Meet Betty Abel | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Betty Abel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Betty, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Thanks for asking about Peak Abundance a.k.a. Nederland Food Pantry, Gardens & Clothing Closet! We are a local organization dedicated to supporting our rural mountain community by providing essential food, clothing, and resources to those in need in the Peak to Peak area.

In 2024, we proudly distributed over 146,000 pounds of food through our food pantry, ensuring that families have access to healthy meals. Our Clothing Closet also provided more than 6,000 pounds of clothing to individuals of all ages, helping them stay warm and comfortable.

Our mission is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy food and necessary items, regardless of their circumstances. We rely heavily on the generosity of our volunteers, community members, grants, and local businesses to keep our services running smoothly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m happy to share a bit about my career! My journey has been deeply rooted in the community and helping others, which is what led me to my role at the Nederland Food Pantry, Gardens & Clothing Closet. I am passionate about helping people and truly understanding what they need.

I’m truly proud of the positive difference we’ve created in our community, especially during challenging times. Coming together and stepping up when it counts highlights the strength of our team and the kindness within our community. It’s such a heartfelt experience to see how our shared efforts can bring hope and support to individuals and families alike.

My path hasn’t always been easy. There have been challenges, like securing funding and finding ways to help my organization thrive. I’ve learned that perseverance is key. Building strong relationships within the community and being open to suggestions helped me overcome obstacles along the way.

One lesson I’ve learned is that reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; instead, it’s a significant step toward creating a more supportive and caring environment. Honestly, we all benefit when we support each other. Building strong partnerships and supporting a sense of togetherness among community members have been important in our shared success.

Ultimately, I want everyone to see that our organization cares about more than just giving out food and clothing; it’s about creating a warm and caring community where everyone feels supported and appreciated. We’re all in this together, and it’s inspiring to see how change can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d start at the Carousel of Happiness. Who doesn’t love a carousel ride? It’s a quick mood booster! Then we could head to The Train Cars for coffee and pastries, followed by a stop at Mountain Goat Tees for quirky local apparel. Then hiking at the Hessie Trailhead, which offers amazing mountain and lake views. Back in town, we’d enjoy craft beers at Very Nice Brewery, enjoying its relaxing vibe. On snowy days, Eldora Ski Resort is the place to be, and end with a sandwich from The Deli at 8236. Music is a must with live performances at The Caribou Room. Visiting the Nederland Farmer’s Market, browsing fresh produce and local goodies. We’d cap the week with a wonderful dinner at Busey Brews.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I appreciate the opportunity to give a shoutout! I want to highlight our amazing community members and volunteers at the Nederland Food Pantry, Gardens & Clothing Closet. Their support, hard work, and dedication enable us to serve those in need every day. Our volunteers come out, regardless of extreme mountain weather, to show up for our community! We have the best volunteers, hands down!

I also want to highlight local organizations and businesses that partner with us, whether through donations, collaboration, or spreading the word about our efforts. It’s the collective strength of these individuals and groups that empowers us to make a real impact in our community.

I also want to recognize the hard work of our staff and board members. They dedicate tons of time and hard work to ensure that our organization will be here for decades to come, and all with smiles on their faces.

Everyone who helps with our mission and invites others to join in truly deserves recognition. When we come together and support each other, it creates a beautiful ripple of kindness and encouragement that makes a real difference in our lives.

Website: https://www.nederlandfoodpantry.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nederlandfoodpantry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nederland-food-pantry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NederlandFoodPantry/