At Help & Hope Center, we provide critical support to residents of Douglas and Elbert Counties who are experiencing financial crisis and food insecurity. By helping our clients with things like nutritious food, or emergency rental or utility assistance, they can overcome crisis and move toward resilience and hope. None of this work would be possible without our incredible volunteers.
This month, we're shining a spotlight on Fran English, a dedicated volunteer in our Client Services department. We sat down with Fran to learn more about what led her to volunteer at the Help & Hope Center and what gives her hope as she serves our community.
A Welcoming Face for Clients
If you've visited Client Services at Help & Hope Center, you might have met Fran. Fran volunteers at the front desk and helps create a welcoming and supportive experience for clients when they walk through our doors.
Fran greets clients, schedules their appointments with Client Advocates, and helps keep the daily schedule running smoothly. On any given day, Help & Hope Center serves between 24 and 36 individuals and families, in addition to several walk-in appointments. Many clients come seeking food assistance, while others need help with rent, utilities, or other urgent needs. Every interaction matters, and Fran helps ensure people receive the support they need as efficiently and compassionately as possible.
Finding Purpose through Volunteer Opportunities
When Fran retired, she found herself with extra time and began looking for volunteer opportunities in Castle Rock. As a customer at Help & Hope Center’s thrift store, Treasures Thriftique, she enjoyed getting to know the volunteers there and thought this might be a good place for her to volunteer.
"I originally planned to volunteer at Treasures," Fran explained. "But during volunteer orientation, I learned about all the different volunteer opportunities available and realized Client Services would be a great fit for me."
Her instinct was right. With her compassionate nature plus the ability to speak Spanish, Fran brings valuable skills to this role.
Filling Time—and Filling Her Heart
When asked why volunteering at Help & Hope Center is important to her, Fran's answer was simple and heartfelt.
"I have always enjoyed helping people. When I first started volunteering here, it was to fill time, which it did, but I found it filled my heart in ways I didn't know until I actually began volunteering at Help & Hope Center."
Many volunteers at Help & Hope Center share this sentiment. What begins as an opportunity to give back often becomes something even more meaningful and rewarding than expected.
Fran especially appreciates Help & Hope Center's ability to respond quickly when people need assistance.
"We're flexible," she said. "If someone needs food, we don't turn them away hungry."
Whether it's providing groceries, connecting families with other resources, or distributing essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness, the team works hard to meet people where they are and respond with compassion and dignity.
What Hope Looks Like
At Help & Hope Center, hope is at the heart of everything we do. We asked Fran what hope looks like for the people we serve.
"I think hope looks like being able to get through the now so they can get back on their feet in the future."
She reflected on the many challenges clients face, such as job loss, unexpected expenses, family changes, health issues, and other crises that can create financial instability. Many people seek assistance during a difficult time while working toward a more secure future.
"Most people who come here have hope that someday they won't need this help," she said. "For our long-term clients, hope is knowing they'll have food because of Help & Hope Center and the support of this community."
Celebrating a Dedicated Castle Rock Volunteer
We're grateful to Fran and the many volunteers who make our mission possible. Her kindness, dedication, and willingness to serve help create a welcoming environment for every person who comes through our doors.
Thank you, Fran, for sharing your time, your talents, and your heart with Help & Hope Center. Your impact reaches far beyond the front desk to help deliver hope in our community.
If you’re looking for a place to volunteer your time, the Help & Hope Center might be a great way to fill your time and your heart to bring hope to your neighbors going through a tough time. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Help & Hope Center, please click the button below.
