 -When Juana Mendoza was fifteen years old, spending parts of weekends with a teacher’s aide who offered to help her and other students learn English, she thought to herself, “Someday I’ll be a helper for those in need.” A volunteer at her church and an employee for Boulder County Housing & Human Services for going on 32 years, Juana has made good on her promise.
At Boulder County, Juana works in early intervention, helping families stay together by offering resources in areas ranging from Medicaid to transportation. Warm, friendly, and genuine, she quickly puts one at ease, and it’s easy to see how Juana gains trust: while no family is required to work with her, 75% of the families to whom she reaches out choose to do so. It’s also easy to see what a tireless advocate Juana is. She’s talked directly to employers who owed her clients backpay, attended Social Security and housing hearings, and gone with clients to their chemotherapy appointments to provide emotional support. “Sometimes families just need a little push up,” Juana says. “Then turn them loose and they can make it on their own.” As a recipient of a Habitat for Humanity house, Juana knows this firsthand, and she’s still grateful.
The pandemic has seen increased family needs, keeping Juana busy, although she misses seeing clients in-person. Her family is her big support; she misses once-regular family get-togethers, including monthly outings to the movies she used to enjoy with her grandchildren. Still, she says, “I can go to bed thanking God I can help people. Be who you can be today, because tomorrow, who knows?”
 We have been working with Changing the Narrative, a strategic communications and awareness campaign that works to increase understanding of ageism (stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination based on age) and shift thinking in Colorado. Research shows that ageism is alive and well and harms not only individuals but our communities. At the BCAAA, to help combat ageism, we are creating an internal style guide to help AAA staff and volunteers communicate more effectively about aging and older adults, teaching our advisory council about such “reframing aging” principles, and have additional trainings scheduled for the fall. We have also been busy telling stories to help illustrate what we already know: older adults are assets to the community.
Interested in learning more about ageism and how you can help end it? See below for an interactive workshop opportunity.
Ending Ageism Together: Yes, we can! Changing the Narrative’s Online Workshop
Sept. 17, noon - 1 p.m.
Register here*.
AARP Colorado would like to inform you of this online workshop hosted by Changing the Narrative. Changing the Narrative is a campaign to change the way people think, talk, and act about aging and ageism, and facilitated by Changing the Narrative's Director, Janine Vanderburg.
From "BoomerRemover" to "weak, vulnerable elderly" to calls for older people to sacrifice ourselves for the economy—it seems like we are surrounded by ageist messages and policies, such as policies that move older adults to the back of the triage line for critical services.
But ageism is not new. And it has harmful effects--on our financial security, on our physical and mental health, and our life span. And for people of color, ageism amplifies a lifetime of experiencing systemic inequities.
The good news? All of us have opportunities to address ageism, defined by the World Health Organization as "prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination based on age."
In this interactive, online workshop, you'll learn:
- What ageism is, and the harmful effects it has on all of us, our communities and the economy
- The benefits of having positive views of aging
- Effective strategies for reducing ageism
- How changing our language and messages can make a difference in how the general public thinks about older people, and increase support for more age-friendly policies
- How words and phrases that we may commonly use (e.g., "having a senior moment") can have negative consequences that we don't intend because they reinforce ageist attitudes and prejudicial stereotypes about older people
- Specific language and messages we need to avoid, especially during COVID-19
- How to "talk back" when you encounter ageism
- How you can become a Change AGEnt, and advance the movement to end ageism.
If you or someone you know has experienced ageism, if you're frustrated by some of the stereotypes you're seeing in print or digital media, or if you simply want to know more about why this is important—you won’t want to miss this. Together, we can make a difference.
Questions? Contact Kris Geerken
*This is not an AARP event. Any information you provide the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy.
 Boulder Pridefest, sponsored by Out Boulder County kicks off on Sept. 8 with a week full of activities!
Highlights include, two in-person events, Carpool Cinema and Pridefest Motorcade, and of course the LGBTQ+ 50+ Mixer!
After a successful virtual get-together for Longmont Pride’s 50+ Mixer, we are excited to cosponsor the Boulder Pride 50+ Mixer through Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join us to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride as we gather to engage in conversation and connect with others.
To RSVP, email Juan Moreno (he/him) at jmoreno@outboulder.org.
For a complete list of Boulder Pride’s week of activities, visit Out Boulder County.
We are seeking proposals from qualified organizations interested in contracting with us to provide the services to older adults and family and informal caregivers. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was delayed for six months due to the direct response to the pandemic.
Up to $330,000 in Older Americans Act & State Funds for Older Adult Services will be awarded to organizations that provide the following services or programs from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2021, in the following categories:
- Assistive Technology Education
- Caregiver Respite
- Chores
- Legal Assistance
- Mental Health Counseling
- Transportation
- Transportation - Assisted
- Services to assist older adults who are blind or visually impaired
The official Request for Proposal will be released and available for completion beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020 and will close on Oct. 30, 2020. To access the official RFP, please visit www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado or https://bouldercountyaaa.oaa-sys.com/rfp/public/.
An optional pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, from 9 - 11 a.m. The meeting will take place via a webinar using the GoToWebinar platform.
Register for the pre-proposal meeting.
The mission of the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging is to deliver, fund, and advocate for services that promote well-being, independence, and dignity for older adults, people living with disabilities, family and informal caregivers, and veterans in Boulder County.
Learn more here!
Share our RFP flyer with your network here!
Questions about the bidding process will need to be directed to purchasing@bouldercounty.org. More information about the BCAAA can be directed to Carlene Okiyama at cokiyama@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-1598.
We will continue to provide online and phone services for residents and clients, with limited, in-person appointments available to help meet critical needs. Our staff is available to answer calls and emails from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Following Boulder County guidelines, we will implement a staggered opening with county policies in place for staff and all in-person office visits. Learn more here.
Longmont Senior Services staff are responding to emails and phone calls Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov
Phone: 303-651-8411
Sign up for biweekly email updates by visiting Longmont Senior Services or emailing Deanne.Kear@longmontcolorado.gov.
Take a Virtual Class With the LSC!
Join the LSC for live, online conversations and classes. They are offering free Zoom classes while the Senior Center is closed. Please register online or call Monica, Deanna, or Robyn at 303-651-8411 to register by 4 p.m. the weekday before the class begins. After you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom class.
If you would like some assistance on how to use Zoom, please Visit Longmont Senior Computer Technology Center website to ask for help from their Senior Computer Technology Center (SCTC).
Ageism and Managing Bias in the Job Search
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
This program will help you feel better prepared for/during the job search.
Memorial Rituals
Thursday, Sept. 17, 10-11 a.m.
Join LSC for an online presentation about the importance of using rituals in our grief journey and some ideas on creating your own personal rituals to memorialize and honor your loved one who has died.
Returning to Work
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9-10:30 a.m.
Join Clair Benton, Community Educator at Boulder County Workforce, to learn how Workforce can help you with coaching, resources, workshops, resume reviews, self-directed computer labs, and more.
Check out more updates and courses online!
The Longmont Senior Center Technology Coaches are now offering virtual lectures, classes and labs. They will be conducted using Zoom video conferencing. To see the full range of offerings, more details and to enroll, visit our website at Longmont Senior Computer Technology Center. Once at the site, click "Sign up for Emails" to receive information on upcoming courses like:
Search Better with Google
Thursday, Aug. 13, 1-2 p.m.
Protecting Your Personal Assets
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
Genealogy Research Drop-In Lab
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1:30-4 p.m.
Client Services Coordinators with City of Boulder Older Adults Services assist residents of the City of Boulder 60+ and their caregivers with referrals to community resources, counseling on available options, and financial support for eligible clients. Coordinators are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 303-441-4388 (English/Spanish). Sign up for weekly email updates by clicking here or visiting City of Boulder Older Adults Services.
City of Boulder is now offering virtual programs!
Register online by clicking the title of the following programs or call 719-985-1367. Before the day of the program you will receive a link to join it online, or a phone number if you prefer to call in to participate.
Healthy Cooking Without a Trip to the Store
Sept. 9, 4–5:30 p.m.
Healthy Aging and Sleep
Thurs. Sept. 17, 10–11 a.m.
Chautauquan Series: Amelia Earhart
Sept. 24, 2–3 p.m.
Click here for up-to-date City of Boulder information and resources around COVID-19.
The Louisville Recreation & Senior Center is currently closed. Check out their Facebook page for reopening dates and procedures for use. Staff are available by phone or email Monday through Friday. Allow one business day to receive a return call or message.
Email: Ktofte@louisvilleco.gov
Phone: 303-335-4919
Upcoming Courses from Louisville Senior Services
Bloomin Seniors Garden Club Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Seniors Low Vision & Cooking
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-noon
Louisville Historical Museum Presents: A New Take on Doing Your Family History
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-noon
Learn about more upcoming programming here!
Erie Active Adults staff are responding to emails and phone calls, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Email: chickman@erieco.gov
Phone: 303-926-2795
The Town of Erie's Active Adults program is providing a curbside meal service at the Erie Community Center.
Reservations are required by calling 303-926-2795 or emailing chickman@erieco.gov by Tuesday evenings prior to the Thursday meal date.
Zoom Active Living Every Day
Sept. 14 - Dec. 14
Concert in the Park - Music Memories with Lonnie Sailas
Friday, Sept. 18, 1-2 p.m.
Read more here.
Check out the city's website for information on the COVID-19 closure.
The City of Lafayette Senior Services Resource Coordinator can help you access resources, support, and services, often free or low cost:
- Short term financial assistance for when you get in a money pinch
- Home health services and grants
- Dental, vision & hearing aid grants
- Food, meals & shopping resources
- Mental health, addiction & counseling referrals
- Completing various forms & applications
- Advocacy & problem solving help
- ...and much more!
Email: lafayetteseniorservices@gmail.com
Phone: 303-472-4806
Upcoming Courses from Lafayette Senior Services
Virtual Book Clubs
Option 1:
Book Club - Meet once a month on the second Friday, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom.
Option 2:
Mystery Book Club - Meet once a month on the first Friday, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom.
Email barrowman.lafayette@gmail.com to register and for further information.
Virtual Social Hour
Every Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. Email danabellomy.lafayette@gmail.com to register or for further information.
An Open-Ended Conversation About Open Space (and other things about the great outdoors in Lafayette)
Join naturalist, Martin Ogle, for a conversation about getting outdoors in Lafayette on Thursday, Sept, 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. Email seniorservices.lafayette@gmail.com to register or for more information.
Sign up for the Senior Spotlight to learn more about upcoming programming.
 The Conversation Project in Boulder County and Grace Commons present this free, expert panel presentation offering discussion and guidance on how to find and prepare decision makers. This virtual presentation will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 12:30-2 p.m.
50% of us will be unable to make healthcare decisions at the end-of-life. Many people have limited or no family who can come to the bedside. We help you identify your values; what is important to you and will provide guidance on how to choose a decision-maker (either a professional, family member or friend). Most importantly, we will help you prepare “your person”.
Learn more and register here. Learn more and register here.
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, mile cognitive impairment, or another type of dementia and is living in the early stages, please join the Alzheimer's Association for these programs. All programs are free. Please register prior to attending. To register mmdonahue@alz.org or call Meghan at 720-699-9289 ext. 9642 or email Dawn Simmons or call Dawn at 970-387-6123.
Social Hour
Third Wednesday of Each Month, 5-6 p.m.
A welcoming gathering place where people living with memory loss and their care partner can come to socialize with others and enjoy a cup of coffee, an activity, or a presentation.
Early Stage Support Group for Care Partner
First and Third Thursday of Each Month, 11 a.m.-noon
Early stage support groups are offered to individuals who care for someone with early memory loss, who have been diagnosed with mile cognitive impairment, early stage Alzheimer's, or a related disorder.
Early Stage Support Group for Person Living With Dementia
First and Third Thursday of Each Month, 2-3 p.m.
Early stage support groups are offered to individuals with early memory loss, who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, early stage Alzheimer's, or a related disorder.
Check out more events from the Alzheimer's Association here.
Mountain Communities
Email: infoADRC@bouldercounty.org
Phone - English: 303-441-1617
Phone - Spanish: 303-441-3867
Website: www.bouldercountyhelp.org
We've been posting many great resources on self-care and connection to mental health assistance during this time. The feature below this article shares how our staff are taking time to take care. Here are a few of our featured posts on Facebook from the past week.
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Partners has changed their services and are providing telehealth appointments, including for new clients. Check out their COVID-19 response here.
Click here for information on crisis services. You can call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.
The Suicide Prevention Hotline has folks available to provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8355.
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