Tsu Wolin-Brown introduced me to more people in my first month on the job than I had met in the last 10 years of my life. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have this role today. Tsu was fundamental in giving shape to The Salvation Army Vail Extension Center and its unique trifecta of services. Most people know The Salvation Army in Vail because they know Tsu and her passionate work.

One of my goals is to continue her legacy of helping as many people as we can. Over the years, thousands have benefited from our food pantry and the fresh produce that grows and is harvested in our vegetable gardens and greenhouse; many more have received emergency relief services to overcome difficulties in life.

While we continue to search for a permanent location to put down roots, we also are reshaping the vision of our Vail center. The Salvation Army Intermountain Division (our parent entity based in Denver) has been diligently focused on this search, guiding me in the preparation for the next steps. We’re looking at options for our future permanent home, including a parcel of land. We are keeping our eyes open.

The Salvation Army in Vail hopes to address other needs that arise in our community at the same time that we maintain our current programs. Furthermore, there are new organizations in Eagle County that are tackling these needs successfully, and while some are small, their work has been effective.

When I allow myself to dream, our future location has space for a community center and shared working space for other nonprofits that serve the people most in need. Combining our work under one roof would serve our community so well.

Support Local Journalism

Donate

Rebecca Kanaly is the CEO of Youth Closet and Toy Chest, which not only offers low-cost children’s clothes, books and toys to struggling families but recently helped ship clothes to people affected by the Los Angeles fires. Like our center, they are renting space on the second floor of an office building in EagleVail, and we serve the same clientele.

Reconnected Foundation is a small nonprofit that shares the same principle of sobriety that The Salvation Army was founded on. They serve people who are dealing with substance use disorders in the valley who are interested in seeking recovery. According to Rob Shearon, founder and executive director, his ideal space would “truly serve people by creating an atmosphere where they feel welcome to come in the midst of their struggles or celebrations and be supported by paid professionals and other members of the community.”

These are two of the dozens of organizations in the Valley that focus on helping people. To have Youth Closet, Reconnected and The Salvation Army in one place would be genuinely practical for those most in need. Rebecca, Rob and I agree that our clients depend on public transportation, so our permanent home needs to be located conveniently near our clients. While these conversations have already started, we know there is a long road ahead of us. However, the more we talk about it, the better shape the dream will take, until it is fully formed and becomes a reality.

Our future seems bleak at times, but we live in a supportive community where we lift each other up, and we exist to help others get back on their feet. If you have any questions or ideas, please call 970-748-0704, ext. 101, or email me at monica.villalobos@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Monica Villalobos-Russell is the director of the Vail Valley Salvation Army.