LIFT-UP

Background Statement

LIFT-UP began meeting needs in the area in 1982; caring individuals, churches and businesses came together to pool resources to help local families in need. At the time, the region was experiencing rapid growth as thousands flocked to the area to find work in the oil shale industry. But not everyone found jobs or places to live, some even ended up sleeping in their cars and under bridges, without money to buy food. The Life Inter-Faith Team on Unemployment & Poverty (LIFT-UP) was formed, and the community directed food and other resources through this cooperative channel. When the oil shale industry collapsed in May of 1982, thousands found themselves unemployed overnight. LIFT-UP started providing assistance to the large number of people who suddenly found themselves in need of help. Rifle was our first location; over the year's locations were opened in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, New Castle, Parachute, Aspen and Basalt. These seven locations allow LIFT-UP to serve those in need in all of Garfield County and part of Pitkin and Eagle counties. LIFT-UP made a change to our food assistance program due to the number of families and individuals needing help past the allowed number of times this program could be accessed. Prior to COVID-19, families and individuals could access our food pantries once a month instead of the six times a year. In November of 2015 LIFT-UP added a Mobile Lunch Program called Meal Monkey for kids 18 and under. We distribute sack lunches on Fridays to targeted areas of lower income kids going to Garfield RE 2 schools go four days a week.

In 1995 LIFT-UP launched the Extended Table Soup Kitchen in partnership with the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. The Extended Table, which we have renamed to Extended Table Community Dinner, served a hot nutritious meal Monday through Friday from 5 to 6pm. In October of 2012 LIFT-UP launched another Extended Table with the United Presbyterian Methodist Church in Rifle. This location serves on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings from 5 to 6pm. The Extended Tables served 19,395 meals in 2015, which is another record high for LIFT-UP. Since the start of COVID-19 meals have been distributed as grab-n-go meals.

LIFT-UP soon recognized a need for sustainability, so in 1994 they opened a thrift store in Rifle and in 1996 one in Parachute was opened. The thrift stores have two purposes ones is to generate revenue for the organization and the other is allowing LIFT-UP the ability to give clothing and household items to families and individuals in need.

From the start of the COVID pandemic, the Parachute Thrift Store was transformed to be used as a warehouse and food bag packing facility. The Rifle Thrift Store continues to operate as a thrift store.