Rotary Supports Douglas/Elbert County Task Force
The Rotary Club of Castle Rock recently joined the Douglas/Elbert Task Force in the grand opening of its new client services area. The club helped fund the remodeling project with a $12,000 Rotary District Grant. Club members also formed work crews to assist in the remodel.
Task Force board members, staff, volunteers and supporters opened the area Oct. 29. Unused space in west end the building at 1638 Park St., Castle Rock, was remodeled to house client services where families are interviewed, counseled and Task Force support plans developed. The area includes a reception area, interview rooms, a child play area and restrooms.
Judson Mitchell, Past President of the Rotary Club of Castle Rock, who led the club’s effort to develop and administer the grant, said the club’s participation was just part of a long-standing dedication to support the Task Force. Rotary clubs in Castle Rock, Castle Pines and Parker contributed, as did the Rotary district.
“Our club has supported the Task Force for many years and we are all very pleased with the results of this project.
“As a result of this Rotary Grant, there is now a modern, well appointed office space and capacity to work with many more client families. A large portion of the funds was from our club, earned from the annual Ducky Derby.
“The Castle Rock High Noon Rotary, Rotary Club of Castle Pines and Rotary Club of Parker also provided funding. In addition, our club members volunteered to paint several rooms in the new office space. Special thanks goes to Elaine Love from our club who was Manager of the Grant.”
Task Force Board President Jim Weglarz said the new space allows the Task Force to better fulfill its mission. “The Task Force is thrilled to finally open despite a delay of four months,” Weglarz said. The delay was caused when the fire alarm system for the whole building had to be reconfigured. “Now we can work with our clients with humility and dignity, which was lacking in our old building. Now as we serve them it will be in a way that meets our mission statement,” Weglarz said. He said the Task Force’s goal is to provide tracking and counseling to help its clients move to self-sufficiency.
The remodel project, at a total cost of about $247,000, was also funded through Task Force fundraising, other grants and donations. Jenny Follmar, Task Force Deputy Director, said there also was a donation of furniture from Leadership Douglas County. More than 20 entities around Castle Rock, the county and other areas contributed.
Club Members Judson Mitchell (on ladder) and Fred Slick painting
Front Desk at Completed Task Force
The Rotary Club of Castle Rock is part of Rotary International, which works to improve the health, education and welfare of people around the world.