At Catholic Charities Marisol Family St. Joseph, located in Fort Collins, a dedicated group of women brings warmth, hospitality and unwavering commitment to every family who walks through the door. These volunteers—Sharon Carr, Anne Edelstein, Elizabeth Geary, Deb Gillan, Elsa Keys, Cynthia O’Reilly, Christine Pharr, Amanda Rosenfelt, Roselle Fernandez, Ellen Buelow, Paula Hawe, Paula Muffy, Cathy McNary, Jan Panther, Mary Teets, Nina Franczak and Michelle Pendleton—have become the heartbeat of this parish-based location, showing up consistently and serving with intentional care.
For many of them, volunteering with Marisol Family has become a long-standing routine. Whenever the site is open, you’ll find these women there—ready to greet families, guide them through the process and offer support with genuine compassion. Their service mirrors the mission of Marisol Family, which provides diapers, clothing, formula, baby supplies and family education to parents and young children across Northern Colorado. But in Fort Collins, the experience takes on a uniquely personal touch because of these incredible volunteers.
They’ve created a thoughtful, well-organized system that makes every visit feel warm and dignified. Families are welcomed in the waiting area before a volunteer retrieves their folder and asks what they need that day. From there, volunteers guide them step-by-step—selecting diapers, preparing layettes and helping parents “shop” in the boutique. The boutique is filled with neatly organized children’s clothing, detergent, shampoo, lotion and toys, all arranged to feel like a small store.
Every item in the boutique is donated by generous supporters of Marisol Services, and families are able to “shop” freely at no cost. Parents can walk through the racks, pick out clothing for their children and choose items that fit their family’s needs—all made possible by the kindness of donors and the careful care of these volunteers.
Every detail—from marking items on charts to helping children pick out a toy—has been shaped by the consistency and teamwork of these women. Their service ensures that Marisol Family St. Joseph operates smoothly and that every family feels seen, supported and welcomed.
This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we honor the women whose presence makes Marisol Family St. Joseph thrive. Their dedication reflects the heart of Marisol Family—meeting families with love, dignity and practical support. The impact of their service is felt deeply by staff, by the families we walk alongside and by our entire Catholic Charities community.
We are truly grateful for each of them and the grace they bring to this location every single week. To learn more about Marisol Family or to support our mission, click here. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, click here.