Dear Friends of Routt County Council on Aging (RCCOA)~
Routt County, like so many places, is experiencing a time of growth and change. While change can be difficult, growth is an exciting opportunity for improvement. According to data provided by a recent housing study and the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA), “Seniors now outnumber children in Routt County. The number of residents over the age of 65 in Routt County has grown by 158% since 2010.” RCCOA is planning, growing and changing to meet the needs of our community. Routt County needs a “Senior Center”, specific to the needs and services of Routt County older adults. In March of 2024 RCCOA launched a Capital Campaign, Building a Stronger Community For Older Adults, to secure a “Senior Center” in Routt County. Our services have grown, and we are adding new programs, but we continue to provide and improve on the services that have been the heart of our organization for more than 40 years; nutrition, transportation and socialization. Human beings are social creatures. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. Yet, in this day and age, many of us have limited face to face personal connections. One in four older adults live alone, according to the Meals on Wheels Association of America, and many of our local seniors live in the more rural areas of the county. RCCOA continues to offer a variety of ways to keep our clients connected and engaged. While there is a lot of “new” in our organization, I am proud of the continued dedication of the 23 hard working staff members, 74 amazing volunteers, 10 dedicated board members and 221 impactful donors who have supported us throughout the years. This exceptional team is the heart and soul caring for our aging neighbors. I am grateful to the leaders who recognized the needs of older adults and established RCCOA. I am honored to be a part of this growing community.
My best to you all,
Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. ~Benjamin Franklin
April Sigman, RCCOA Executive Director
A Client’s Perspective - Karen’s Gratitude
As a participant and fan of the RCCOA for 13 years, I have attended activities 2 to 4 times a week. RCCOA is a mainstay in my aging years. I made new friends which opened doors to a social aspect for me that I hadn’t explored in my earlier years. I found I was good at greeting new people and curious about their lives. “Community” was new to me - just a bigger neighborhood. I have an outing almost daily and friends to enjoy, connect and share with. RCCOA offers amazing fun programs, helpful information for health and positive, unbiased people caring and giving us their time and joining us in all the activities. Blessings and gratitude to all for making a happy place for aging well.
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