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https://sanmiguelbasinforum.com/stories/family-link-celebrates-new-staff-new-programs,71059?

 By REGAN TUTTLE, Editor

Danielle Pond, new executive director for West End Family Link, told the Forum June 20 there are many things the nonprofit staff are excited about. Already Pond has been in her new role for one month. Now, Makayla Zunich is coming on board as the pantry manager. Zunich will manage all three local food banks, including the one in Gateway, which is an expansion. 

Pond said Family Link representatives have been speaking with residents of Gateway and have seen the need. She said no food bank exists there, and they have an aging population. They’ll now have access to senior food boxes, emergency food boxes and access to the food pantry twice per month. 

Family Link is implementing rescue food runs weekly now. In this way, representatives can go to Grand Junction, to Food Bank of the Rockies, to pick up less-than-perfect canned goods and other fresh food items that cannot be sold, but shouldn't be thrown away. 

Summer programs are underway too. Barbara Edwards, the new family development director, said Family Link has partnered with the Naturita Public Library and also Bright Futures. New programs include Summer CATCH and also Summer LITERACY. The programs run July 7-18 and are free for local families. 

Edwards, a mother and grandmother with a history in nonprofit work, will lead them. There are sessions for physical activity, nutrition, enrichment with crafts and STEM activities, plus more. Kids will be fed. To register, families should call 970-864-2245. 

Edwards said she wants families to be aware of the Toy Lending Library. Kids from birth to 5 can come, but now older elementary-age kids too, and pick up tote boxes with activities inside. That includes games, biology activities, puzzles and more. Edwards has the pieces numbered and labeled for ease. There is no charge to check the items out. 

“Pick it up and have fun with it,” she said. 

She’s also offering parenting classes, Nurturing Parents and Love and Logic. But, there are also anger management classes for kids and adults. Those can be separated for men and women. And, there are classes for teens, on financial management, self-esteem, ADHD management and more. There’s a new infant massage class too, and Edwards said it can help soothe colicky babies. 

What’s more is Family Link can help with supervised visitations, both private and court-ordered. Staff can also assist with paperwork for paying bills, navigating online technology, filing restraining orders, starting divorce paperwork and applying for government programs like health care, LEAP (support with energy bills), and food stamps. 

Family Link’s board chair Doris VanNess added there are some gift cards available too, for those that need assistance in getting to doctor’s appointments in Grand Junction or Montrose. Those needing assistance should come in and show their medical appointment confirmation. 

Diapers, especially Size 2 and Size 4, are available for families in need. Some adult Depends are on hand for those who need them, as are some shower heads and LED light bulbs. 

Currently, Family Link is serving at least 180 families in the area. Now, volunteers are needed. That includes teens that might want to earn service learning hours for their graduation requirements. Teens are welcome to help with the summer programs and more. 

Staff and the board are planning the nonprofit’s annual meeting, held July 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’re also working on a parent advisory committee, and need parents to participate to help determine community needs. Additionally, they’re planning the Back to School Bash to gather school supplies for kids, which happens Aug. 2 in the Naturita Town Park. 

Pond and Edwards said they’re looking into partnering with AARP for ways to better serve the senior citizens. They want to hold classes in the future on financial safety, identity safety and cooking for just one person. 

“Everything we do right now is free,” Edwards said.

“And we are feeding a lot of people,” Pond added. 

All are invited to visit Family Link’s website, westendflc.org/, and if they feel called they can contribute through the online donation portal. Staff were working on a GoFundMe over the weekend to help with other programming. 

 Doris Van Ness, of Bedrock, was the May 2024 winner of the Hometown Heroes Award, sponsored by 1776 Contractors in Delta and Montrose. The Hometown Heroes contest was started by 1776 Contractors and Townsquare Media to honor local unsung heroes for worthy acts of kindness they’ve performed in their respective communities. 

Van Ness is a 27-year Bedrock resident, and a rancher, and has been a board member and an active volunteer for the West End Family Link Center in Nucla for 14 years. She was also a volunteer for the EMT Service in Paradox for 18 years. She is Captain for the Montrose Republican Party and is also a writer for the Montrose Mirror. She is known for her strong work ethic in the West End communities and is said to be one of the most giving people in her area. “If you have something that needs to be done, just ask Doris and she’ll get it done.” 

The West End Family Link Center’s mission is to empower the people of the West End of Montrose and San Miguel Counties, by providing low-to-no-cost supportive services, including budget counseling, job placement services, parenting and nutrition classes, rehabilitation assistance, a food bank, and more, to build stronger, healthier families and individuals in the area. For more information visit West End Family Link Center - Food Bank Family Services (weflc.org). 

One nominee for the Hometown Heroes contest will be chosen each month; each winner will receive a prize for their efforts and acts of kindness. To learn more about Hometown Heroes, and to nominate someone you feel is deserving, click here: https://94kix.com/montrose-colorado-hometown-hero/ 

Congratulations, Doris, and thank you for the role you play in our community! 

Read More: Recognize Your Western Colorado Hometown Hero | https://94kix.com/montrose-colorado-hometown-hero/...