How DCAC’s Family Market Supports Families’ Healing
When a child experiences abuse, the road to healing often involves much more than therapy appointments and forensic interviews.
Families who come to Denver Children’s Advocacy Center are frequently navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They may also be dealing with housing instability, financial hardship, transportation challenges, in addition to caring for a child in crisis.
That’s why DCAC created the Family Market – a free resource where families can access essential items such as hygiene products, diapers, clothing, household supplies, food, and gift cards. The Family Market is built on a simple belief: when families have their basic needs met, they are better able to focus on healing.
Removing Barriers to Healing
“Access to basic needs items through DCAC’s Family Market can help reduce immediate stressors that may otherwise interfere with a family’s ability to engage in services,” said Elizabeth Lopez, DCAC’s Bilingual Family Advocacy Manager.
“When families have access to essentials such as hygiene products, household items, clothing, food, or other necessities, they may experience less financial strain and fewer day-to-day challenges. This increased stability can allow caregivers and children to focus more fully on healing, participating in therapy, attending appointments, and engaging with supportive services.”
For many families, the Family Market helps remove barriers that could otherwise stand in the way of recovery.
Andrea Lopez Lopez, DCAC’s Bilingual Case Manager and Intake Specialist, sees this firsthand.
“For therapy specifically, unmet basic needs can make it difficult for families to consistently attend appointments,” Andrea explained. “If a family has significant case management needs, we often focus on addressing those needs before assigning the child to therapy. Our goal is to help stabilize the family’s situation and increase the likelihood of successful engagement in services.”
A Place of Support During Difficult Times
The impact of the Family Market goes far beyond the items on its shelves.
Andrea remembers working with a mother who had recently fled a domestic violence situation with her children. The family had to leave quickly for their safety and were unable to take clothing, toys, or many of their belongings. During a phone intake for therapy services, the mother shared what her family was experiencing.
“I let her know that she was welcome to visit our Family Market and take any items her family needed,” Andrea said. “At the time, I did not yet know whether her children would be accepted into our therapy program, but I did not hesitate to offer support through the Family Market.”
For another family, the Family Market provided support during an unexpected chapter of caregiving.
Elizabeth worked with a family caring for a pregnant teenager who had been victimized by someone she met online. The teen’s mother was not involved, and a family friend had stepped in as her primary caregiver. Although the caregiver was employed and doing everything she could to help, preparing for a new baby created significant financial strain. Through the Family Market, DCAC was able to provide diapers, laundry detergent, food, and other household necessities.
“These resources helped relieve some of the immediate financial pressure and allowed the caregiver to focus on supporting the teen through her pregnancy and the healing process,” Elizabeth said. “What stands out to me about this experience is that the caregiver was not looking for a handout; she simply needed extra support during a challenging time.”
For that family, the items represented more than basic necessities. “They provided stability, relief, and one less thing to worry about during an incredibly difficult chapter in their lives,” Elizabeth said.
What Families Need Most
The needs of families vary, but some items are consistently in demand. According to Andrea, personal hygiene products such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, and toothbrushes are among the most requested items. Families also frequently need laundry detergent, children’s and teens’ socks and undergarments, shoes, and grocery or gas gift cards.
These everyday essentials can make a meaningful difference for families working to regain stability.
A Community-Powered Resource
The Family Market exists because of the generosity of community members, volunteers, and donors who help keep its shelves stocked.
Andrea sees the impact of that generosity every time she brings a family to the market. “Every family I bring to the market leaves with a smile on their face,” she said. “Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed and defeated, and having access to essential items they need can provide a tremendous sense of relief. The impact of the market extends beyond the items themselves; it helps families feel supported during difficult times.”
Families regularly express gratitude and often ask if they can return in the future.
“My hope is that the market remains well-stocked so we can continue meeting these needs and providing meaningful support to the families we serve,” Andrea said.
At DCAC, healing happens in many ways. Sometimes it’s through therapy. Sometimes it’s through advocacy and support. And sometimes, it starts with a bag of groceries, a package of diapers, or a new toothbrush that helps a family feel cared for during a difficult time.
The Family Market is more than a collection of supplies – it’s a reminder that no family has to face these challenges alone.
Want to help? Donate essential items, purchase supplies from our Amazon Wishlist, host a collection drive, or make a financial contribution to help keep the DCAC Family Market stocked year-round. Together, we can ensure children and families have the support they need to heal.
