One crisp morning last fall, children harvested apples from a local orchard and brought them back to The Learning Council’s (TLC) community kitchen to prepare a meal. This activity was more than an agricultural lesson — it exemplifies how the Paonia nonprofit weaves education into a celebration of connection and culture.
Nestled in the heart of Paonia, TLC stands as a testament to the power of community-driven education and cultural enrichment. What began in 1998 as a resource for homeschooling families has since evolved into a thriving hub for learning, connection and advocacy.
Executive Director Alicia Michelsen recently spoke with The Sopris Sun about TLC’s early days as a collective effort to support homeschool families with enrichment projects. Over time, the Delta County School District provided homeschooled families with diverse education options, and TLC transitioned into a broader nonprofit serving the North Fork Valley community.
Education for all
Michelsen explained that TLC’s gift model ensures accessibility to everyone, regardless of financial standing. “We have a three-tiered system,” she said. “The first tier is ‘pay what you can,’ the second is paying the suggested donation to cover costs and the third is ‘pay it forward,’ which supports those who may not be able to contribute at the time.”
Participants can also offer non-monetary contributions, such as volunteering, bringing food or helping with event preparation. “The reciprocity of the gift model creates a sense of community ownership and participation,” Michelsen added.
This inclusive philosophy extends to TLC’s wide-ranging offerings, which include agricultural and health classes, youth art programs and community art initiatives. “We offer about 25 agricultural classes each year, along with health and art classes for all ages,” Michelsen shared.
Cultural heritage
TLC broadens its educational mission through community partnerships and cultural preservation, including a notable collaboration with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
In 2017, Delta County cut down the Ute Council Tree, a plains cottonwood believed to be over 260 years old. Historically, the Ute people held tribal council meetings under its canopy before their forced removal in 1881. While the tree’s canopy was found to be dead, the tribes saw its removal as another erasure of their heritage. In response, TLC worked with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to foster healing and reconciliation. The tree’s 23-foot trunk now remains, accompanied by a plaque commemorating its cultural significance.
In 2020, TLC began an annual tradition of delivering locally sourced food to the tribe, symbolizing goodwill and connection. TLC also supports regional powwows and hosts monthly heritage celebrations, including films, culinary events and storytelling, to promote cultural awareness and appreciation.
A space for all
In 2021, TLC acquired a building at 138 Grand Avenue in downtown Paonia, which has become the heart of their operations. The space is home to the Hearth Market, the Arbol Farmers Market and the TLC kitchen, which provides farm-to-
table meals on the gift model.
Michelsen shared that the TLC ice cream shop has become a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and a workplace for local teens. “It’s been a joy to see young people take ownership of the space and build something meaningful,” she said.
The Hearth Market now offers locally sourced produce and value-added products, like organic tamales and soups, prepared in the TLC kitchen. “We ensure that everyone has access to food, regardless of their ability to pay, while supporting our local farmers,” Michelsen explained.
Mindful Mamas
One of TLC’s standout programs is Mindful Mamas, a support group for expectant and new mothers. Michelsen shared that the program was created after a series of suicides among new moms in the valley. “It can be such a challenging and isolating time,” she said. “We wanted to create a space for moms to connect and support each other.”
The group has become a cornerstone of TLC’s community offerings, providing a place for mothers and their children to share everyday experiences of motherhood.
Looking ahead
TLC is funded through grants, donations and, in small part, programming revenue. Michelsen emphasized the importance of community support. “It’s kind of a miracle every time the lights stay on,” she admitted, “but the generosity and participation of our community make it all possible.”
In a world where education often comes with barriers, TLC breaks them down — one class, meal and story at a time. As Michelsen said, “This is a place where everyone is welcome, and together we’re building something beautiful.”
For more information about TLC’s programs and events, go to www.thelearningcouncil.org
