In Colorado’s high country, the landscape is defined by its beauty, but for many who keep our mountain towns running, the growing cost of living simply doesn't align with local wages.
The Mountain Family Center (MFC) exists to bridge that gap. Based in Granby and serving both Grand and Jackson counties, MFC is a vital resource that helps our neighbors stay on their feet and keeps our community strong.
Main Street Thrift
At the heart of MFC’s funding model is Main Street Thrift, located in Granby. While the organization depends on grants and private donations to power its mission, the thrift store functions as a critical social enterprise. The store stays full thanks to in-kind donations from Grand County residents and visitors. Every purchase made goes directly back into the center’s programs, creating a sustainable cycle of local support.
For neighbors in a crisis, the shop is more than a retail space—it’s a resource. Through a Clothing Voucher System, families can access winter gear, work boots, or professional clothing for free, ensuring everyone can shop with the same dignity and choice as any other customer.
Hunger Relief
Food access in rural mountain regions is often a challenge of both geography and cost. MFC manages a comprehensive network of pantries in Granby, Kremmling, Fraser, and Walden, but their approach goes beyond standard non-perishables.
The center has leaned into local food systems to provide high-quality nutrition:
Local Sourcing: By purchasing some of its meat directly from area farms and ranches, including Sisu Farms, the center supports the local agricultural economy while providing top-quality protein to those in need.
Hydroponic Innovation: Fresh lettuce is sourced from a container garden at Drowsy Water Ranch, and the center maintains its own indoor tower garden to grow greens year-round.
On-Site Garden: During the summer, they utilize an on-site garden and greenhouse to supplement their pantry and provide families participating in WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children) with fresh vegetables.
Accessibility: For older adults with transportation barriers, the Bountiful Baskets program delivers food directly. MFC also works with the East Grand, West Grand, and North Park School Districts to provide grab-and-go fruit stands and take-home food totes for students. For immediate, after-hours needs, a small 24/7 pantry box is maintained outside their front door.
Essentials: The center recognizes that stability requires more than a full plate. They provide essentials including diapers, formula, and hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Financial Assistance
When individual or community-wide disasters strike—whether a house fire or a medical emergency—MFC provides targeted financial assistance. This includes one-time help with rent or mortgage payments and utility support for electric, gas, or even firewood. They also process applications for federal financial assistance including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program).
Additionally, they manage specialized funds, such as Taking Steps for Cancer, which assists residents with the significant out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment, alongside vouchers for Dental and Vision Care.
Grand Seniors
As the demographics shift, supporting "aging in place" has become a priority. MFC’s Grand Seniors program provides transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social experiences ensuring that older residents remain independent and connected.
MFC also provides programming to connect seniors, including the popular Lunch & Learn program in partnership with the Grand County Library District and Grand County Public Health.
Grand Latin
Their newest focus area, Grand Latin, was born out of a grassroots effort to help Latinos navigate resources and build community in Grand County. What started as a Facebook page, "Latinos en Grand County," which was cofounded by an MFC staff member, has now evolved into an initiative that centers language access, skill-building and entrepreneurship, resource navigation, and cultural celebration.
A Community-Wide Effort
The Mountain Family Center (MFC) thrives because of a broad coalition of supporters. While year-round residents form the heart of the volunteer base, second-home owners and visitors also play a key role in giving back. This region is at its strongest when everyone works together, and the collective effort of these groups continues to lift up local neighbors.
There are several ways to get involved:
Volunteering: Opportunities range from organizing the food pantry to helping in the thrift store, all coordinated through the POINT app.
Donations: Financial contributions via the MFC website or Colorado Gives provide MFC the flexibility to meet the community's most urgent needs.
Partnerships: MFC collaborates with local businesses and nonprofits, matching a partner's specific skills and interests for meaningful impact.
In-Kind Donations: The thrift store and food pantry welcome in-season clothing and unexpired goods. Calling ahead is recommended to ensure there is space for new items.
Granby is fortunate to have the Mountain Family Center supporting neighbors and strengthening the area. The center serves as a constant reminder that when we care for one another, we build a healthier, more vibrant community for everyone.