Did you know? Boulder County’s senior population is aging at one of the fastest rates in Colorado. By 2030, 20% of local residents are projected to be 65 or older.
“Funding from the Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund Boulder County has allowed Cultivate to continue providing services in all five of our programs with no interruption,” says Chrysti Britt, Executive Director of Cultivate, a foundation grantee that’s focused on helping local seniors connect with their surrounding communities.
“Our Carry-Out Caravan grocery delivery has increased nearly 300% since the pandemic began in March, and those service levels have remained steady,” adds Chrysti. “Additional funding has allowed our staff to continue to serve and enroll clients with no waitlist for service.
“Now, more than ever, access to groceries and nutrition is critical for our most vulnerable populations while they are unable to safely leave their homes.”
According to Chrysti, “Social isolation and challenges accessing groceries, transportation, or home maintenance have always been present as people age. These concerns are currently compounded by the safety risk posed by COVID-19 – especially to our community’s senior population. The changes that we’re seeing underscore how vital Cultivate services are to our older adults.”
Chrysti further notes that “the world has now felt what our seniors face daily – isolation and limited access to daily necessities.
“People are realizing that those challenges do not only affect seniors, but also other populations – regardless of gender identity, race, languages spoken, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, marital status, and so on. As a result, Cultivate enrollments have certainly increased and diversified. Many new clients have found our services to be a critical necessity.”
She concludes, “Cultivate prides itself on being an inclusive organization, accepting all clients age 60 and older who need our services. As a result, we also continue to place new volunteers who have a new understanding of how much the seniors in our community need their commitment.”
Of note, select Cultivate programs have geographical boundaries, and transportation clients must be U.S. military veterans, or family members of veterans. Learn more about Cultivate myriad programs, also including SnowBusters and Fix-It.
Feedback from Cultivate clients speaks volumes
“Carry-Out Caravan has been absolutely wonderful. I can’t even tell you what a great experience it’s been. You’ve been a godsend. I never thought I'd need your service until they put us on lockdown, and now I don't know what I would have done without you!” ~Pat
“Thank you all at Cultivate! I appreciate the wonderful things you are doing for seniors. Many of us don't have a car to get out and shop, or family that could shop for us. You're so thoughtful and kind! ~Love, Teema
“I am so grateful for the help I’ve gotten from Cultivate. I’ve faced some health challenges in the last few years, and the YardBusters program has done for me what I’m unable to do for myself. Special shout-out to Doug, who got the group started here, made sure they had everything they needed, and went in fearless pursuit of the snake lurking in one of the shrubs. I am one lucky girl. A big thank-you to everyone.” ~Joyce
Your Community Foundation established the COVID-19 Response Fund Boulder County to ensure essential services for community members who find themselves at the intersection of being most vulnerable to the virus and most impacted by inequity. Learn more and consider donating.