Golden West Communities, Inc.

A nonprofit organization

Giving back to our community's elders is a win-win situation; seniors benefit by continuing to lead a full, healthy life while aging in place, and our donors benefit from knowing they've made a difference in the lives of Boulder's seniors.

Testimonials

"I love that the employees at Golden West are always smiling and available and willing to help." - Resident Mary Dawn Brazee

"The Wellness Center is awesome! I use it all time." - Resident June Franchini

Elizabeth has been using the Wellness Center for five years. In 2008, Elizabeth had an aortic dissection. As soon as she healed, she went to the Wellness Center because she missed using it, having gone there three times a week before her surgery. An MBF specialist set up a new, less vigorous routine for her. When she started her new routine at the Wellness Center, Elizabeth was on oxygen full-time, but now she only uses oxygen at night and when she goes for long walks. Elizabeth especially enjoys walking around the CU campus. - Elizabeth

Lois' mother Margaret lived at Golden West Senior Living more than thirty years ago, and now Lois has been here for years. It was a good choice for both of them, but with a big difference - people are living a lot longer now. Back when this was Margaret's home, most residents were in their sixties or early seventies. Now, at age 79, Lois is considered part of the "younger crowd." Variety has been added to her happy life by friendships not only with her peers but also with active, accomplished people in their eighties and nineties who have seen many interesting changes during their long lifetimes. Lois says she admires the Golden West staff for the hard work they put into keeping pace with the changes here by providing a wide variety of activities and varying levels of support for all of the Golden West community. - Lois

Take a look at our testimonial page to hear more from our residents: https://www.gwboulder.org/testimonials/

Mission

Golden West's mission is to give hope to seniors by providing an affordable home in Boulder.

The Golden West Foundation was formed as a separate nonprofit organization in 1986 to enhance the lives of Golden West residents and support their ability to remain at Golden West if their resources became scarce. The Foundation has provided many types of support for residents, including wellness program funding, rent subsidy, purchasing equipment for residents with impaired vision and hearing, and furnishing common areas in Golden West.

Background Statement

Golden West was founded and built by the First Christian Church of Boulder with planning that began in 1961. The retirement community consists of three buildings: the Central Tower, the South Tower, the Mezzanine. Below are some highlights in Golden West's five decade history:

1965

The 11-story Central Tower opens with 154 affordable independent living apartments, a main dining room, and common areas on every floor

1971

With a greater need for more affordable housing for seniors, Golden West builds the South Tower with 140 more independent living apartments and common areas on every floor

1986

The Golden West Foundation is formed as a supporting organization for Golden West to enhance the lives of residents and support their ability to remain in our senior living program if their resources became scare.

1989

The Mezzanine opens with 56 new assisted living apartments and common areas and dining rooms on every floor specifically designed for those who need more assistance and support

2003

The Golden West Foundation begins raising money for the Endowment Fund, the purpose of which is to provide a permanent source of revenue for the Foundation and thereby help ensure the continued success of Golden West.

The Wellness Center, an in-house fitness center supervised by an exercise physiologist, opens in the Central Tower

2008

The formal and legal relationship with First Christian Manor and Golden West ends. The board of directors changes the community's name from First Christian Manor, Inc. to Golden West Communities, Inc.

2015

Golden West celebrates its 50th Anniversary of providing a supportive and caring community for low income seniors through the Annual Friends and Family Campaign.

2017

Golden West is awarded a Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. Because Golden West offers about 40% of all affordable senior apartments in Boulder, and its commitment to the mission, resources from the tax credit will be used to help maintain and renovate its buildings, raise equity, and strengthen the community's sustainability well into the future.

2020

In addition to implementing strict safety regulations that protect residents and staff from COVID-19, Golden West begins the planned renovations to improve the community for years to come.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Golden West Communities, Inc.

other names

First Christian Manor

Tax id (EIN)

84-0526484

Category

Housing & Shelter

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

1055 Adams Circle
Boulder, CO 80303

Service areas

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

303-444-3967

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