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

Hi Missy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was working in the local elementary school and recognized the amount of need in the community. There are not typically as many services offered to low income families in the suburbs as compared to urban areas. It felt as though I had a front row seat in watching hard working families struggling to make ends meet and I knew I wanted to help.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Littleton Family Services aims to strengthen family stability and well being through community support and resources. In an effort to lower monthly grocery costs for families in need in the Littleton area, we deliver personal care, household and cleaning items. This frees up a families budget so that they have more flexibility in making their own personal food choices. In addition to our grocery delivery, we have a back pack program and holiday support program. We know that back to school and Christmas can be difficult times for those in need and our programs allow families to register for new backpacks/school supplies for their students and also Christmas gifts for the entire family.

The biggest challenge for me in directing Littleton Family Services is that I also have a full time job (I like to say one fills the checking account and one fills the heart!). Balancing both can be difficult but to get through these moments, I remind myself of the bigger picture and of the people who are benefitting from our program. I rely heavily on community volunteers to make these programs work and couldn’t do this without them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would plan the trip around a show at Red Rocks for sure, definitely a must for visitors. My favorite spot to eat is Olde Towne Tavern in downtown Littleton, best wings I’ve ever had and that would have to be on the agenda. There are so many great places to camp in Colorado and we’d have to spend a couple days camping, maybe in Leadville- my favorite spot!. I would love to take my friend to Fifty Two 80’s, it’s an awesome 80’s collectibles store in Denver and will take anyone back in time to one of the greatest decades.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to Megan Brookhart. Although she is no longer with Littleton Family Services, she founded the organization with me and we had three great years together before she left.

Website: www.littletonfamilyservices.com

Instagram: @littletonfamiyservices

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.