Jun 25, 2026 — Drew Drescher & Bailee Barwick: Tri-Lakes Cares

Bulletin for June 25, 2026

Featured Speakers: Drew Drescher & Bailee Barwick

Grants Manager & Community Engagement Manager, Tri-Lakes Cares — Tri-Lakes Cares

OPENING

Randy led both the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Special guest: Christina Lewis, Kevin's wife, was welcomed as Paula's guest.

Leadership insight from the meeting: Larry Gaddis — recognized as an elder in Maasai culture in Africa — shared that when invited to an event, attendees should act as hosts, helping to engage others who may not know anyone. Sound advice from a respected elder.

Dress suggestion for the Zoo event: Given that the 80th Anniversary will be held among the giraffes, members were encouraged to wear safari or khaki attire.

KEYNOTE: DREW DRESCHER & BAILEE BARWICK — TRI-LAKES CARES

About Tri-Lakes Cares

Drew Drescher (Grants Manager) and Bailee Barwick (Community Engagement Manager) presented on Tri-Lakes Cares' mission: empowering families and individuals through whole-person wellness. Last year, the organization served 1,412 neighbors — nearly 650 families — distributing over 383,354 pounds of food with the help of more than 300 volunteers.

Services

Food Pantry: A free-choice, no-cost market requiring no income verification — designed to reduce stigma and lower barriers to access. Snack packs are also distributed for youth. The average food budget is estimated at $300 per person per month.

Financial and Essential Services: Includes housing assistance (rent and mortgage), utility support, health connections via CommonSpirit, transportation support (car repairs, oil changes), and financial counseling. Block grant-funded services typically require income verification at or below 40% of area median income.

Growing Need

Enrollments have spiked significantly — 126 new enrollments through June, a 20% increase from FY25 to FY26 — largely attributed to inflation and high gas prices. Notably, 126 families from Colorado Springs are now accessing Tri-Lakes services due to overburdened local options. There is no longer a limit on the number of times a person can receive assistance. Case managers work with clients — each assigned a confidential "neighbor number" — to address root causes over time.

Funding

The annual budget is approximately $2.3 million: 30% from grants, 60% from direct donations. Despite Monument's relative affluence — an annual income of $91,000 is estimated as necessary for financial sustainability there — many families in the area still struggle. The Kiwanis Club's "Empty Bowls" dinner (October 13) is a major annual fundraiser. The organization currently has 383 community volunteers.

Personal Testimony

Bailee shared her own experience growing up relying on food pantry support, underscoring the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that Tri-Lakes Cares works to maintain. The team's guiding philosophy: "There's only up from here."

UPCOMING EVENTS

• July 4th Parade: Monday in Monument at 10:00 AM — 93 entries expected. Dana and Shelley will serve as parade marshals.

• 80th Anniversary Dinner: Tuesday, June 30 at the Safari Lodge, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Arrive by 6:00 PM (golf carts available). Dress: "safari chic" or casual. Giraffe feeding from 6:00–7:00 PM, followed by a buffet dinner. Amy Schiltz (senior animal behaviorist) will speak. A Gaddis family donation initiative will award $5 per safari outfit and $20 for the top five looks — proceeds to a designated charity.

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build: This weekend (June 27–28) at 1089 Ford Street. Bring gloves. Many thanks to Mike Cimino for organizing.

• Rodeo: Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $52.83. Pay Bob (cash or check) at the Tuesday party to avoid invoicing. Arrive early to use the shuttle.

• Handball Futures Athlete Welcome: Monday, July 20 (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) at the local airport and Air Force Academy Hotel. Volunteers needed to welcome 48 athletes and 12 coaches.

• Octogenarian Golf Tournament: Frank's 13th annual free tournament at Colorado Springs Country Club for members 80+. Capacity limited to 80 players (40-cart limit). Pre-event party at Mackenzie's independent living facility.

• TheatreWorks London Trip: January 2027 — six members signed up. Daily plays, social dining (including lots of Indian food), and special guest meetings planned.

• New Horizons Concert Band: Patriotic music at 3:00 PM at Mitchell High School.

• Lower Arkansas River Valley Tour: Sign-up list given to Barb.

COMMUNITY NOTES

• Africa School Initiative: Larry detailed a village school in Africa started by local guides. Despite travel delays for safety reasons, the school has opened. Dana plans to visit the Maasai area in August.

• Dick Wilhelm was recognized by the High Desert Museum.

• Future Speaker Suggestion: Jack Briggs (former head of Springs Rescue Mission and Northern Command) recommended as a future speaker on leadership.

CONCLUSION

John Bunyan wrote: "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." Tri-Lakes Cares demonstrates that truth every single day.

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