SEARCH
We are passionate people doing powerful work that creates proven impact.
Our People
Our executive director and dedicated staff of smart, compassionate and hardworking individuals keep us connected and to all the ways we can best serve our community.
We are governed and advised by a remarkable group of professionals who share our commitment, our vision and our passion for caring for all who live and work in Eagle County.
Board of Directors
Advisors
Melina Valsecia
Executive Director
970-343-0850 | melina@eaglevalleycf.org
Melina Valescia
With broad experience in community organizing, advocacy and strengthening leadership of the Latinx community, Melina has a vision to build an inclusive community where the Latinx population in Eagle County is empowered as leaders and where economic opportunity, innovation, and the ability to thrive within Eagle County can be attained by ALL community members.
Prior to accepting the leadership role as the ED with EVCF, Melina led a collaborative effort for Eagle Valley Community Foundation to initiate MIRA, the Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance.
Melina grew up in a small rural community in Argentina and her parents taught her by example, in their everyday behaviors, to choose fairness and equality. At age 17, Melina won an award to participate in an international training addressing nutritional education. While working her way through school in Argentina, Melina’s dedication to addressing discrimination was fostered. Melina taught health and nutrition in Argentina and Paraguay to indigenous peoples and migrants.
Melina’s leadership journey is just beginning and her desires and vision to impact systemic change and break down barriers and systems of oppression, racism and inequity are taking root throughout the Eagle River Valley.
Melina is also the mother of two young children and is a mentor to young Latinx women and girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps and be changemakers within their communities as well.
-
9,000+ Hours
In 2022, our phenomenal
Volunteers gave over 9,000 collective
hours of service.
-
$1 = $9
For each dollar you have given, we have been able to leverage an additional $9 in resources and financial support for our community.
-
4,000 Meals +
3,000 Community Members
The Community Market feeds more than 3,000 community members each week, providing on average 45,000 meals each week.
We are thrilled to highlight our dynamic partnership with Eagle County Government, which extends to each of our programs. This collaboration is driven by our mutual commitment to addressing pressing community issues.
Funding from the Eagle County Government has allowed the MIRA program to flourish, transforming an RV into a mobile resource center that brings essential resources, like WIC and the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, directly to underserved communities. We must also express our profound gratitude for Liduvina, our ECO bus driver and resource connector extraordinaire, who has become a cherished and crucial part of the program and our EVCF family.
Additionally, our partnership extends to the support of The Community Market, ensuring that fresh groceries are readily available to neighbors in need. Most recently, donating 4H meat to our Markets.
Furthermore through a new grant program, they are proud to stand behind and support our Elevar leadership development program, which empowers individuals in our community to reach their full potential.
Eagle County Government`s commitment and compassion in serving the community have been invaluable to the success of EVCF. Together, through this unique partnership, we are making a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve!
Meet Elvia, a resilient and compassionate member of our community. A local resident, Elvia`s daily routine reflects her unwavering dedication to her family and her commitment to giving back.
At 5 am, Elvia begins her housekeeping job, tirelessly working to make ends meet for her family. Her work ethic and determination are truly commendable. Yet, her day doesn`t end there. After her shift, she selflessly travels to The Community Market in Edwards to volunteer her precious free time. There, she assists in preparing the market for the influx of customers, a task she carries out with a warm smile, knowing firsthand what it`s like to patiently wait in line as a customer herself.
Elvia`s journey with The Community Market began when she faced a challenging period in her life. After breaking her wrist, she found herself burdened with mounting hospital bills and the relentless pressure of daily living expenses. It was then that Elvia turned to The Community Market for support. In this trying time, The Community Market has been a lifeline for her family, ensuring they have access to the food they need to thrive.
Gratitude runs deep in Elvia`s heart. She is profoundly thankful for the unwavering support of the Eagle Valley Community Foundation through The Community Market. In her heart, she feels an undeniable call to volunteer and give back to the very community that has provided her family with essential assistance during their times of need. Elvia`s story is a testament to the strength of community bonds, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of reciprocal support within our local neighborhoods.
This month at Eagle Valley Community Foundation, we`re especially thrilled to join the nationwide observance of Hunger Action Month and celebrate the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we reaffirm our commitment to addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity while honoring the diverse cultures and contributions of the Hispanic community through our program, The Community Market.
The Latino and Hispanic community plays a critical role in the food system of the U.S. According to a National Agricultural Survey, around 83% of farm workers are Hispanic. Latino people also make up around a quarter of restaurant workers and are heavily involved in roles throughout the supply chain. It is safe to say that our food system as we know it would not be the same without the contributions of this community.
Sadly, despite their huge contributions to the food system, Latinos are more likely to be food insecure and to live in frontline communities that experience the effects of pollution and environmental degradation firsthand. That experience, along with deeply held cultural practices of not wasting resources means being green comes naturally to many Latinos. This applies to the food waste movement as well, with many influential and impactful initiatives coming from the community.
Join us in honoring his hard work by considering your role in the food system and joining us in the solution at The Community Market!
EVCF`s 🍎The Community Market🍎 is HERE collecting donations and spreading awareness at the CITY MARKET locations in Eagle, Avon and Vail until 3pm today!!!
📍Visit our table to learn more about food insecurity in our valley and how YOU can help our neighbors in need.🥗
Take ACTION 🧡#HungerActionMonth
Eagle Valley Community Foundation
@tcmthecommunitymarket @thecommunitymarketco
👋Going grocery shopping at City Market TODAY⁉️⁉️⁉️
Food Bank of the Rockies has graciously arranged for EVCF`s food pantry 🍎The Community Market🍎 to be at City Market locations in Eagle, Avon and Vail TODAY from 9am-3pm, collecting donations to help feed locals experiencing food insecurity.
🙏Please consider donating food items and household supplies to help those families in need in our valley.
🧡ACTION🧡 for Hunger Action Month
#takeaction #HungerActionMonth #endhunger #citymarket #foodbankoftherockies
