Neighbor Network just keeps on growing! From only one staff person in 2013, we have jumped all the way up to seven in 2018. And our staff isn't the only group in the organization that's growing. So far this year, we've added 104 clients and 83 volunteers. Our newest staff members will help us keep up the quality of our services, while increasing the amount of services provided. Let's welcome them!

​​Jillian Schell joins Neighbor Network as our new Transportation Manager, where she connects clients in need of rides to volunteer drivers. Jillian has a strong background in customer service, data management, and service scheduling; making her perfect for the job. She was drawn to Neighbor Network because she wanted to use her skills to help people needing assistance. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys reading, crocheting, playing guitar, and singing. In fact, she was the lead singer in a band that once opened for Leon Russell in Denver. Growing up in northern Colorado, Jillian is Neighbor Network’s only Colorado native.

​After spending a year as a volunteer driver, Shiloh joins the Neighbor Network staff as a Client Services Specialist. Shiloh feels that she has found her calling in helping our aging population and is excited to use her talents in a personal and meaningful way. In her spare time, she enjoys taking road trips with her family, attending air shows, going to comic conventions with her two sons, and sitting by a lake or campfire to read a good book.

Neighbor Network has a new service! Beginning in September, our van will be making a run between local senior apartments and the grocery store. For those who don't drive, getting to the store can become quite a difficult task. That's why we are offering a dependable grocery run every other week to people living in independent senior housing. We want to provide the opportunity for older people to socialize with peers, maintain regular nutrition, and improve their independence. The first run was immediately utilized and was a smashing success! We are so happy to be providing this service!

Neighbor Network is proud to announce that it has been chosen as one of the grant recipients from NextFifty Initiative, a Denver-based nonprofit foundation dedicated to funding innovative, mission-driven initiatives that improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. The funded project is the Aging Resource Center, which will be an expansion of the current Neighbor Network services. The Aging Resource Center will include volunteer services, resource navigation, and community education surrounding aging issues. An emphasis of the expansion will be Neighbor Network's outreach to the rural areas, ensuring that seniors in all areas of Douglas County are connected to resources.
 
“This funding allows our organization to take tangible steps in achieving our mission and provide long-term solutions to the aging communities we serve,” said Karie Erickson, Executive Director of Neighbor Network. “NextFifty Initiative’s support and partnership allows us to increase our impact by bringing resources to the rural areas and improving community knowledge about aging.”

 About NextFifty Initiative
NextFifty Initiative is an independent, Colorado-based, nonprofit organization. The organization was formed to create brighter, longer and healthier futures that unlock the potential of communities through an advanced grant making approach. Through this work, communities are positioned to fully benefit from the wisdom and diverse experiences of a thriving aging population. Our approach applies a multitude of lenses in funding high-yield aging solutions that benefit people age 50 and older. NextFifty Initiative focuses on both proactive and responsive grant making designed to support concepts, projects and innovations that will benefit generations for years to come.

“Neighbor Network was selected as one of the grant recipients because we see the potential in its mission to positively impact people in their second 50 years,” said Margaret Franckhauser, president and CEO of NextFifty Initiative. “We offer our congratulations for being selected and look forward to a strong partnership that brings progress and change.”
 
https://www.next50initiative.org/news/nextfifty-initiative-second-cycle-partners
 

This marked the first year of the Douglas County Seniors' Council hosting Vintage & Vibrant, a senior-focused event bringing information and resources to Douglas County residents. From Tai Chi basics to memory care robots, the full-day event was packed with interesting learning sessions and activities. Neighbor Network served as the fiscal sponsor for Vintage & Vibrant, and participated in its planning and execution. The Seniors' Council did an amazing job putting this event together and we look forward to many more years!

Neighbor Network is pleased to announce Kathryn Raper as our newest staff member. Kathryn will be working with our volunteers to coordinate services and provide ongoing training and support. We are so happy to have her to join the Neighbor Network team!
​
A Message From Kathryn:
​I am excited to be the new Volunteer Coordinator at Neighbor Network! I have spent most of my career in healthcare management and customer service industries. My passion is people and serving others. I have lived in Douglas County for the past 13 years with my husband and our two children. I enjoy all types of sporting activities- from cheering on my own kids, to coaching, or rooting for my beloved Chicago Cubs. I love the outdoors and relish every opportunity I get to explore God’s creation. I am looking forward to building and strengthening relationships in our community and joining the wonderful family that is Neighbor Network.

Welcome to Neighbor Network's new office! We have moved out of the Philip S. Miller county building and into our first-ever stand alone office. Our new building has a rich history and has been previously owned by a Douglas County Sheriff, two Town Marshalls, an owner of Sinclair Oil Company, a railroad operator, and a postmistress.
We want to use our new space to welcome clients, volunteers, and our community partners to visit in person. Sharing your experiences helps inform our work and improve services for all Douglas County seniors. Come see us sometime!
​
New Address: 104 Fourth Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Check out Executive Director, Karie Erickson's, most recent article in the Douglas County News-Press, where she discusses the transformation of Neighbor Network from a once small organization to the county's only nonprofit Aging Resource Center. "Just knowing there is a place to reach out to has made a significant impact on people's confidence level to remain in their homes and remain independent. Services help fill in the gaps many seniors are facing, and it's a peace of mind to know you have an available resource that specializes in senior services." Read the full article here.