Valley Settlement

Want to join High Country Photo Bus in making a difference to residents of the Roaring Fork Valley?  Please join us and become a part of our Front Porch Project. We will be up and down the Valley capturing photos of our community on their front porch. These photos will document a time in history that will never be forgotten. We are asking everyone who has their photo taken to make any contribution that they can. They can also comment and post their photo. These funds will go to a non profit Roaring Fork Valley charity that will help to bring much needed resources and emergency funding to struggling families and their children. We all need to absolutely rise to the tidal wave of challenge posed by the pandemic. Thank You!

Dear Friends and Family,
 
   For the past 35 years, I have raced and coached the sport of triathlon. Several years ago, when I realized I was getting close, I set a goal to complete 100 triathlons.
 
     Unfortunately, I was side-tracked two years ago by the beast of metastatic breast cancer nipping at my heals for the second time in my life. I readjusted my expectations (and my pace!) while the beast tried to slow me down. So, it has taken me several more years to reach this goal. After careful calculation (I had Paul check it twice), I am hopefully, at the age of 65, about to join the USA Triathlon Century Club on July 29th at the Outdoor Diva Sprint Triathlon, in Longmont Colorado!
 
    In honor of my 100th triathlon, I am dedicating this effort to the fire ravaged community in my Valley. In a small way, I connect with these community members. I am running from cancer in my life and on July 4th they were literally running for their lives.
 
     Though I could fundraise for a cancer organization, at this time, my heart goes out to the marginalized immigrants in our country. Especially, to those that have been separated at our borders and are living with the unbearable nightmare of wondering where their children are and if they are safe. Can you imagine?
 
      Right here in our Roaring Fork Valley many of our families are experiencing a similar nightmare of their own since the Lake Christine Fire. The fire has had the greatest impact on a mobile home park that is home to hundreds of low income Latino families. There are 340 homes, several that sit right at the fence line where this life-threatening wildfire was stopped.    
 
     In addition, this particular park is home to many El Salvadoran refugees and Mexican immigrants. These families work several low wage jobs to survive, many 6 and 7 days a week. They are poor and so grateful that their homes are still standing. For some, they found their homes full of ash and smoke when they were allowed to return.  Many had open windows throughout their evacuation. There simply was no time. They were literally running for their lives. 
 
      The fire has been a big setback. Their food has spoiled, they have lost critical wages while evacuated for five nights. The air is awful - a constant reminder of their trauma. The heat here is unrelenting. More than 40% of the families in this neighborhood live with unrelated families. Some three bedroom homes house up to three families. 
 
     Valley Settlement is an organization in our valley that works with immigrant families, helping them to improve the prospects of their lives and the lives of their children. Through education, parent development, language and skill building, immigrant families are building their hope and their confidence in the future. 
 
      According to my good friend, Elaine Grossman, Valley Settlement Strategic Partnership Director, their staff and volunteers have been knocking on every door in the neighborhood hearing about the immediate needs of families who are trying to recover from the fire and to go on living.
 
        Their most immediate needs are: Hepa air filtering machines, so that families can get relief from the toxic odor from the fire fumes. Families need diapers. Why? Because they need to spend unexpected dollars to replace their spoiled food while they were evacuated. Diapers cost about $100/month. They need new mattresses. Many have been living with smoke infested mattresses. There are many more needs that will increase in the weeks to come. And with your help we can be pro-active and have services ready to go.
 
      The relief of surviving a fire is one thing, but the reality of re-building your life again is another. The diagnosis of metastatic cancer is one thing, but re-building your life again is another. Triathlon helps me with my recovery. A safe and sound home helps fire victims recover. Let’s do this together!
 
     I hope you will consider a gift on my behalf to help these valuable members of our community. Do you have $1; $10; $100; or $1000?  Your generosity will help propel me through a 1/2 mile open water swim a 13 mile bike ride, and a 5k run/walk, to cross my 100th finish line. Knowing that my efforts will be helping the Valley Settlement residents  is the best finish line accomplishment of all. Please donate below!
                                  Let's jump for joy for 100 triathlons for Nancy Rae!
         Let's donate for El Jebel fire survivors at Valley Settlement!
            
With love and appreciation,
Nancy Rae Reinisch, LCSW, USAT Coach
Glenwood Springs, Colorado