendship is one way our community can give back. Veteran families in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and throughout Manatee County are invited to reach out to Town Square University Parkway to learn more. (Eligibility for VA programs is determined by the VA; please confirm details with your VA care team.)About Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway is an adult day center serving families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and throughout Manatee County. It offers a nostalgic setting, purposeful programming, nursing oversight, on-site medical services, and free caregiver support. Call today to schedule a tour or a free assessment.Town Square University Parkway8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Unit 55, Sarasota, FL 34243Phone: 941-277-5048Web: seniorsbluebook.com/senior-resources/town-square-at-university-parkway
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service CenterComprehensive Veteran Support in Colorado SpringsFor the men and women who have worn the uniform, service does not end the day military life transitions into civilian life. For many veteransespecially those navigating career changes, health challenges, financial uncertainty, or the realities of agingongoing support is essential. In Colorado Springs, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center (MCVSC) exists to ensure that veterans and their families are never left to navigate those challenges alone.Founded on the belief that veterans deserve access to meaningful resources, compassionate care, and a community that understands their experiences, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center has become a cornerstone for veterans across Southern Colorado. Their veteran-first model focuses on dignity, empowerment, and long-term stabilityserving veterans not just at one moment in time, but throughout every stage of life.Serving a City Built Around Military ServiceColorado Springs is often referred to as Military City, USA, and for good reason. The region is home to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and NORAD. With more than 80,000 veterans living in the area, military service is woven deeply into the citys identity.Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center was established in 2016 in response to the growing need for a centralized, community-based organization where veterans could access services locally rather than navigating fragmented systems alone. Today, Mt. Carmel serves tens of thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, and family members each yearmeeting them exactly where they are, whether that means planning a civilian career, accessing mental health support, or preparing for the needs that come with aging.A Holistic Approach to Veteran Well-BeingWhat sets Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center apart is its comprehensive, wraparound approach. Rather than focusing on a single issue, Mt. Carmel addresses the whole personrecognizing that employment, health, housing, and emotional well-being are deeply connected.Their services are organized around three key pillars that support long-term independence and quality of life.Career Development, Employment & Transition SupportTransitioning from military service can be both exciting and overwhelming. Veterans often possess strong leadership skills, discipline, and technical expertise, yet may struggle to translate that experience into civilian employment.Mt. Carmels Transition and Employment team helps bridge that gap by offering personalized support such as:Career exploration and coachingResume development and interview preparationJob placement assistance and employer connectionsSkill-building workshops and training referralsSupport for veterans re-entering the workforce later in lifeBy working one-on-one with veterans, the team helps align career goals with sustainable employment opportunitiessupporting independence and financial stability for both veterans and their families.Behavioral Health & Wellness ServicesMental and emotional wellness are just as important as physical health, yet many veterans face barriers to accessing confidential, culturally competent care. Mt. Carmel understands the unique challenges veterans may experience, including stress related to service, family transitions, trauma, or isolation later in life.Through its Behavioral Health program and trusted partnerships, Mt. Carmel offers access to:Individual mental health counselingMarriage and family therapyPeer-to-peer support groupsStress management and wellness educationReferrals for physical and occupational therapyThese services are designed to promote healing, resilience, and connectionsupporting veterans and their loved ones as whole individuals, not just as former service members.Supportive Services & Resource NavigationNavigating veteran benefits and community resources can be complex and time-consuming, especially for older veterans or caregivers. Mt. Carmels Supportive Services team simplifies the process by helping veterans understand their options and take practical next steps.Support may include assistance with:VA benefits applications and appealsHousing stability and homelessness preventionEmergency financial supportFood and utility resourcesFinancial literacy and budgeting educationEach veterans situation is unique, and Mt. Carmels staff takes the time to provide personalized guidanceensuring no one is overlooked or left without answers.Supporting Aging Veterans and Senior NeedsAs Colorado Springs veteran population grows older, Mt. Carmel plays an increasingly important role in connecting senior veterans to appropriate care and resources. Many aging veterans face challenges such as managing service-connected disabilities, navigating Medicare alongside VA benefits, or finding trusted senior care options.Mt. Carmel works closely with community partners to connect senior veterans with:Home care and caregiver supportAssisted living and senior housing resourcesHospice and palliative care referralsSocial engagement opportunities that reduce isolationThis commitment reflects Mt. Carmels belief that honoring service means providing support across the entire lifespannot just during active duty or early transition years.Rooted in Community PartnershipsMt. Carmel Veterans Service Center does not work alone. Their impact is strengthened by deep partnerships with local employers, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies.By collaborating with organizations such as El Paso County Veterans Services, the VA, and local healthcare providers, Mt. Carmel ensures veterans have access to coordinated, timely, and reliable support throughout the region.As Laura Cisneros from the Mt. Carmel team shares:Our mission is to meet veterans where they arewhether theyre just transitioning, looking for counseling, or needing support later in life. Every veterans journey is different, and were here to walk alongside them through it.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat services does Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center provide?Mt. Carmel offers employment and transition assistance, behavioral health counseling, benefits navigation, housing support, and wellness resources for veterans and their families.Are services available to family members?Yes. Mt. Carmel proudly serves spouses, dependents, caregivers, and surviving family members of veterans and active-duty service members.Is there a cost for services?Most services are provided at no cost thanks to community support, donors, and grants. Eligibility may vary by program, and staff assist with determining available options.Does Mt. Carmel serve senior veterans?Absolutely. Mt. Carmel supports veterans of all ages and helps older veterans connect with senior care, health resources, and community services.How do I get started?Veterans and family members can contact Mt. Carmel directly, visit their website, or stop by their Colorado Springs location to learn more and begin services.A Lifelong Partner for VeteransMt. Carmel Veterans Service Center stands as a trusted partner for veterans across Southern Coloradooffering guidance, compassion, and real solutions when they are needed most. Whether you are planning your next chapter after service, supporting an aging loved one, or seeking help navigating complex systems, Mt. Carmel provides a welcoming place where veterans are understood and respected.