Staff Reports
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.

Dear Friends of LEAF,

We are writing today to ask for your help.  For the past 7 years, the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) has provided the only local food pantry to our neighbors in need. In order for LEAF to make this food available, 500–1000 pounds of food must be transported each week from the Community Food Share warehouse in Louisville (60 miles round-trip). Currently, LEAF does not have its own vehicle and has been using a van provided by a volunteer. However, that vehicle is getting older and is no longer reliable.

LEAF is unique in that it is the only organization in the greater Lyons area that directly serves the basic and emergency needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We accomplish this through the weekly food pantry, flood recovery and advocacy programs, and financial assistance for childcare, groceries, utilities, transportation, medical, and rental or mortgage expenses. One client said, “the pantry makes me feel extra special, and I am really blessed to know these people!” 

Since the flood, LEAF has been feeding 5-10% of the Town’s population. Because we are a small community, everyone’s help is needed to address the struggle with hunger and disaster recovery.  LEAF recently received a $15,000 grant towards the purchase of a vehicle from the Lyons Community Foundation (thank you!) 

We are now asking for your help in raising a $15,000 match, for a total of $30,000.  This will cover the cost of a suitable conversion van, as well as insurance and maintenance for weekly food deliveries and future community transportation needs.

Please consider donating to LEAF now.  Your support, no matter the size, will help LEAF to match the LCF grant and buy this van so that we can continue to support and feed our local Lyons neighbors.  To donate now, please click here.

With gratitude for your generosity,

The LEAF board of directors and volunteers