The board of directors and staff gathered for West End Family Link’s annual meeting, which was open to the public July 29 at the Nucla Seniors Center. Then, Doris VanNess opened the meeting, but resigned from her position as board chair after years of service.
“As I leave my position of chair, I do it with a lot of pride,” she said.
She told those in attendance when she first joined the board, Family Link was stationed in a little house in Nucla Town Park, which was falling down and is now no longer present. Then, Family Link moved to the parsonage of the Catholic Church. Later, David White, now the Montrose County Manager, suggested Family Link move into the building in which it currently resides on Main Street. VanNess said the board was grateful it was rent-free then, and Family Link only had to pay utilities and upkeep. Then, two years ago, county commissioners Keith Caddy, Roger Rash and Sue Hansen deeded the current building to Family Link. Again the board was appreciative.
“It has been my honor and my privilege to be chair the last four years,” VanNess said.
Next in the meeting, Jim Guire II was voted in as new board chair. He said he thanked all for their support, especially county officials, the towns of Nucla and Naturita and community members. Guire acknowledged the longtime leadership of VanNess. He added he’s looking to possibilities while holding the current needs. He said serving as board chair is something he doesn’t take lightly, and he’s ready to step in with purpose.
Executive Director for Family Link Danielle Pond also spoke about staff and data. Pond said Family Link is a food hub, but also a community center, where resources abound for firewood, utility payment support, parenting classes, financial classes, anger management classes and more. That includes Cub Scouts for youth.
She said last year 783 people came to the food bank, and the average was 188 people weekly. Family Link also participates in the Backpack for Kids program, donating food for 40 students to have at home on weekends when school meals are not available. She thanked Food Bank of the Rockies for its support, along with Angel Baskets and the Telluride Foundation. Members from those organizations were present.
She said the FRESH Food Hub in Norwood has also been a big support with donations of bread and produce; so has Good E’s Grocery in Nucla, as part of the food rescue program, donating things that can’t be sold, but that are not truly bad. Now, she said Montrose County is donating an entire “beef” to Family Link, and that will feed many people.
Pond said programming is increasing. This summer, with the support of Bright Futures and also the Naturita Community Library, the CATCH children’s program happened again. Youth were invited to exercise, learn and play games, plus be fed nutritious meals. Then, Hank Miller and Jennifer Locke, of Naturita, cooked more than 400 meals for the children who attended.
Family Link also helped 18 families this last year with energy costs, totalling $6,187.95 in support, as part the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Family Link also assisted 49 people with Energy Outreach Colorado funds that totalled $9,832.92.
Pond said the work of Family Link touches more than just the recipients of services. She said it’s life-changing for volunteers too, who receive gifts of service in return. Pond has plans for Family Link, including sponsoring a community Bingo night. She’s also planning for a chili cook-off, a community barbecue, and she told guests she is determined to establish a community garden and is looking for a spot. Serving the elderly even better is another one of her goals.
The community-wide school supply drive is happening now, and anyone interested in donating should see Family Link staff or board members.
Family Link’s staff includes Maggie Nelson, bookkeeper; Kerri Cook, pantry assistant; Lorraine Skees, pantry assistant and delivery driver; Barbara Edwards, family development director; Margie Petty, Paradox pantry manager; and Michaela Zunich, regional pantry director. Board directors are Guire, VanNess, Glade Hadden, Annie Johnson, Ellie Button, Ashley Tomlinson and Allie Sutherland.
