Aging Well
Comprised of 20+ organizations, the Aging Well Collective Impact Workgroup is aiming to make Weld County a place where more older adults are aging well in community.
Why Is This Important?
What We Do
Download Program Overview (PDF document)
The Volunteer Recruitment Initiative (VRI) recognizes the invaluable role that volunteers play in ensuring that organizations serving older adults are able to provide their services to the community. Whether an organization needs administrative or direct service assistance, the work does not get done without committed volunteers. The VRI uses a combination of social media and in-person marketing techniques to reach potential volunteers. The VRI then screens them for their specific interests and skills, and refers the potential volunteers to the best fit organizations. The information on the participating organizations, links to sign-up forms and volunteer opportunities, and statistics on older adults in Weld County is all available at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org/agingwellvr.
In addition to recruiting volunteers, the VRI is also open to new participating organizations. Any older adult serving organization that provides service in Weld County is welcome to explore if the VRI is a useful resource to their ongoing work. As more organizations join the VRI, there is a larger pool of opportunities for interested volunteers, helping to increase the likelihood of finding a good fit for community members.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 24
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 52
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 2
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 9
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 10
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 9
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 5
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 5
- Outside Weld County: 0
Find out more about this program:
2020-2021
How We Impact
This is a story from a participating organization, 60+ Ride: ”Laura” is a volunteer that donates her time and talents to several agencies in Weld County. The Aging Well initiative referred her to us, and she has spent several hours in our office providing much needed helgp with a mailing project. She is a former office professional and has provided us with the skills and expertise that we need. She has enjoyed working alongside our other office volunteers, particularly our teen volunteers, and has told us to call her in the future when we need help in the office. We are so grateful to have gained this valuable volunteer, who generously offers her time to better her community.
What We Do
60+ Ride’s volunteer drivers and staffed minivan transport Weld County’s aging population (60 years old and older) door through door to medical appointments, grocery stores, financial and government institutions, social events, houses of worship, and personal grooming appointments free of charge. This program is the only free transportation program available in Weld County targeting the very low income population. Not only do these services directly increase older adults’ ability to maintain their health and independence through consistent availability of medical care, but these same services reduce rehospitalization, offer a way to increase nutrition quality through fresh food, and decrease social isolation and the resulting depression. This translates into both quality of life for Weld’s 60+ population and the financial benefit of fewer people depending heavily on government social services.
While the majority of rides provided are in the Greeley/Evans area (about 75%), 60+ Ride has actively expanded to the Carbon Valley area of south Weld County (Frederick, Firestone, and Dacono) over the past several years, and the agency is in the early stages of offering services in nearby Fort Lupton, as well. A major three-year strategic goal is to build capacity (through volunteer drivers with staff support), to be able to cover many more areas of rural Weld County. The organization is also developing plans to seek federal funding to add a handicapped-accessible van program to its services within the next 18 months.
In 2018, SRS provided 8605 rides to 243 unduplicated riders utilizing both part-time van drivers as well as over 125 volunteer drivers to keep this critical resource free to at-risk aging adults in Weld County. 60+ Ride provides services to all older adults regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. The target population is elderly and frail individuals who do not drive and do not use public transportation because of cost or accessibility. The majority of registered riders are women (90%) and 16% are Hispanic (although 40% of rides are made by Hispanic riders who have a higher dialysis treatment need). Approximately 90% of riders are living at or below 50% ($22,900) of the Area Median Income for a single person ($45,800).
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 7
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 73
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 2
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 1
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 2
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 1
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 0
- Outside Weld County: 0
How We Impact
We received the following voicemail from Jean, aged 74: “Hi Ellie! I just wanted to tell you thank you soooo much for calling me and letting me know you got my information in the mail. I will be calling you for a ride in the near future. I just wanted to thank you. You are the sweetest thing. You try so hard, letting me know what’s going on. I appreciate that.” Jean’s story is heart-breaking. Her Meals on Wheels volunteer had noticed that Jean had no food in her cupboards (none!) and suggested that she call us. We discovered that her car was broken down as well as her bicycle (she fell while riding it). This has left her stranded at home with no way to get to leave the house. Even though we offered to deliver groceries to her, she prefered to go to the store so that she could get out of the house. Jean hadn’t had any fresh food in months, and her food stamps were set to expire soon since she hadn’t been able to use them. She had been eating just one meal a day – the meal she received from Meals on Wheels. Jean lives in Windsor, so we called a volunteer driver in Windsor and connected him with Jean. We are so thankful that we learned about Jean’s situation and were able to help her!
What We Do
Catholic Charities' Older Adult Case Management and Outreach Program focuses on at-risk seniors who are poor, frail, isolated geographically or socially, homebound, or have language or cultural barriers. These characteristics make it difficult for them to know about and access needed services and benefits. The program works to provide these older adults with knowledge, advocacy and assistance so that they can age in place safely, maintain or improve their health, have access to resources/ benefits, remove or lessen barriers to being self-reliant, and maintain their maximum functional potential. Services are provided in the senior’s home, our office, doctors’ offices or in the community when needed. Information and referral services are provided out of our Greeley and Fort Lupton offices. There is no cost for any service provided by our agency. The Quality of Life Case Management Improvement Plan encompasses four major steps: 1. Person-Centered approach to listening to the expressed or observed needs and desired goals 2. The Case Manager, an expert on community resources, presents possible solutions; benefits and disadvantages are explored. 3. Development of the client-preferred Care Plan including assistance on completing applications for services and programs. 4. Follow-up monitoring and advocacy regarding delivery of services including outcome assessments. A major barrier to older adults having their needs met is their lack of awareness of eligible services, inability to complete applications alone that can improve their health and financial resources to support their nutrition, medication needs or daily existence. Older adults are known to suffer in silence. Just one example of how case management services can dramatically improve their lives: The case manager applies to 3 or 4 resources for dentures or cataract surgery. Older adults can now eat healthy foods & see to manage everyday life in/out of their home.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 33
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 242
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 7
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 101
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 5
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 12
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 8
- Outside Weld County: 0
How We Impact
A recent program success story was supporting Mary during the pandemic because Mary's family became ill. Mary turned 100 years of old and was without support at one point during COVID. Our program assisted Mary with grocery shopping, chores, meal preparation, prescription delivery, and mail assistance. Mary was able to receive the support when she needed it most. Mary and her family were grateful for the additional support during this difficult time.
We had a client who was getting money taken out of his Social Security check by mistake. After the case manager was calling with the client and advocating for quite some time, Social Security corrected the matter, and refunded him close to $2,000.00.
What We Do
Meet in small groups at locations in the Greeley area to process grief together.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 1
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 163
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 1
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 5
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 5
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 5
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 1
- Outside Weld County: 1
How We Impact
Words from clients:
- "I wouldn't be where I am today in my grief journey without this group. I needed this."
- "I feel so welcome here and the group has helped me so much. I don't feel pressured to talk."
- "I feel safe in anything I have to share, and I feel at peace with others that understand."
What We Do
This fund will be available to those 60+ in Weld County who are below poverty level but would like to
participant at the Greeley Active Adult Center (AAC). 60+ seniors want to purchase a membership and have
the ability to attend fee-based programs in existence at the AAC. The Senior Assistance Fund would allow
interested seniors to apply for the scholarship therefore being able to stay active in the community by
participating in programs at the AAC. Available programs at AAC would include a broad base of appealing
activities especially those relevant to everyday lives (nutritional meals, educational classes, sports, travel,
exercise, general wellness services, hobbies, social opportunities and lifestyle physical activity). The annual
membership and scholarship monies would help to ensure that participants are active in programs long
enough to create lifestyle changes in physical fitness /functional parameters (weight, strength, flexibility)
and overall well-being. Surveys, attendance and registrations will be used to evaluate the outcomes and
assess the impact of the Senior Assistance Fund. This fund will ideally encourage program participation,
reduce social isolation, encourage volunteering and create a sense of belonging with a significant group or
activity. Collaboration with other agencies such as Area Agency on Aging for exercise and classes,
Alzheimer/ Parkinson’s Associations for educational/ support and Senior Resources to help get participants
to the AAC is a critical piece for success.
87% of older Americans indicate they want to age in place; our community will need to adopt strategies to
enable this choice. Colorado’s aging population will require communities to adapt to accommodate to
these changes. Many seniors in our community believe they cannot afford to attend the AAC or its
programs. With this Senior Assistance fund it would provide a scholarship to seniors to make it possible to
attend activities at the AAC.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 0
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 10
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 0
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 0
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 0
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 0
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 0
- Outside Weld County: 0
How We Impact
Mr. Robert was so excited to know that he was able to now attend chess class all year long. He had enough scholarship money for the monthly program for an entire year. He said he would hardly believe he would be able to do what he loves all year.
What We Do
St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity is requesting resources specifically for Critical Home Repairs to allow low income seniors to age in place. Critical Home Repairs are part of the Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) Programming that serves the Glens Neighborhood of Dacono, Colorado. The ultimate goal of Neighborhood Revitalization is to improve quality of life, defined as a sense of well-being and happiness experienced by individuals and communities. St. Vrain Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program includes a Critical Home Repair Program and facilitates a growing coalition of residents, “The Pride of The Glens”. In 2019, The Pride of The Glens coalition is focused heavily on community building by engaging residents, establishing strong relationships, and leveraging connections to bring about actionable and positive change across all social determinants. In addition, the coalition works toward key focus areas driven by residents and their aspirations, including amenities and beautification, housing, and transportation. St. Vrain Habitat partners with home owners and volunteers to complete Critical Home Repairs when homeowners are physically or financially unable to make repairs on their own. 10 Home Repairs are anticipated to be completed in 2019. St. Vrain Habitat was selected as one of 10 communities in the nation to participate in a 5-year Learning Cohort to implement and evaluate the Quality of Life Framework. The Quality of Life Framework is a data driven, customizable approach that delineates how multiple elements work together to achieve an improved quality of life. Building foundational outcomes of Sense of Community, Social Cohesion and Collective Action that are led by resident’s dreams, gifts and concerns has meaningful impacts on sector outcomes such as amenities, economic opportunities, education, health, housing and transportation.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 35
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 0
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 0
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 34 (Dacono)
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 0
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 0
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 0
- Outside Weld County: 1
How We Impact
July 2020 Neighbors Helping Neighbors COVID response:
The Pride of The Glens, a resident-led coalition partnering with St. Vrain Habitat in The Glens of Dacono, has provided food assistance to 121 individuals in 32 households and housing assistance for 13 households so far, as part of their COVID-19 response.
Resident leaders began to develop a COVID-19 Response Team when events and resident meetings were halted due to social distancing and Colorado stay at home orders. Residents noticed the increase of neighbors needing food banks and asking for housing assistance and wanted to help.
www.UnitedWay-Weld.org
After identifying the biggest needs and brainstorming goals, activities and constituencies, the COVID-19 Response Team developed a Shared Purpose Statement.
The purpose is “to help serve our most affected neighbors and connect the community by assisting everyone with their specific needs.”
One Neighborhood Revitalization funder, GM, offered the opportunity to reallocate funding from previously planned projects towards COVID-19 responses to support housing, food, small business and elderly residents.
The Response Plan was created.
Grocery Gift Cards to local Esh’s, Carniceria, and other area grocers were purchased, outreach calls were scripted, a flyer was mailed to all 821 households, disbursement criteria, assistance applications and budgets were developed.
The team sub-granted the housing assistance portion of their response to the Carbon Valley Help Center to facilitate distribution and help connect residents of the Glens with other resources.
Since the response plan was developed in May, team members have stepped into action.
The team gathers weekly over Zoom to debrief and share updates. Rickey Wittman, Assistance Coordinator and one of 10 Core Resident Leaders reflected on the impact of delivering grocery gift cards to families in need. “We’re making a difference and people really appreciate it.” Assistance will be distributed while resources are available for residents of The Glens impacted by COVID-19.
What We Do
Our program was founded to meet the needs of the elderly unable to prepare/cook food for themselves by providing hot nutritious noon meals delivered by caring, trained, and vetted volunteers. In our effort to assist the elderly population of Weld County to remain in their homes and age in place, Meals on Wheels of Greeley, Inc. (MOW) has over the years expanded the service to include breakfast bags to clients who are in need of more than meal per day and frozen meals for weekends. The need for our services continues to grow as the population ages. We are forecasting an increase of the number meals for 2019 to be approximately 5,000. This would be a total of 65,000 meals up from 60,000 meals delivered during 2018. Of the seniors receiving our services, over eighty (80) percent are low income unable to pay the actual cost of the food each receives. On average, our clients contribute about 33% of the cost of preparing a meal. Therefore, we must continually raise external funds to provide the meals we deliver. MOW uses funds received to continue to keep costs low for each of our clients so they do not have to compromise nutrition for another essential need such as medication. Our “suggested donation fee” system makes meals affordable. We do not suspend meals or stop delivering meals for a client’s inability to pay the suggested donation. Approximately one third (1/3) of our clients cannot make any donation toward the cost of the meals received. The $50,000 requested will be used for food ingredients, supplies, and equipment for the meals. Therefore, all of the grant monies will be directly applied to the meals provided to the clients. With this grant, we can continue to nourish the bodies and souls of the elderly of Weld County.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 50
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 312
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 36
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 33
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 22
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 9
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 14
- Outside Weld County: 0
How We Impact
Tina cannot drive and does not have family close. She has relied upon MOW meals for many years. During a recent conversation with a staff member, she was referred to 60+ Ride for grocery and transportation. She reached out to them and has been signed up for services.
What We Do
Weld Food Bank is dedicated to provide healthy, perishable food items (produce, meat, and low-fat dairy) to adults 60 years and older. Currently WFB provides the Emergency Food Box program, Senior Food Box program, and Mobile Food Pantry program to provide perishable product to this vulnerable population.
Who We Serve
2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County
- Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 391
- County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 12,324
- Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 160
- Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 300
- South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 1443
- Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 317
- US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 996
- US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 967
- Outside Weld County: 0
How We Impact
One of our volunteers has been delivering food to Jeanette, an 87 year old client, for the last several years. She is no longer able to drive and has no family in the area. Our volunteer, John, usually sits and visits with Jeanette when he delivers the food. During the height of the pandemic, they talked through the door, as John was her only visitor. She recently called the food bank to tell us that “Weld Food Bank has been a godsend to me. I am on a fixed income and could not survive without the food I get delivered each month. I look forward every month to John coming to my apartment and for the time we spend together."
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