Who We Are. What We Do. Why it Matters.

SRB: an Invaluable Community Partner

By Bette Erickson

On a warm and colorful autumn afternoon last month, a group of dedicated volunteers and one paid staffer sat around a table at the Eagle Trace Golf Course. The mix of men and women were discussing the recent successful results of their two signature fundraising events.

Each year, the third weekend of September, SRB hosts a Friday Golf Tournament and a Saturday Car Show alongside Broomfield Days.

The Senior Resources of Broomfield (SRB) Boardmembers came together that day at the golf club to debrief, as it were, and they learned that both events were a brilliant success.

When I decided not to seek re-election to the Broomfield City Council in 2019, several local Boards of Directors invited me to join. I chose SRB, not only because of the team, but because of its mission.

SRB’s focus is on improving the lives of Broomfield’s older adults. Although I spent my career teaching at the elementary grade school level and had insight into the needs in that community - there’s much funding and attention to and for youngsters. Our aging population seems to navigate this stage of life often alone and without knowledge of resources available to them.

SRB’s reach is broad and varied, and those on the Board of Directors and other volunteers with the organization want to make resource information known to the community, particularly our senior citizens.

Take, for instance, a home in Broomfield Heights First Filing neighborhood. It was one of First Filing’s original model homes built in 1960 or so. The homeowner and visitors, including a Meals on Wheels driver had become increasingly concerned about the sidewalk leading up to the front door. SRB, in particular Board President Ben Vagher, was alerted to the resident’s (a senior citizen) concrete sidewalk hazard and put into motion a way to solve the predicament.

The SRB Board of Directors from left to right: John Freeman, Bette Erickson, Kevin Townsend, Marie Roberts, Larry Cooper, Desirae Rose, SRB Board President Ben Vagher, Marge Fajardo, Linda Whittington, Sally Huffman, Jeanne Shreve and SRB Executive Director Teryl Fabry. Photo by Gerry Case.

Courtesy Photo

It goes without saying that SRB is a longstanding, valuable partner with the City and County of Broomfield and other important community organizations.

Broomfield Senior Services at the Broomfield Community Center (BCC) helps older adults navigate resources to support healthy aging and independence, including the areas of prevention, mental health, isolation, and other relevant concerns. Residents are provided resources and advocacy in making contact with appropriate agencies to meet individual needs. Follow up and evaluation are provided to ensure the individual is receiving the appropriate services. Access these resources and many more by calling Broomfield Senior Services at 303-464-5526.

Likewise, SRB offers meaningful services to seniors as well. Programs like Meals on Wheels, Project Homecoming which provides five free Meals on Wheels after a hospitalization, and Blizzard Bags for emergency food needs. In addition, SRB supports medical and dental special needs not covered by Medicare and offers a Caregiver Respite Program.

Did you know that SRB also stocks a Loan Closet of medical and mobility equipment at the BCC ? When I broke my foot five or so years ago while snowshoeing, it was SRB’s Loan Closet that supplied me with crutches.

Being a part of the SRB community creates for families and seniors a more vibrant and caring environment. And if we’re lucky, we’ll all get the opportunity and good fortune to grow old with a bit more comfort and care.

For more information about the non-profit 501(c) (3) services SRB provides to Broomfield residents, or to donate or volunteer, visit: www.SRBBroomfield.org.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.