Nonprofit Overcomes Flood Damage To Aid Local Seniors In Recovery
September 18, 2013 – Boulder, CO – Extensive flood damage destroyed Boulder County CareConnect’s (BCCC) new office beyond repair on Thursday night. With an outpouring of community support, BCCC is working to rstore services to local seniors and adults with disabilities.
BCCC, a 41-year-old nonprofit, coordinates volunteers to help over 2,500 local seniors in need and adults with disabilities, many of whom are isolated and home-bound. Since Thursday morning, BCCC has had to limit services provided to the community. BCCC’s office was located in Frasier Meadows Retirement Community’s assisted living facility. The building was evacuated late Thursday night under several feet of water, unbeknownst to BCCC leaders until Sunday morning. The organization spent only 8 weeks in the space, which Frasier generously donated. BCCC staff and dedicated volunteers have been working around the clock to move operations to a temporary office.
A generous outpouring of community support has ensured that BCCC can resume services as quickly as possible and can rise to meet increased need for flood recovery assistance. BCCC’s Executive Director, Emily Ditty, put out a call for temporary office space through Facebook and email on Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning staff were moving equipment into a former medical office generously donated by Boulder Community Hospital.
BCCC has the space for 8 weeks while looking for a long-term solution. “After we get on our feet we’ll find a new permanent home for BCCC. We’re so grateful that the commercial real estate community has compassionately come forward to help with this process,” said Ditty.
BCCC has also received an influx of volunteers and donations to meet increased needs. BCCC provides services for seniors and adults with disabilities, among them minor home repairs and yard cleanup. The organization will be expanding these programs to help clients whose homes were damaged in the flood. Other services include grocery delivery, and transportation to medical appointments.
BCCC has also been working for several months to roll out a new Financial Literacy service for senior and disabled clients. “A lot of people aren’t going to be able to recover from this flood financially. We’ll be able to offer long-term financial counseling to help clients get back on their feet and plan ahead,” said Ditty.
Staff and volunteers are currently calling clients to perform wellness checks and take requests for additional relief. For service requests, or volunteer interests, BCCC can best be reached by email at info@careconnectbc.org. Limited phone service is available by calling a temporary number: (720) 315-1762. Donations are encouraged at www.careconnectbc.org to help with long term flood recovery efforts.
