Meet Our New LGBTQ+ Volunteer Program: Rainbow Connections

Our LGBTQ+ Program Volunteers enhance our connection to the community in meaningful ways. Our ongoing volunteers support the agency through the Supper Club and Coffee Klatch programs. Episodic volunteers help support our participation in Pridefests by sharing information about our programs and services and through our annual holiday celebration, Lavender Gala.

We are developing a volunteer program called Rainbow Connections that will match LGBTQ+ individuals who are experiencing isolation with LGBTQ+ or allied community members to create connection and community through weekly contact of phone calls and/or visits. In celebration of Pride month, we are launching a pilot of our Rainbow Connections program with trained volunteers who are ready to be matched with recipients in need of connection and community during the summer.

We look forward to growing the Rainbow Connections program in the autumn, so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you are interested in being matched with a volunteer, please contact Michael Chifalo.

Click here to learn more about our LGBTQ+ Programs!

Visit Us at Longmont Pride!

Sponsored by Out Boulder County, Longmont Pride Week will be held Monday, June 17 through Saturday, June 22.

Come say hi to the AAA at the following events!

50+ LGBTQ+ Mixer

When: Wednesday, June 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: La Vita Bella (471 Main St., Longmont)

Please join Out Boulder County for the 50+ LGBTQ+ Mixer. Come enjoy the company of fellow members of the LGBTQ+ and Allied Community and have some lovely refreshments while you're at it! This event is open to LGBTQ+ folks and allies over 50 years old.

Longmont Pride Festival

When: Saturday, June 22, 2-6 p.m.

Where: 4th Ave. between Emery and Main Streets, Longmont

Please stop by to learn about our programs and play our Spin-the-Wheel trivia for treats and prizes! If you're interested in volunteering to staff our booth, please contact Michael Chifalo.

Click this link to check out the complete calendar of events.

Be a Friend to An Older Adult - Volunteers Needed in Longmont and Lafayette!

We are seeking volunteers to visit older adults in Longmont and Lafayette who are experiencing isolation or compromised health. Volunteers are matched with one partner and may share conversation, take a walk, go shopping, or simply enjoy the pleasure of each other's company during two-hour weekly visits. Volunteers serve as companions; they do not provide hands-on care. Volunteers must be 21, pass a background check, make a six month commitment, and attend an annual training. For more information or to apply, visit Respite and Companion Volunteer Program.

Housing Choice Voucher Lottery Opening June 18-20

Boulder Housing Partners announced that the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) lottery will be opening online from 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 18 through 4 p.m., Thursday, June 20.

HCVs help cover the cost of monthly rent for members of our community whose incomes are below the area average. After qualifying, participants in the HCV program pay approximately 30-40% of their monthly income toward rent.  Housing Choice Vouchers may be used throughout Boulder County in privately-owned and qualified apartments, townhomes, or houses.

Learn more about Housing Choice Vouchers here.

Click here for more information about the upcoming HCV lottery.

Volunteers Needed with a new Lyons Farm to Seniors Project

Volunteers are needed to gather fresh veggies from Stonebridge Farms and deliver CSA shares to Walt Self Senior Housing (335 Railroad Avenue, Lyons) on Saturdays. This is a project of LiveWell Colorado and Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. This is a great and fun way to contribute to your community and support local farms! 

Go here to read more or sign up to volunteer.

Please call (303-441-4995) or email Teresa DeAnni with any questions.

Do you want to learn more about our programs? Want to meet more AAA staff? Do you really just want to see our pets? All of this and more is possible on our Facebook page!

June Feature: Mental Health Partners Offers Free, In-Home Therapy for Older Adults

Mental Health Partners understands many community members in Boulder County would like to receive therapy services, but mobility issues prevent them from visiting an office. Their Senior Reach program provides a solution to this issue by offering free, in-home therapy for older adults on Medicare as part of the program’s mission to support the well-being, independence, and dignity of older adults by educating the community, providing behavioral health, care management services, and connecting older adults to community resources. Senior Reach therapists are trained to work with older adults, have a genuine interest in working with this demographic, and provide a range of therapy services. The program also has proven clinical outcomes, including reduction in depression, anxiety, social isolation, and increased overall recovery. Thanks to grants and outside funding, Senior Reach provides services free of charge to residents in Boulder County.

To start services or learn more about the program, please call (866) 217-5808 to speak with an intake coordinator and referred to a Senior Reach clinician, who will schedule an assessment and follow up appointments in the home.

Click here for more information about available Mental Health Partners services.

Help Us Boost Our Services!

We like to celebrate Independence Day by celebrating independence in aging, age-friendly communities, and services that meet the evolving needs of our friends, family, and neighbors. Many of our services are enhanced by gifts and contributions of all sizes from people like you – our clients, clients’ friends and families, local professionals, and fellow advocates.

Mark your calendars for early July, when our foundation will be participating in an annual fundraising event called Give65. Between July 1st and 11th, when you make a charitable gift to our foundation through Give65, we'll receive a generous amount of matching funds from the Home Instead Foundation!

Visit our Give65 page to learn more, and thank you for your support!

Abandoning At-Risk Adults is Now a Felony in Colorado

Last year, 9Wants to Know shared "Stranded", a look into abandonment of older adults and specifically the story of Jerry Ellingsen. Jerry's story is not unique, hundreds of people are abandoned in Denver area hospitals each year.

The 9News feature caught the attention of lawmakers, who moved forward on three bills to protect those who are abandoned in area hospitals. These bills were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on May 30, 2019. 

• House Bill 1045 - Office of Public Guardianship Operation Conditions (This bill does not cover Boulder County's judicial district.)
• Senate Bill 15 - Create Statewide Health Care Review Committee
• Senate Bill 172 - Protect from Unlawful Abandonment and Confinement

If you are a caregiver who needs assistance providing care to an older adult or someone with dementia, please contact us at 303-441-1617.

Upcoming Classes & Events from Senior Services

Each month, we highlight events from local senior services organizations, which offer wonderful ways to create, connect, and contribute to the community.

Boulder Senior Services

AARP Driver Safety Course

When: Monday, July 8, 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Registration: Call 303-441-4150 to register. Registration is required and space is limited.

Participants will learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate their vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. 

Erie Active Adults

CarFit

When: Friday, June 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Registration: Call 303-926-2795 to register for a 20 minute CarFit appointment.

CarFit is an educational program offering the opportunity to check how well your vehicle "fits" you, and provides information on resources that may enhance your comfort and safety.

Lafayette Senior Services

Tai Chi Beginner

When: Thursdays, July 11-Aug. 1, 11 a.m. to noon at Waneka Lake

Registration: Call 303-665-0469 or go online. $30 per person. Register by July 4.

Tai Chi is exercise that is easy and gentle. Tai Chi helps participants develop body awareness that can help maintain balance. It is exercise that is great for newbies, older people and people who don’t like to sweat too much. 

Longmont Senior Services

AARP HomeFit

When: Thursday, June 20, 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration: Call 303-651-8411 to register.

Is your home fit for a lifetime of living? This free education event with AARP Colorado will teach practical methods to make your home more livable by incorporating design principles and products that are adaptable, safe, and easy to use.

Alzheimer's Association: 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's

The 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held on Aug. 10 at the University of Colorado. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Community members can participate by donating, walking, or volunteering.

Further information can be found here.