NAS ensures rural, isolated mountain seniors remain healthy and active in the community. Please help us continue to provide nutritious social meals, physical fitness, foot care, intellectual stimulation, educational speaker programs, cultural outings, and volunteer connections and outreach.
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To assist senior citizens in enhancing their quality of life, enabling them to live a life of respect and honor. This includes operating a senior organization which plans, organizes and facilitates nutrition, education, recreation, socialization, transportation, and outreach programs as well as other such services for senior citizens living in the Nederland area.
Nederland Area Seniors was founded in the 1970s by senior citizens residing in the mountains of western Boulder County for the benefit of all mountain seniors in the Peak to Peak mountain area from Ward to Black Hawk and all the canyons connected to the Peak to Peak Highway. It began as an opportunity for rural isolated seniors to gather socially for a meal. The group soon recognized the need to bring a consistent program of nutrition, fitness, wellness, and cultural activities to all mountain seniors so they may remain self-sufficient, reside independently, and participate in the community for as long as possible.
The organization acquired nonprofit status in 1996 and was supported in its initial nonprofit years by the Town of Nederland, including a three-room Senior Center, program funding, and a staff of one full-time administrator with benefits and a part-time chef for meals. The town can no longer contribute financially, due to its own fiscal challenges, and we appreciate its in-kind support through meal site space. The NAS volunteer board now employs one Director full time and three to six part time assistants for office and kitchen functions.
Lunches are prepared twice weekly, along with monthly dinners and breakfasts/brunches at the Nederland Community Center, attracting over 400 attendees over age 60 throughout the year. Wellness programs for physical and mental health (fitness, writing, art, etc.) are offered before or after meals to encourage participation by rural seniors who travel many miles into town. Speakers educate at lunches/dinners and announcements inform participants of community events and volunteer connections. Cultural outings are well attended several times a month. Monthly foot care maintains senior mobility.
"The lunch program benefits me physically, socially, emotionally."
"I like the conversation and delicious, nutritious [meals], and good presentations."
"Lunch gives me a sense of belonging, meeting old friends, making new friends - hearing of upcoming events."
"Living alone makes this a very important social experience."
"It's a bright spot in my life."
"I eat a healthier diet now."
"Thank you for providing opportunities for people with disabilities to help."
"Sometimes seniors need to share the joy of their life."
"I wish it were five days a week."
"I hope it never ends and that more people will attend."
