News
ENLARGE
DILLON — The new executive director of the Family and Intercultural Resource Center takes over the reins at a time when Summit County residents are weathering the woes trickling down from Wall Street.
“The worse the economy gets, the more need there is for our services,” said Tamara Pogue, who comes to the non-profit care organization from the world of resort accommodations.
Though the FIRC food bank ordinarily has 40 to 50 visitors each month, Pogue said, some 95 visited in September. In the past year, the general-assistance caseload has increased 20 percent — mostly from July through September.
“We have one of the highest costs of living in the country, and that puts a burden on families,” Pogue said.
Summit Thrift and Treasure, a store selling clothing and household items at low prices, has been busier than ever the past couple months, she said.
“The store supports a lot of parent education and general assistance programs. Our sales are at record high levels,” Pogue said.
But the future for the non-profit’s revenues is uncertain, as about 50 percent come from foundations and state and federal government grants.
“Non-profits across the board — those that receive state and federal funding — are seeing cuts and are trying to make up for those cuts in other areas,” Pogue said.
And many foundations that provide support have money invested in the stock market, “and they’re going to struggle as well,” she said. “And it’s ironic, because it’s when more people are in need.”
The local community is encouraged to contribute through volunteering, in-kind donations and by shopping at the thrift store.
“So far, we’ve been really lucky that we’re not having (to be) cutting our services,” shesaid.
Pogue has been with FIRC about four weeks. She said she came to the organization because she wanted to use her community organizing skills, and because its mission appeals to her.
“I really believe that one of the foundations of a strong community is strong families, and that’s what FIRC does,” she said.
She worked for 2-1/2 years for Vail Resorts after moving to the county from Wisconsin with her boyfriend. Most recently, Pogue was at the Inn at Keystone, serving as the front-desk manager.
Her experience also includes working at Citizen Action of Wisconsin, the state’s argest public-advocacy non-profit organization.
“So (it involved) more advocacy than direct services that FIRC does, but it was similar in size, similar in structure.”
Pogue has a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She began a master of business administration degree at Marquette University in Marquette, Mich., and intends to finish it soon in Colorado.
Robert Allen can be contacted at (970) 668-4628 or rallen@summitdaily.com.
“The worse the economy gets, the more need there is for our services,” said Tamara Pogue, who comes to the non-profit care organization from the world of resort accommodations.
Though the FIRC food bank ordinarily has 40 to 50 visitors each month, Pogue said, some 95 visited in September. In the past year, the general-assistance caseload has increased 20 percent — mostly from July through September.
“We have one of the highest costs of living in the country, and that puts a burden on families,” Pogue said.
Summit Thrift and Treasure, a store selling clothing and household items at low prices, has been busier than ever the past couple months, she said.
“The store supports a lot of parent education and general assistance programs. Our sales are at record high levels,” Pogue said.
But the future for the non-profit’s revenues is uncertain, as about 50 percent come from foundations and state and federal government grants.
“Non-profits across the board — those that receive state and federal funding — are seeing cuts and are trying to make up for those cuts in other areas,” Pogue said.
And many foundations that provide support have money invested in the stock market, “and they’re going to struggle as well,” she said. “And it’s ironic, because it’s when more people are in need.”
The local community is encouraged to contribute through volunteering, in-kind donations and by shopping at the thrift store.
“So far, we’ve been really lucky that we’re not having (to be) cutting our services,” shesaid.
Pogue has been with FIRC about four weeks. She said she came to the organization because she wanted to use her community organizing skills, and because its mission appeals to her.
“I really believe that one of the foundations of a strong community is strong families, and that’s what FIRC does,” she said.
She worked for 2-1/2 years for Vail Resorts after moving to the county from Wisconsin with her boyfriend. Most recently, Pogue was at the Inn at Keystone, serving as the front-desk manager.
Her experience also includes working at Citizen Action of Wisconsin, the state’s argest public-advocacy non-profit organization.
“So (it involved) more advocacy than direct services that FIRC does, but it was similar in size, similar in structure.”
Pogue has a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She began a master of business administration degree at Marquette University in Marquette, Mich., and intends to finish it soon in Colorado.
Robert Allen can be contacted at (970) 668-4628 or rallen@summitdaily.com.
