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Douglas County recognizes $1.5 million in grants for older-adult services
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners recognized six organizations receiving $1.5 million in Older Adult Initiative grant awards to support transportation, housing, in‑home services and information access for residents 60 and older.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on July 22 recognized six local organizations awarded a combined $1,500,000 through the county’s Older Adult Initiative to support projects serving residents age 60 and older.
The grants, the board said, were funded from accrued interest on local American Rescue Plan Act funds and were approved by the board on May 19 following review and endorsement by the Older Adult Initiative executive committee. County staff said the awards support 17 projects addressing the OAI priorities of transportation, housing, in‑home services and access to information and resources.
Jennifer D’Ambrosio, community services staff, told the board the OAI launched in 2023 as a collaborative, community‑driven forum for identifying needs among older adults in Douglas County. She listed the organizations recognized by the board: Aging Resources of Douglas County; Castle Rock Senior Activity Center; Douglas County Housing Partnership; Brothers Redevelopment; Nourish Meals on Wheels; and the Early Childhood Service Corps.
Representatives of the awardees addressed the board. Carrie Erickson of Aging Resources of Douglas County said the local funds will help residents “age with respect and dignity” and give older adults another stream of support to remain in their homes longer. Jason McCullough, director of home modification and repair programs at Brothers Redevelopment, said the funding will reduce fall risks and senior isolation. Steve Lockwood, a volunteer at the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center, said the center provides roughly 1,000 member rides per month and hundreds of monthly activities to keep seniors active. Maria Chano, executive director of Douglas County Housing Partnership, said the award will fund a housing navigator and data collection on housing needs. Diane Smith, representing the Early Childhood Service Corps, thanked the board for funding training that will equip older adults to work with young children. Sue Palmer, a Nourish Meals on Wheels board volunteer, said the program began deliveries in Douglas County last February and called food “medicine.”
Commissioners praised the initiative’s outreach and earlier town hall on older‑adult needs. Commissioner Van Winkle and other board members emphasized transportation and peer support as recurring priorities heard during public engagement, and said the current awards represent near‑term steps as staff and the executive committee continue planning mid‑ and long‑term efforts.
No formal vote or additional funding request was taken during the recognition. The board invited grant recipients forward for a group photo to commemorate the awards.
