When Todd Fowler lost his job more than a year ago, his family needed help almost immediately.

With little savings and more than half the family’s income lost, Fowler found himself having to swallow a great deal of pride when asking for assistance.

“The stigma of having to reach out and ask for help through a public entity is paralyzing. It is not that it’s shameful, it is that you are struggling so badly that you start to think that other people out there think that you’re inadequate,” Fowler said.

When Fowler, 47, walked into Tri-Lakes Cares, a non-profit assisting families in northern El Paso County, he found zero judgement from the volunteer staff who in the past year has helped him with groceries, medical care and clothing for his three teenagers. Tri-Lakes Cares is one of 15 area charities receiving grants from The Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund.

“They honestly practice love your neighbor each and everyday toward each and every person who walks in that door. They respect you. They don’t look down on you, and that is huge in helping with the economic struggle.”

At Tri-Lakes Cares’ clinic, Fowler has been treated for high-blood pressure and hearing loss.

The volunteer physician also diagnosed Fowler with sleep apnea, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a host of other health problems.

“That led to relief of undue stress at home,” Fowler said.

The help Tri-Lakes Cares’ has offered during the holidays — from holiday meals to gifts for the kids — has eased Fowler’s fears of his family going without.  

As Fowler continues his job hunt, he finds the support system Tri-Lakes Cares has given his family invaluable.

“It is priceless. The respect giving, the caring, the love that is shown is probably worth more than the actual material things that you get from them,” he said.