Aging Resources of Douglas County

Background Statement

A Message from Executive Director Karie Erickson

Twenty years ago, my grandparents were growing older in Southern California, and I was a young mother living in Denver. I so wanted to be part of their daily care, to be there for them as they always were for me. It was really hard to be so far away and not be able to help with the little things that make such a difference as we age.

One morning, I woke up with a thought that would change the direction of my life: “If I can't help my grandma, I will help a grandma.”

And thus began the story of Aging Resources of Douglas County.

In 2008, I began helping a few older adults in our community by providing rides, help in their home, and friendly phone calls. Even then, I could see a need for something much bigger.

In 2014, I found a fiscal sponsor so we could apply for grants and accept donations. Successful grant funding allowed me to hire staff and expand services. Later, we became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and adopted the name Aging Resources of Douglas County—a name that reflects our commitment to older adults throughout the county.

We have grown from helping those three clients to serving approximately 1,500 older adults and providing over 1,000 rides each month. What began as a simple desire to help a grandmother has become a vital community resource. Through every stage of that growth, our mission has remained the same: to empower older adults to age with independence.

Because isn't that what we all want?

Now, we are beginning another exciting chapter as we move from the little white house that has served us so well into our new, 4,600-square-foot home at 410 S. Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.

This new space will allow us to do more of what our community has asked for. Private meeting areas will give older adults and their families a comfortable place to share their needs. Our new educational and gathering spaces will bring generations together for programs, creative activities, and opportunities to build friendships. We will also be developing support groups to address some of the challenges older adults and their families face, including grief and loss, caregiver support, and dementia support. The new building will also create opportunities for partnerships with other organizations serving older adults.

Our vision is of a community that supports residents throughout their aging journey, where every older person's voice is heard, valued, and respected. This new building allows us to bring that vision to life in ways we simply couldn't before.

This Colorado Gives Day, I'm asking you to help us make this new chapter possible. A gift to our New Building Campaign will help us create welcoming spaces for older adults to find support, build friendships, and stay connected to their community. Every gift, no matter the size, will help us make this new building a place where older adults and their families feel welcome, supported, and valued.

After all these years, I am still inspired to come to work every day. That inspiration comes from the older adults we serve, the volunteers who give so generously of themselves, and supporters like you who make each new chapter possible.

Twenty years ago, I simply wanted to help a grandma. Today, thanks to this community, we have the privilege of helping thousands of older adults and their families.

Thank you for being part of our story—and our future.

Kind Wishes,

Karie Erickson