Social Work at PPLD

Pikes Peak Library District added a social worker to the organization’s staff to better serve patrons who need assistance learning about and using community resources, or need support in other ways. PPLD's Social Worker, Alicia Kwande, is here to help you connect with resources in our community. She can help you identify programs and opportunities that may be a good fit for you, and help you pursue them. We can help find housing, employment, legal aid, clothing, food, and household items. Note: PPLD’s Social Worker is not a case manager or case worker.

Patrons may utilize in-person social work services at the library by appointment only. Appointments will last 50 minutes and are scheduled on the hour.

• When: Mondays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (4 appointments per day).
  These hours will expand as the need arises.
• Where: Penrose Library
• Appointments can be made with Alicia Kwande directly:
• By phone: (719) 233-3321 OR
• By email: akwande@ppld.org

Reasons that individuals may make appointments:

• VI-SPDAT assessment
• Housing resources and tools to complete and submit housing applications, housing searches (private rentals or community based programs are both acceptable)
• Use of phone to access community resources - must have an appointment with the resource they are calling, or must not be on hold for longer than 5 minutes
• Scanning, printing, faxing, emailing documents for ONLY Social or Legal Services, Housing Programs, Department of Human Services, or to secure schooling or childcare for children
• Use of phone or internet to search for and connect with community resources remotely
• Referrals, lists of any resources: food, clothing, other household essentials, housing, legal, medical, behavioral health, employment, financial assistance, childcare

Requirements for appointment:

• Patrons must enter and exit through the staff entry door located on the north side of Pikes Peak Ave. between the mural and the large garage door.
• All patrons must complete a health screening prior to entering the Library. They must also provide contact information in the event the health department needs to follow up for contact tracing.
• All patrons must wear their own face mask. The Library will not provide masks for patrons.
• Patrons will be accompanied by the social worker for the entire duration of their appointment and patrons may only engage in activities related to specified reasons listed above. Appointments will last for 50 minutes.
• Patrons may schedule only one appointment per day.
• Due to social distancing requirements, appointments are only being offered for individuals, or one adult with one child, at this time.

For more information about additional programs, visit the Adult Education website.