Meet Emily Shields with Mosaic

Emily Shields is the Community Relations Manager at Mosaic in Colorado Springs. My sister-in-law, Janet, has an intellectual disability. She has thrived at work and learned how to cook and care for herself because of the services she receives from the SARAH Foundation in Connecticut. I have supported Mosaic ever since I learned about the services it provides to members of the Colorado Springs community.

Mosaic’s mission is: “Embracing God’s call, Mosaic relentlessly pursues opportunities that empower people.”

Both avid bike riders, Emily and I hit it off right away! Before joining Mosaic, Emily worked with another local nonprofit, Kids on Bikes. We began our conversation by sharing bike stories and comparing the many scars we have collected on our adventures.

In 2024, Mosaic started a new occupational therapy program for its people in service. Working with students from Regis University, participants learn how to cook, clean and care for their living spaces, as well as practice hygiene and other daily living skills. This program enables some participants to live independently with supervision from Mosaic.

Emily shared Mandy’s story with me. Mandy’s mother had been her caregiver throughout her life but recently died quite suddenly following a cancer diagnosis. Mandy wants to live independently and has worked very hard to show that she can care for herself. Mosaic recently found her a one-bedroom apartment where she can live her dream of independence with daily supervision.

Mosaic has also added new events to the calendar for its people in service. Emily shared photos from the “Springs Through the Decades” dance held last April. What fun! The dance took place in a hotel ballroom, with food donated by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and was a big hit. This fall, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoomobile will visit with three zoo ambassadors.

While Mosaic Colorado Springs receives financial assistance for office expenses and payroll, all funds raised locally remain here to support people in service in Colorado Springs.

Mosaic’s “Partners in Possibilities” fundraising event will be held Tuesday, October 6, from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St., Colorado Springs. This breakfast is always inspirational because we hear directly from one or two of Mosaic’s people in service.

I invite you to attend this special event with me. Email me at cheryl@flccs.net if you would like me to save you a seat at my table!