Services & PROGRAMS
FOOD PANTRY
The West End Family Link Center operates a vital Food Pantry that helps ensure no one in our rural community goes hungry. Serving residents across the West End of Montrose and San Miguel Counties, our pantry provides access to nutritious food for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Our pantry includes several key programs:
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP – known locally as Evergreen): This USDA-supported program provides monthly food boxes to income-eligible seniors aged 60 and over. Each box includes a variety of shelf-stable, nutritious items designed to supplement a senior’s diet and promote better health and well-being.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Through TEFAP, we offer free USDA commodities—such as canned goods, frozen meats, grains, and dairy—to low-income individuals and families. These items help stretch household food budgets during times of crisis or ongoing financial hardship.
- BackPacks for Kids: To combat weekend hunger among children, our BackPack program discreetly provides bags of kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare food for students to take home each Friday. This ensures they have access to nourishing meals even when school meals are unavailable.
Together, these programs help meet the nutritional needs of our most vulnerable neighbors—from young children to seniors—ensuring that healthy food is within reach, no matter the distance.
* This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF APRIL 17, 2025 THAT CSFP AND TEFAP BOXES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, AND THURSDAYS DUE TO OUR TRUCK DELIVERY ON FRIDAYS!
UTILITY ASSISTANCE
The West End Family Link Center provides Utility Assistance to help individuals and families in our community maintain essential services like heat, electricity, and water—especially during times of financial hardship.
We assist eligible households in navigating and accessing available resources, including state and local programs that help cover the cost of utilities (LEAP). Support may include help with past-due bills, shut-off prevention, or assistance during the high-cost winter months.
Our goal is to ensure that no family in the West End of Montrose or San Miguel Counties has to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table. We work closely with each client to identify their needs, connect them with the right programs, and provide guidance throughout the application process.
FAMILY RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT
At the West End Family Link Center, we are committed to strengthening families by providing access to Family Resources and Development services that support stability, resilience, and growth.
We offer a range of programs and referrals designed to meet the diverse needs of families in our rural community.
These include:
- Parenting support and education
- Assistance with applications for benefits (such as SNAP, Medicaid, LEAP, and CCCAP)
- Referrals to housing, healthcare, and employment services
- Case management and goal setting
- Support for families during times of transition or crisis
Our staff works one-on-one with individuals and families to assess needs, set goals, and develop action plans that lead to long-term success. Whether it’s navigating complex systems, connecting to critical resources, or simply having someone to lean on, WEFLC is here to walk alongside our community every step of the way.
HEALTHY LIVING
Foods and the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH)
Summer CATCH Kids Club: The CATCH Kids Club (CKC) is a physical activity and nutrition education program designed for elementary and middle school-aged children (grades K – 5) that we implement in the summer for three days a week, two hours a day (nutrition education and at least 60 minutes of physical activity) over four weeks.
This program was made possible through a grant received by the Family Resource Center Association from the Colorado Health Foundation.
CLASSES OFFERED
We currently are offering the following classes:
- Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life for Teens
- The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens
- Anger Management for Kids
- The Anxiety, Dression, & Anger Toolbox for Teens
- Love & Logic Parenting
- Nurturing the Families of the World
- Nurturing Program for Prenatal Families
- Nurturing Program for Babies & Children
- Teaching Empathy, Self-Worth, and Discipline to School-Age Children
- Nurturing Program for Parents and Adolescents
- The Self-Esteem Workbook for Women
- Anger Management Workbook for Women
- Anger Management Workbook for Men
- Mindfulness Skills Workbook for Addiction