
Redstone Review
LYONS – When the floodwaters receded, a dire gap in safety net services for Lyons residents was highlighted more than ever before. Thankfully a small program created from the Lyons Community Church, Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF), was in place to help. To meet this increased and unmet need, in June of 2014, with the leadership and guidance of co-executive directors Emily Dusel and Emily Flemming, LEAF transitioned into its own nonprofit under the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center.
As we approach the one-year mark for LEAF as a nonprofit under Dusel and Flemming’s leadership, we celebrate the incredible impact of LEAF in Lyons. From providing flood relief through Rebuild Lyons One Life at a Time, to ensuring our neighbors do not go hungry with the Food Pantry, LEAF is truly making a difference.
We are so thankful that Emily Dusel and Emily Flemming stepped up to provide guidance and leadership for LEAF during a time of incredible growth and change. As we celebrate one year of success, LEAF says a heartfelt farewell to co-executive director Emily Flemming.
“Emily Flemming is a passionate, caring, visionary leader. We are so thankful for all of her hard work to help LEAF grow. We wish her the best in her future endeavors,” said Pam Browning, Chair of LEAF.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to get to know the residents of the greater Lyons areas as my neighbors and as clients of Rebuild Lyons, One Life at a Time, and LEAF. I thank the LEAF Board of Directors for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your lives, and I thank the Lyons Community Foundation for their ongoing support and partnership in responding to your needs. At LEAF, we have not always had the answers, but we have done our best to meet your needs and walk a step alongside you towards recovery and hope. I will be continuing my work as Pastor of Lyons Community Church, and hope to continue loving and serving this community for many years to come," said Emily Flemming.
Emily Dusel said “As the Executive Director, I am looking forward to continuing to grow the services at LEAF as we serve our mission to provide a safety net of services for the people in our community.”
The LEAF organization serves the greater Lyons area through the Food Pantry at the Lyons Community Church, through counseling services, flood recovery, providing assistance with health care, child care, home repairs and many other services for those in need.
LEAF board members are: Pam Browning Chair; Ellen Hine Vice Chair; Tanya Daty Secretary; Peter Maves Treasurer; Maridy Dandeneau; Susan de Castro McCann; and Monique Sawyer-Lang. Emily Dusel is the executive director.
To contact LEAF or for more information contact LEAF at info@leaflyons.org. or at www.leaflyons.org. To join the LEAF board, contact Peter Maves at petermaves@aol.com.