TRI LAKES CARES
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Mission Statement
Mission: Empowering families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow. Vision: We make a difference in the lives of families and individuals during their time of need. Through a client-centered and individually tailored approach, we help clients gain a greater stability. An open-mindedness to creative problem solving and resourcefulness drives our work. It is our belief that everyone should be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity.
About This Cause
Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) has been meeting the needs of economically disadvantaged residents of northern El Paso County for 40 years. Originally founded as a food pantry in 1984 by a group of citizens concerned for the wellbeing of the growing number of neighbors living in or near poverty, TLC quickly grew in response to its clients’ evolving needs. In a newsletter printed in December 1985 by St. Peter Catholic Church of Monument (a primary partner and supporter of TLC) noted that, among the various services provided in November 1985 that 10 families (28 people) were fed; $233.15 in utilities’ assistance was distributed; and, 47 Thanksgiving meals were provided to 77 people valued at $564. By 2003, Tri-Lakes Cares had served 690 individuals and distributed approximately 60,000 lbs of donated food. This growth necessitated expansion of space. Once housed in the basement of the Lewis-Palmer Administration (School District 38) building (after residing several years in a smaller space), in March 2003 a move was necessitated due to growth within the school district. It was quickly realized that Tri-Lakes Cares needed its own building and a capital campaign was launched. Due to the generosity of the community, Tri-Lakes Cares moved into its own space in June 2007. In recent years, Tri-Lakes Cares responded to both the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 and the Black Forest Fire in 2013 providing services to those displaced by the fire including food, clothing, household goods, financial assistance, and referrals to other organizations and agencies. The Black Forest Fire in particular was challenging since it was in our “own backyard.” But, with partnerships like Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado and the support of the local community we were able to provide 638 individuals (377 adults, 177 youth and 84 senior citizens) with over $97,845 donated inkind goods and services; and, $141,583 in financial assistance. This was accomplished while still delivering and maintaining services to our regular clients. Today, TLC remains a grassroots organization – in fact, many of our programs continue to be managed by our many volunteers – operating a host of programs designed to help clients make ends meet, persevere through an emergency, and progress towards self-sufficiency. These include pantry programs, housing and utilities assistance, a Neighborhood Nurse Center in partnership with Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, post-secondary education assistance, youth enrichment endeavors, self-sufficiency programs (such as “Getting Ahead” and budgeting/financial counseling), and so much more. We are proud of the work we have accomplished in our community, and our efforts are recognized. In October 2018, we became a 3-Star rated charity on Charity Navigator and in December 2022 achieved a 4-star rating; in 2016 we achieved “Platinum” status on Guidestar following several years of earning “Gold” status. Also, in 2018 we became a BBB Accredited Charity. Since 2013, we have been distinguished as a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” on GreatNonProfits.com. Finally, in 2018, 2012 and 2010 Tri-Lakes Cares was named “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful that after more than three decades, TLC continues to provide vital, comprehensive human services to hundreds of families annually with a small paid staff and committed volunteers.