Neighbors At The Gate Podcast

When financial hardship forced Alma Montanez to choose between putting food on the table and paying the electric bill, she found herself facing a difficult reality many families in Colorado Springs know all too well. As work slowed for her family's roofing business and bills continued to pile up, Alma turned to Mercy's Gate for help. What began as a search for financial assistance became something much more meaningful: a reminder that she wasn't alone. Through practical support, prayer, and genuine compassion, Alma found renewed hope during one of her family's most challenging seasons. In this episode of Neighbors at the Gate, a podcast by Mercy's Gate, Executive Director John sits down with Alma to hear her story of perseverance, faith, and community. Together, they discuss the challenges of asking for help, the impact of having her family's electricity restored, and the encouragement she discovered through prayer and Bible study. Alma's experience is a powerful reminder that hardship can affect anyone, that asking for help takes courage, and that sometimes a single open door can make all the difference. Guest Bio: Alma Montanez is a Colorado Springs resident, wife, and mother of three who has called the community home for approximately 35 years. Alongside caring for her family, she helps her husband, Jose, manage their roofing subcontracting business. After experiencing financial hardship during a slowdown in work, Alma connected with Mercy's Gate, where she received practical assistance, prayer, and encouragement. Today, she shares her experience to encourage others facing difficult circumstances to seek support, hold on to hope, and remember that they are not alone. Resources: Mercy's Gate: https://mercysgatecs.org/ Mercy's Gate Bible Study Amazon Wish List and Donation Opportunities: https://mercysgatecs.org/donate Home for the Holidays Campaign: https://mercysgatecs.org/get-involved/home-for-the-holidays 211 Community Resources: https://www.211colorado.org/ VITA Tax Assistance Program: https://www.coloradovita.org/ Connect with Neighbors At The Gate: Website: https://mercysgatecs.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercysgate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercysgate/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mercysgatecs

What happens when someone facing hardship is met not with judgment, but with dignity, compassion, and hope? In the first episode of Neighbors at the Gate, a podcast by Mercy’s Gate, John Serio sits down with Michael Guernsey and Robin Cordova to hear their stories of hardship, recovery, financial struggle, and finding support when they needed it most. Michael and Robin share how they first came to Mercy’s Gate looking for practical assistance, and discovered a community that offered much more. From food and transportation assistance to prayer, fellowship, and encouragement, their stories reveal the impact that compassionate care can have on someone walking through a difficult season. Michael also shares about his seven years of sobriety and the ongoing importance of faith, recovery, and having people willing to walk alongside him. Their message to anyone struggling is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help.   Guest Bio: Michael Guernsey Michael Guernsey is a Colorado Springs-area resident who first came to Mercy’s Gate while experiencing food insecurity and other personal challenges. In the episode, Michael openly shares about his recovery from methamphetamine addiction, his seven years of sobriety, and the important role his Christian faith and community have played in his journey. He continues to participate in recovery and values the fellowship and support he has found through Mercy’s Gate. Robin Cordova Robin Cordova is a lifelong Colorado Springs and El Paso County resident who came to Mercy’s Gate during a season of financial and personal hardship. She shares candidly about challenges involving health, finances, transportation, and food insecurity, as well as the practical support she received through Mercy’s Gate. Robin’s story highlights the importance of asking for help and having a community that responds with dignity, compassion, and respect.  Resources: Mercy’s Gate: https://mercysgatecs.org/ Home for the Holidays: https://mercysgatecs.org/get-help/seasonal-services-program/home-for-the-holidays Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/   Connect with Neighbors At The Gate: Website: https://mercysgatecs.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercysgate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercysgate/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mercysgatecs

How much do we really know about the challenges facing our neighbors across El Paso County? Food insecurity, housing costs, medical bills, and other pressures can be easy to miss, even when they affect people close to home. Neighbors at the Gate, a podcast by Mercy’s Gate, shares local stories of hardship, dignity, and compassion. Through the people behind these needs and the practical support helping them move forward, the podcast invites us to see our neighbors more clearly and consider what a caring community can do. Subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Neighbors At The Gate: Website: https://mercysgatecs.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercysgate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercysgate/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mercysgatecs