Season 4, Episode 3 - From Communications to Community Impact: A Look Inside El Paso County’s New Department of Community Resources

From Communications to Community Impact: A Look Inside El Paso County’s New Department of Community Resources

 

When listeners heard our last “Beyond the Dais” conversation with Vernon Stewart back in 2022, he was building what was then the newly established Communications Department at El Paso County. Fast-forward three years — and Vernon is now leading a bigger mission: the newly created Department of Community Resources. We sat down to learn what’s changed, what drives him, and how this department serves people across the county.

Building a New Department — From Vision to Action

Vernon shared how, after years of working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and then joining El Paso County, he was drawn to a new challenge. The Communications Department was understaffed and still shaping its identity. “We hit the ground running,” he recalled — redesigning the county website, improving internal communications, and managing signature events like the annual State of the Region address.

But more recently, the county identified a growing need: several resident-facing divisions — Veterans Services, Justice Services, and Environmental Services — lacked unified leadership. In late 2024, Vernon stepped in to lead Veterans Services on an interim basis. That work, alongside his previous record, led to the creation of the new Community Resources Department and his appointment as its director.

Now, his role is less about messaging and more about mission — he acts “as a liaison between County leadership, residents, and county staff,” helping translate broad strategy into frontline service.

Three Focus Areas: Veterans, Justice, and the Environment

Under the Community Resources umbrella, the work falls into three main areas — each serving residents in distinct ways.

Veterans Services

• The department aims to reach every veteran in El Paso County. Official estimates put the number at around 100,000 who are registered for healthcare through the VA — though Vernon believes the actual total is even higher.

• Services include help with navigating benefit and claims processes. Vernon shared powerful success stories: “I was told about a veteran last week who is getting about $200,000 in back pay … a life-changing shift,” he said. For that veteran and his family, the outcome meant long-term stability — even generational change.

• What drives him: personal experience. As a veteran himself, Vernon understands the hurdles many face. “I’ve been there personally,” he said. “I know what it’s like to get frustrated and shut down.” That empathy fuels the work.

Justice Services

• This division works to offer alternatives for first-time or low-level offenders: pretrial services, community corrections, or other diversion paths — rather than automatically pushing people deeper into the justice system.

• According to Vernon, the goal is to reduce recidivism by tailoring responses to individual circumstances. He described sitting through Community Corrections Board meetings where victims, community members, and decision-makers hear cases and carefully weigh release options.

• The philosophy: avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Sometimes, the justice system itself can do more harm than good — especially for first-time offenders. This is about giving second chances when it makes sense.

Environmental Services

• Through programs like “Clean Sweep” events and a household hazardous-waste facility, the department helps residents safely dispose of items such as old mattresses, tires, paint cans, aerosol containers — even hazardous materials like mercury. Vernon recalls being shocked the first time he saw some of the things brought in.

• These services help keep neighborhoods clean, reduce roadside dumping, and protect public safety. Vernon stressed that proper disposal isn’t just about convenience — it’s about responsibility.

Why This Work Matters — to Residents, to Veterans, to the County

For Vernon, the personal connection is real. Serving veterans “hits very close to home,” he said. Having walked the same path — from service, to claims processes, to seeking help — he knows the frustration many face. That empathy drives the department’s approach: create not just a service, but a compassionate point of contact.

He also highlighted the difference between working behind the scenes (in communications) and working directly with residents. In this new role, he’s seeing impact up close — veterans coming back, referring friends, and rebuilding their lives. The shift from policy and messaging to direct service has opened up “a whole new world” for how county government can respond to real needs.

And perhaps most importantly, he says, the department is staffed by people who care: “These are passionate people … what drives them is doing good for residents of El Paso County.” As director, his job is to clear the path for them — to offer strategic oversight, as well as the support and structure they need to succeed.

Want to Connect or Learn More?

If you’re a veteran — or know one — who’s curious about what services might be available, the door is open. The department offers help at no cost. Whether it’s navigating VA claims, exploring alternative justice routes, or disposing of hazardous household materials responsibly, Community Resources is available.

To start, visit El Paso County's Community Resources department page - https://communityresources.elpasoco.com/.