About Us

In 2006, a small group of people within the faith-based community of Larimer County felt that faith-based resources were not well-connected to the broader community of services that were available to people in need. Therefore, when people were walking through a church’s door, they were being offered limited help that singularly this church could provide, which only dealt with the immediate need for the person requesting help.

The group observed that even though this "immediate" need was met, the overall systemic needs of this individual(s) were going unmet. The people who were in a position to help, did not have the knowledge to help and direct this individual to connect with other resources that could; evaluate, work with the individual , and put in motion a plan that made a series of services available to this person so they can begin to change their overall circumstances.

Based upon this assumption, Concerned Larimer was born. The group began a 2 year investigative project. Over this two year period (Sept.2006 - Dec. 2008) 70+ community service agencies were interviewed (public, private, non-profit, for profit) and the overwhelming consensus was that faith-based groups are a largely untapped, valuable resource for community service. However, the faith based groups were not well-connected or aware of the services that are available within our larger county's community.

The conclusion of the study is that there is an over-arching need to put in place a "network of access and relationship" starting with the faith-based community. CL brought this information to the Fort Collins Church Network, FC Interfaith Council and Habitat for Humanity and each voiced support. It has been stated that 60% of the county's population claim an affiliation with a faith-based group. Raising their awareness through education and training will create;

• greater social capital and collaboration between faith-based groups
• greater social capital and collaboration between faith-based groups and available community services
• a" network of access and relationship" for people with unmet needs to plug into.
• the” network of access and relationship” foundation which becomes the basis of training for other community groups; schools, civic organizations, etc.

This educational training arm is now known as Concerned Larimer. The CL leadership team is represented by directors from Larimer County, Namaqua, Matthew's House and CSU and members of the faith-based community.

Learn how to become a part of this "network of access and relationship."