Mountain Equipment Recyclers, Inc. (M.E.R.) will be hosting a grand opening event on February 12, 2011. The event will be held at the store at 1005 S. Tejon Street on that Saturday from 10-6 pm. The event is being held primarily to showcase the opening of the store and to educate the public about our non-profit partners. Representatives from AspenPointe, LifeQuest Transitions, and The Home Front Cares will be present to provide information concerning their efforts in helping military veterans and their families. M.E.R. will be hosting events throughout the day including music, art, raffles and giveaways, and refreshments will be provided. More details concerning the event are TBD. Media are encouraged to attend!   

About Mountain Equipment Recyclers:

Mountain Equipment Recyclers, Inc. is a retail donation and consignment store of high-quality outdoor equipment located in Colorado Springs, CO. Gear includes camping, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, cycling, running, climbing, fly fishing, canoes/kayaks, and any other outdoor activity associated with this beautiful state. Local realtor Mike Mazzola is the sole owner of M.E.R. He opened the store from his passion for the outdoors and compassion for assisting military veterans with PTSD, TBI and other injuries. The store is founded on the premise of supporting the local community in a sustainable way that also promotes the protection of the environment and a “giving back” attitude. M.E.R. is committed to helping local soldiers and their families. 50% of the sale of donated gear is given directly to non-profit organizations assisting local military veterans. 5% of consigned gear is given to the same causes. The three non-profits are:

AspenPointe (http://www.aspenpointe.org/)

Life Quest Transitions (http://www.mylq.org)

The Home Front Cares (http://www.thehomefrontcares.org/)

About the non-profits:

AspenPointe “Research from the Department of Army and Army Medical Department suggests that 10 to 15 percent of post-deployed soldiers are at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common diagnosis for the recently deployed and their families include adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol- and substance-related problems. Many of these issues are short term and can be properly managed with effective care. But if left untreated, these issues can destroy families. Sometimes soldiers are reluctant to seek care for mental health out of fear of appearing weak and being forced out of the military. This reality makes it essential for communities to partner with the military in providing care for soldiers and their families.” Aspen Pointe offers career services, education, competitive living skills and career training programs for military clients.

LifeQuest Transitions (LQT) is a nonprofit organization which utilizes empowerment programs to transition wounded, ill or injured American soldiers via techniques that facilitate personal growth, leadership skills and positive change. The program incorporates physical training with high adrenaline adventure sports (mountain biking, white water boating, rappelling, high ropes, orienteering, etc…) as a platform combined with a structure curriculum and measured outcomes.

The Home Front Cares is a non- profit 501(c) corporation that has helped more than 1,800 families, contributing over $1,330,000 in aid since our founding in 2003. THFC delivers assistance to the military community in the State of Colorado through a close collaboration with the Army Community Service at Fort Carson and the Family Support Centers at the United States Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, and Schriever Air Force Base. The family support centers identify and verify financial needs.