Overcoming Financial Hardship in Douglas County: A Community's Resilience Shines Through

Douglas County, known for its affluence, is grappling with a surprising challenge – many residents are struggling to put food on the table. This article delves into the efforts of a local church, The Rock Church in Castle Rock, to provide a lifeline to those in need through its drive-up food bank, offering a glimpse into the resilience and compassion of this community.

Bridging the Gap: The Rock Church's Drive-Up Food Bank Provides a Lifeline for Struggling Families

Addressing the Needs of a Wealthy County

Douglas County, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, is often perceived as a bastion of prosperity. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Many residents, despite the county's affluence, are finding it increasingly challenging to make ends meet, with the rising cost of living and other economic pressures taking a toll on their financial well-being.This dichotomy has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the struggles of many families. In response to this growing need, The Rock Church in Castle Rock took action, establishing a drive-up food bank to provide a vital resource for those in need.

A Lifeline for the Community

The drive-up food bank operates on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m. Despite the early hours, the demand for this service is overwhelming, with over a hundred cars lining up each time to receive the much-needed assistance.For residents like Jeannie Davis and Ronald Schaibley, the food bank has become a crucial part of their lives. "It really helps us get through life every single day," said Davis, a Parker resident who has been relying on the food bank for the past two years. Davis and Schaibley, both on disability, struggle to make ends meet, with the high cost of living in Colorado leaving little room for other expenses.

Expanding the Reach of the Food Bank

The Rock Church's food bank started as a small operation in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship to many in the community. "It started just as a tiny little food bank — more of a pantry — and we were handing out a couple things, and in one week we about ran out of food," recalled Lead Pastor Mike Polhemus.However, the overwhelming response from the community quickly prompted the church to expand its efforts. Since then, Polhemus says they have distributed an impressive 400,000 pounds of food to struggling Coloradans, providing a diverse array of items, from fresh produce to lunch meats and even donuts.

Customized Assistance and Personalized Care

The food bank's approach goes beyond simply handing out food. Families are required to fill out an online application prior to their visit, allowing the church to customize the boxes based on their specific needs. "We make a list of the things we might be running out of, you know, I'll put oil or butter or just whatever it is, and when we get home, those exact items are in our box," Davis explained.But the church's support extends far beyond the physical provisions. "Sometimes we'll spend 10, 20, 30 minutes with each individual just talking with them and praying with them and hearing their story," Polhemus said. This personalized care and attention to the individual's needs have become a hallmark of the food bank's approach, providing a sense of community and emotional support alongside the tangible assistance.

A Growing Need in the Community

The increasing demand for the food bank's services is a testament to the growing need within the Douglas County community. "I don't think people look at Douglas County as a needy county, but there is. I think a lot of people need help," Davis observed.Polhemus echoes this sentiment, noting that the need for this kind of support is on the rise. "I think a lot of people need help," he said, underscoring the importance of the church's efforts in addressing the challenges faced by many residents.The drive-up food bank has become a lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet, providing not only essential provisions but also a sense of community and emotional support. As the need continues to grow, the resilience and compassion of The Rock Church and its volunteers shine through, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.