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Broomfield Pals Program Brings Snow Shoveling, Yard Work to Residents in Need
By Kristen Beckman
For Broomfield residents who may need a helping hand with shoveling in the winter or yard work in the summer, the Broomfield Pals program has a solution.
The Broomfield Pals program was born during COVID-19 to serve seniors, especially those who were disproportionately isolated during the pandemic, said Melanie Ferraro, Broomfield’s community engagement specialist. The program quickly morphed into yard work and snow shoveling support, which were unmet needs in Broomfield at the time.
The Snow Pals program is entering its third season after it was launched two years ago for the ‘20-’21 winter season. While the program is geared toward seniors and individuals with disabilities, it is open to anyone who is physically unable to complete snow shoveling and yard chores at their homes.
Ferraro said the Broomfield Pals program is growing rapidly. This year, it received 65 applications for snow shoveling support, up from 52 last year and more than double the year before. Yard Pals volunteers provided 16 residents with regular yard work support, and ten residents with one-time, special project support.
“Last year, 28 volunteers provided snow shoveling assistance, many of whom shoveled for multiple Pals,” said Ferarro. “A couple of volunteers went above and beyond by shoveling for four Pals every snowfall! About 14 volunteers helped with Yard Pals this summer.”
The program needs more volunteers to meet the growing demand within Broomfield and is actively recruiting Snow Pals volunteers for this winter. To sign up and learn more, visit Broomfield.org/BroomfieldPals.
Snow Pals Volunteers are asked to stay in touch with their Pal throughout the winter and shovel their Pal’s walkways by noon of the day following the last snowfall, in compliance with Broomfield Municipal Code. The time commitment varies depending on how many Pals a volunteer decides to support and how often it snows. For both Yard and Snow Pals, there isn’t a strict age limit for volunteers. Ferraro said a number of families volunteer together as parents teach their kids the importance of giving back.
Yard Pals volunteers have a more flexible schedule with the option of matching with a Pal to provide regular yard work support in the summer (typically 1-2 times per month) or volunteering with one-time, special projects as they arise. Schedules are determined with their Pal. Common requests for support include lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, and leaf raking.
Once a match is made, volunteers give their Pals a call to introduce themselves and determine how they’d like to stay in contact moving forward. In some cases, this means the Pal calls the volunteer when they need assistance. In other cases, they set up a regular schedule or the volunteer just drops by every time it snows.
“Broomfield Pals builds connections between neighbors and creates a more resilient community,” said Ferraro. “For many, the impact goes far beyond helping folks remain compliant with municipal code. It ensures people are cared for. When it comes to snow removal, a shoveled walkway allows residents to safely enter and exit their homes to attend medical appointments, shop for groceries, and more.”
