WEST END FAMILY LINK CENTER
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Mission Statement
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. These services include: referrals, education toward self-management; evidence-based programs (parenting and nutrition classes), emergency assistance services, such as heating assistance and food bank, and other resources when available. Our Vision Statement is to build stronger, healthier families and individuals in the West End of Montrose and San Miguel counties. Our goal is to reach as many families and individuals in need as possible.
About This Cause
The West End Family Link Center (WEFLC) is a community-based nonprofit founded in 1993, and one of the original family resource centers members of the Family Resource Center Association which has grown to 31 member-centers. WEFLC is located in Nucla, Colorado, in the west end of Montrose County. We serve a frontier area of 2,069 square miles, which includes the west ends of Montrose and San Miguel Counties which are both physically and financially isolated from the eastern portion of both counties. From our office it is at least 90 minutes to a two-hour drive each way to hospitals, medical/dental specialists, shopping centers, airports, entertainment, Department of Motor Vehicle services, etc. The population is approximately 1,900 with 25% are under the age of 18, and 20% over 65; approximately 60% of children receiving reduced to no cost lunch at school, with many of those vulnerable families receiving services through our programs. This area is not a typical “food desert” – there are 3 grocery stores in the entire 2,069-mile region, with 2 of them catering to tourists and higher-salaried clientele, pricing the average local family out of the market. The recent closure of a grocery store in one town added further pressure on the supply of fresh and nutritious foods because these grocery stores only receive food deliveries once a week. The shelves of the “most affordable” grocery store are often empty due to supply and demand, which has caused a significant increase in food pantry utilization over the past 2 years. The West End Family Link Center operates a vital Food Pantry that helps ensure on 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 foods for individuals and families facing food insecurity. 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. 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 the families our frontier 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. West End Family Link also operates the 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 programs were made possible through a grant received by the Family Resource Center Association from the Colorado Health Foundation. We offer a very popular program called the Toy Lending Library, where totes with toys and children's books are rotated out weekly during home visits. These toys are geared for children 0-5. Some are also participating in our family education programs during that time. We also offer senior visits, which provide social interaction for those who cannot leave their homes. West End Family Link also offers supportive Mental Health classes. These include • “Don’t Let Your Emotions Run Your Life” for teens • “The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook” for teens • “Anger Management for Kids” • “The Anxiety, Depression & Anger Toolbox” for teens • “Love & Logic Parenting” • “Nurturing Families of the World” • “Nurturing Program for Prenatal Families” • “Nurturing Programs 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” WEFLC believes the well-being of families is the cornerstone of a healthy society and requires universal access to services. We consider ourselves advocates of the families in the West End and Norwood communities and seek to collaborate with all area agencies in order to provide a seamless system of support for families.