Grand Valley Connects, a cornerstone initiative of Mesa County Public Health, is celebrating its third anniversary.

Built on the understanding that healthy families are the foundation of a resilient workforce and robust local economy, the program serves as a vital connector between residents and critical wellbeing services. Over the past three years, it has successfully linked hundreds of individuals and families to the support they need, contributing significantly to community stability and long-term economic health.

Grand Valley Connects offers personalized, one-on-one support to individuals who may be struggling to find help with essential needs. Resource navigators work with community members to assess their situations and connect them to services. These services include, assistance with groceries, utilities, childcare costs, mental health counseling, health insurance enrollment and employment and disability services.

“Accessing services can be complicated,” said Fallon Knez, Grand Valley Connects supervisor. “But with support from Grand Valley Connects, community members can more easily navigate those systems and get the help they need. Sometimes, that help can mean the difference between economic stability and struggling to put food on the table.”

Every person who reaches out to Grand Valley Connects is paired with a resource navigator who listens, assesses needs and researches options. Together, they create a plan and make connections to resources. The resource navigator follows up regularly at 30, 60 and 90 days until needs are met.

Since its launch in 2022, the program has seen a steady increase in demand. In its first year, 300 community members reached out for assistance. In 2024, that number had tripled to 900.

“We have helped hundreds of community members with diverse needs,” Knez said. “For example, we have helped residents connect to programs to have grab bars installed in their homes. We have helped people apply for housing assistance and Lifeline cell phones. Our resource navigators have assisted in finding counselors that accept someone’s specific insurance.”

In response to growing needs, Grand Valley Connects partnered with Mesa County Public Libraries to expand its in-person services. The program offers weekly walk-in hours at the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction and the Clifton Library branch. Walk-ins are accepted every Tuesday at both locations from 1 to 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. This makes it easier for residents without reliable phone or Internet access to get help.

Community members can contact Grand Valley Connects by calling 970-683-2663 or visiting grandvalleyconnects.com. A simple referral form is available online to begin the process.

By connecting your employees and their families to vital services, businesses can help foster stability, reduce workplace stress and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

Reducing the everyday stresses that can affect job performance benefits not only individual employees but also strengthens the overall health, morale and resilience of the workplace and the broader community.