(Photo by Regan Tuttle)Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2025 

By REGAN TUTTLE, Editor

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. 

West End Family Link (WEFL) is proud to be the heart of food security and family support for some of the most rural communities in western Montrose and San Miguel counties. From emergency food boxes to afterschool snacks, senior outreach to parenting support, WEFL has become a trusted lifeline for hundreds of households.

This summer, WEFL’s CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program is once again bringing joy to local children through fun games, physical activity, and positive connections. It’s a bright spot in summer programming and a reminder of how important community spaces and safe, healthy activities are for kids in Nucla and Naturita.

WEFL is also growing and working to open a new pantry in Gateway, an isolated area where food access is limited and the need is real. This expansion is about meeting people where they are and making sure no one gets left behind.

And recently, WEFL shifted into emergency response mode to prepare for those impacted by the wildfire that has crossed into the region from La Sal, Utah. WEFL is coordinating food and supply support for families who may be displaced or are facing loss.

In the past year, WEFL has seen a 42% increase in new households served. The need is growing and so is its commitment.

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/...