[CPN] RELEASE: Economic Prosperity Center to Close in November

	City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development   Derek Woodbury Marketing/Public Relations Specialist O. 720.913.1608 derek.woodbury@denvergov.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Economic Prosperity Center to Close in November Financial literacy, wealth building and career development services to continue to be offered throughout the City DENVER, CO ­— Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 — The Economic Prosperity Center at King M. Trimble will close effective November 15, 2012. Located at 2980 Curtis St., the pilot center opened in March 2010 and was designed to elevate the economic standing of residents through career development and financial literacy offerings. Programming and referrals will continue to be offered throughout the City.   “The City stands committed to economic prosperity, however this pilot program proved challenging for individuals to travel to a single-location for services,” said Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED). “We are exploring options to deliver services citywide to reach more residents.”   The center has been supported by several partners, including the OED, Mile High United Way, Denver Housing Authority, Denver Asset Building Coalition and the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute.   “Our partnership with Denver Asset Building Coalition and the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute will continue in new locations,” said Ismael Guerrero, Denver Housing Authority executive director. “And the King Trimble Center will continue to serve the community, with a focus on youth education and empowerment.”    The Denver Asset Building Coalition will temporarily relocate to the nearby DHA Platte Valley Opportunity Center, 3050 Champa St., where staff will continue to offer free tax preparation services. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute will continue to provide business startup assistance and financing at a new location as well.   Workforce development services, which were offered at the center through January 2012, continue to be offered through the City’s four Denver Workforce Center locations:   ·         Denver Workforce Center at Speer, 1391 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 500 ·         Denver Workforce Center at Westside, 1200 Federal Blvd. ·         Denver Workforce Center at Montbello, 4685 Peoria St., Suite 251 ·         Denver Workforce Center at DIA, 8500 Pena Blvd.   Free computer access, which has been available at the center, is available at the following nearby locations:   ·         Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. ·         St. Francis Center, 2323 Curtis St. (computers limited to job search purposes) ·         The Mission (Volunteers of America), 2877 Lawrence St.   Computers are also available at all Denver Public Library and Denver Workforce Center locations throughout the city.     The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to advancing economic prosperity for the City of Denver, its businesses, neighborhoods and residents. Working with a wide variety of community partners, OED operates to create a local environment that stimulates balanced growth through job creation, business assistance, housing options, neighborhood redevelopment and the development of a skilled workforce.     ###