Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What ages does Prism serve?
A. Prism serves adults 18 and older in the Pikes Peak Region. Any programming that happens in our space is reserved for adults. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at prism@prismcos.org.
Q. Where can I park?
A. We have a dedicated parking lot behind our building that can be accessed from an alley on either East Rio Grande Street or East Las Animas Street. There is also street parking on Tejon Street in front of our building that’s free.
Q. What should I expect when I arrive?
A. When you arrive, please approach our intercom next to the main entrance and press the “Prism Office” button. Our front desk attendant will greet you and let you know what to expect when you’re admitted into the building. We ask that you check in with one of our iPads and then a Prism staff member will do a quick wand down with a metal detector and check any bags. If it’s your first time visiting Prism, we will offer a tour and then you are free to use the space!
Q. Is Prism safe?
A. We do our best to make sure the center is as safe as possible for community members and staff in space. No weapons are permitted in the center and every person that enters the center will be subjected to a metal detector scan and bag search. If a prohibited item such as a pocketknife or pepper spray is brought to the center, the person will be required to store the item outside of our space. No exceptions. We are dedicated to keeping Prism a safe space and are open to any community suggestions on ways to make Prism safer.
From there, we personally review every provider submission for their readiness to be included in the directory. This may include conducting follow-up interviews with interested practitioners, offering training opportunities, and encouraging them to further their cultural awareness and competency.
Although we do our best to ensure that a practitioner is a trustworthy addition to the directory, it is up to each individual to assess their own comfort, safety, and security with a practitioner. We encourage you to reach out to the provider(s) you are interested in to gain a full understanding of the services they offer.
We are continually conducting outreach to mental and medical health professionals in the area to increase the size of the directory. Providers are encouraged to keep their information as updated as possible, and they are prompted to update their information on a quarterly basis.
Q. I would like to reserve one of the spaces in Prism, how do I do that?
A. We welcome community partners and members to reserve spaces in Prism to host groups or events. Any personal use of a room must adhere to our space agreements and reserved times cannot exceed 2 hours. These reservations must be scheduled within Prism’s open hours. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out. If you would like to host an event or group at Prism, please contact us at Prism@prismcos.org.
Q. Am I able to check out books from the Lavender Library?
A. Yes, you can! To check out a book, inform the front desk attendant and they’ll help you. You can view our catalogue of books at https://PrismCC.librarika.com
Q. How does the gender-affirming closet work?
A. Kelly’s Closet, our gender-affirming closet, is open to any community member who’s looking for clothes to help affirm their gender. You are welcome to browse the clothes and try them on in our changing room. If there’s an item that you would like, let the front desk attendant know and they will remove the tag and you are good to go! Feel free to visit our virtual catalog here!
Q. I am in crisis, what should I do?
A. 988 Colorado Mental Health Line – Reach out for free, confidential mental health support 24/7. Call or text 988 or live chat at 988colorado.com. Press 3 if you are 25 and under and identify as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
For parents and caregivers looking for advice in having hard conversations, visit here!
Q. I am not looking for resources but I am looking to build community, is Prism a good space for that?
A. YES! Prism is first and foremost, a community center with resources available to those who need it! If you’re looking for community connection, check out our events calendar or feel free to stop by to get a feel for the vibe and see what feels good for you!
We also have a Discord server where you can learn more about Prism and our awesome community!
Q. Can I bring my children to Prism?
A. Yes, but anyone under the age of 18 must be directly supervised by their parent/guardian for the duration of their visit. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at prism@prismcos.org.
Q. Can I bring outside food/drink?
A. You are more than welcome to bring outside food and drink for yourself. Due to allergies, we do ask that you do not bring any food for others unless it is clearly labeled with possible allergens and expressly communicated.
Q. Is there a place to store a bike/scooter?
A. Sort of. We do not have an official bike rack at this time. But we do have bike locks that you can borrow for the duration of your visit. We also have spaces outside of our front entrance where a bike can be secured.
Q. I have a pocketknife or pepper spray on me. Can I bring that into the center?
A. No weapons of any kind are allowed in space. Prior to entering the center, you will be asked about whether you have a weapon. If you do, it’s your responsibility to store it outside of the center.
Q. Can I schedule an appointment with a Community Resource Specialist?
A. Yes! Although you do not need an appointment, you are able to schedule an initial meeting with our Community Resource Specialist before coming in. You can schedule an appointment here!
Q. Can I bring a bag/purse/backpack in?
A. Yes, though it’s part of our security screening to have every bag searched. Any bag that’s larger than a backpack will have to be stored in one of our offices to conserve space within the center.
