Low-income families sometimes have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping the lights on, between getting medical care, clothing, and school supplies or paying the rent. We help resolve these difficult choices by providing them with access to basic human services at no cost.
Client testimonials:
Katrina P, wrote about TLC in a recent Google review: "A wonderful community organization, providing great crisis services to the Tri-Lakes area. I found them during corona 2020. They helped me basically to survive. Weekly groceries, financial assistance, holiday food and toys for the kids. They hae been one of the few organizations to help feed my soul during these hard and lonely pandemic times. They provide a real sense of community and belong, even at 6ft away."
D Goss, shared: "I simply want to express my sincere gratitude for all you have done to assist my family. It's a blessing to have TLC on our side. My boys always appreciate and look forward to getting groceries. Some great foods in there! We are thrilled to have received the gift cards from Black Forest Deli - what an unexpected treat! I love patronizing local businesses and that is one of my favorites. Super nice to be able to go out to eat & spoil my hungry young men. Thanks again!"
Anonymous: "Thank you is just not enough to explain our deep gratitude. As my husband and I drove away from the grocery pickup, we were overwhelmed with the love and care that Tri-Lakes Cares provides to so many families in need via groceries. My husband literally had to pull over, grabbed my hand and began to weep. We truly were afraid of how we would provide for our family this next month. When we got home, our children rushed down to help bring in the groceries - we were all so excited the variety - it was like Christmas! A thousand times thank you! You are CHAMPIONS, you bless people every day more than you may ever know with groceries, with finances, with leadership and kindness. Well done!! You are changing families lives for the better every day."
Volunteer Testimonial: "TLC continues to amaze! During the pandemic, TLC has gone over and above to help those in need in our community during times of uncertainty. The numbers continued to rise on the clients that need assistance during the pandemic and they continued to be able to supply everyone with the much needed essentials. The needs continue with the Snack Pack /Grab and Go and our Seniors in need. Each week, TLC meets the demand. Great job TLC!"
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.
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.
Steady growth is reflected when you look at our annual report for Fiscal Year 2019 (October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019) where nearly 225, 000 lbs of food and sundries were distributed through our Food Insecurity Program; $143,100 in rent, mortgage and utilities assistance was provided to 126 households; 369 households received holiday food bags for Thanksgiving and Christmas along with gifts to 194 youth and 87 senior citizens (gifts valued at $32,846).
This growth also 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.
COVID-19 Pandemic: In March 2020, in response to guidelines issues by local and state governments, TLC worked to protect the health and well-being of staff, volunteers and clients by changing its operational protocols. All services were removed to a remote service with the ability to place grocery orders for the Help Yourself Market and the Pantry via an online Google form or via paper forms delivered to a lock box. Case Managers continued to work with clients to provide financial assistance as needed via email and telephone. Most of those TLC serves were / are impacted by business closures in industries such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues, clients are seeking more financial assistance as their household income has been reduced. In August 2021 demand for services remained high, especially with the uncertainty of the rent eviction moratorium and the slow opening of businesses that closed during the pandemic.
In 2022, we began to contemplate re-opening for in-person services. We realized it as the perfect opportunity to restructure our downstairs Market area. Following the construction project in which walls were removed to create a more spacious area, new front doors were installed and additional shelving was put in place to expand the Market area, we re-opened in June 2022.
In 2018, Tri-Lakes Cares was named "Nonprofit of the Year" by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, achieving that honor also In 2010 & 2012. Since 2016, TLC has consistently earned the "Platinum" status. We have also been distinguished as a "Top-Rated Nonprofit" on greatnonprofits.com since 2013.
Organization name
Tri-Lakes Cares
other names
TLC
1984
Tax id (EIN)
74-2501356
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
235 Jefferson StreetMailing
PO Box 1301El Paso County, CO, US