by Molly Hansen
In 1972, Lafayette resident Sue Marolf, a Board of Directors, and two staff members started a grassroots organization called Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW). Passionate about addressing the food needs of a vibrant region of East Boulder County, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
CCMOW’s unique community-driven approach delivers high-quality meals every weekday to individuals and families with financial hardship and limited physical capability in Lafayette, Louisville, Erie and Superior. Lark Rambo, CCMOW Executive Director, shared “We are committed to providing local, culturally-relevant, and creative services to Boulder County. We offer several programs to support the diverse needs of the community. CCMOW participates in a county-wide initiative called Project Homecoming, which provides five free meals to anyone coming home from a hospital stay. Additionally, the staff and volunteers are hard at work developing a secondary menu to reflect the tastes and cultures of the Latinx community. CCMOW also offers a program called Plates For Pets which provides a month’s worth of pet food to individuals and families.”
Social Ventures Partners partner Lyn Ciocca shared, “I recently visited Coal Creek Meals on Wheels during lunchtime. Lark and her staff care deeply about the environment they are creating – lively and supportive – the food they are delivering and the people they are serving. Clearly the participants that day were enjoying their lunch and their time with each other.”
“CCMOW’s partnership with Josephine Commons to provide the Coal Creek Cafe, on-site dining services to seventy Lafayette seniors each weekday, is a vital link to create community around food for seniors,” shared Lark Rambo. This program provides a nutritious hot meal, as well as social interactions and camaraderie. Clients share that CCMOW services enable East Boulder County residents to live independently and maintain a quality of life that is better than they would otherwise experience.
CCMOW is supported by an active, committed, and diverse group of staff, board members, and volunteers. Lark shared, “We are proud of the services we offer to Boulder County. We would not be able to serve so many individuals without the tireless effort of everybody connected to CCMOW.”
“It has been inspiring to see how Coal Creek Meals on Wheels has continued to serve it’s community during all the challenges that our pandemic reality has presented. It takes a strong Board, and primarily Lark’s excellent leadership, to be as consistent as they have been during this time, “ shared Josh Silberstein, Social Venture Partners Executive Director.
CCMOW is currently accepting new clients. If you, or somebody you know, is in need of food services, contact Coal Creek Meals on Wheels. CCMOW uses a sliding scale to determine meal costs ($0-$7 per meal) based on reported income. CCMOW will host their annual Thanksgiving lunch on Wednesday, November 24th (free to the community) at the Coal Creek Cafe. CCMOW will also host their annual winter holiday lunch on Thursday, December 23rd (free to the community) at the Coal Creek Cafe. For more information, please contact CCMOW by calling (303) 665-0566. Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers are available to assist. Finally, CCMOW is currently accepting board applications and deeply appreciates donations and volunteer support, especially during the upcoming holiday season. To support your community during this challenging time of year that is also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Coal Creek Meals on Wheels by calling (303) 665-0566 or go to https://www.coalcreekmow.org/contact-us.
