Advisory board pushes for expanded outreach and Spanish-language programming at Longmont Senior Center

Members of the Longmont Senior Advisory Board discussed outreach as a cross‑cutting priority, recommending new working groups to increase participation among Spanish‑speaking seniors and other underrepresented groups.

Several board members urged a targeted outreach strategy. "We wanted to increase outreach to the senior committed community in general in Longmont, but a lot of it to the Spanish speaking community," a member said, noting that Spanish programs had been limited in the past. The board discussed creating an outreach working group that could support food security, housing and transportation efforts by spreading information and building trust.

Staff reported steps already taken: the center recently hired Valerie Rodriguez (staff) to develop Spanish programs and intentional outreach. Staff said Spanish programming and attendance have increased since Rodriguez's arrival and that the center aims to be intentional about culturally relevant content and Spanish‑speaking leaders for Spanish programs. The board discussed distributing magazines and program brochures through churches and partner organizations, and suggested providing a short script for receptionists who receive those materials so they can better promote programs to their communities.

Members proposed splitting outreach responsibilities to have brackets focused on Spanish‑speaking and non‑Spanish‑speaking audiences, and suggested creating a permanent outreach role or resource desk where residents could get information about programs and services. The board agreed to have staff and the outreach volunteers continue planning and to report progress at the next meeting.