Stephania Vasconez was volunteering last spring at the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach soup kitchen when local grocery stores donated a huge amount of fresh produce; it was more than what the organization could use or store, so Vasconez loaded up her car and brought it to the Grand Junction Mutual Aid (GJMA) distribution site.

In March 2020, Grand Junction resident Jacob Richards posted a “call to action” on Facebook seeking to form a Mutual Aid group to help those impacted by the pandemic. More than 1,000 people responded.

Since then, multiple organizations have joined forced with GJMA to offer goods and services each Tuesday during Distribution Day at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley, 536 Ouray Ave.

“If someone has a good idea to help, we’re on board as a resource,” says 39-year-old Richards. Partners include Food Bank of the Rockies, Grand Valley Peace and Justice, Unity Station Kutz/A Modern Man’s Barbershop (offering free haircuts) and more. Vasconez founded the nonprofit Mutual Aid Partnerships (MAP) to help coordinate all the different groups and individuals wanting to help.

Volunteers bring care packages to isolated seniors and frontline healthcare workers. Licensed counselors provide therapy for people suffering mental health crises. Additionally, volunteers have sewn thousands of masks for essential workers and houseless individuals. GJMA also delivers meals to houseless and other community members quarantining in area hotels after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

“We work with the shelter and the county health department,” Richards explains.

Anywhere from 200 to more than 500 families receive food assistance each week during Distribution Day. Some recipients end up volunteering.

“We’re helping people not just with food, but also mentally, spiritually and with feeling part of a kind, welcoming community,” Vasconez says.

GJMA is one of several mutual aid networks around Colorado, including groups in Carbondale, Delta, the North Fork Valley and the Four Corners region.

For more information visit facebook.com/groups/gjmutualaid.

Originally published in the Spring 2021 issue

Help Is Here: Grand Junction Mutual Aid