Golden West Foundation

A nonprofit organization

It is the mission of Golden West Communities, Inc. to provide quality housing and related services to persons aged 62 and older in an environment that is supportive and beneficial to Golden West residents and the larger Boulder community.

Testimonials

As the CEO for the past 22 years, I am proud to say that Golden West is a unique senior living community in Boulder, CO. It's uniqueness stems from the fact that Golden West provides 40% of the affordable senior housing in Boulder; it is one of only two organizations that accepts Medicaid payment for assisted living; and it goes beyond shelter by providing services to residents. As a result, Golden West is important to the community because of who it serves, ensuring accessibility for low income people in a wealthy community and providing support for many families with older parents (grandparents).

The Golden West Foundation is a supporting organization for Golden West and raises funds to support resident life: subsidy for food; subsidy for rent; purchase of personal needs items for elders; and subsidy for wellness programs. The Foundation also funds various items such as outdoor furniture, seating areas and other amenities geared towards making life better for residents. The Foundation has some funds earmarked for staff seeking a college education. Without Golden West, the community would be devoid of a vital resource for low income elderly people.

--John Torres

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"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

Mission

Golden West Communities, Inc. enhances the quality of life of the residents of Golden West by providing financial support.

It is the mission of Golden West Communities, Inc. to provide quality housing and related services to persons aged 62 and older in an environment that is supportive and beneficial to Golden West residents and the larger Boulder community.

"Making a difference in the life of seniors"

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 four buildings: the Central Tower, the South Tower, the Mezzanine, and Flatirons Terrace. 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

2006

Flatirons Terrace opens with 54 independent living apartments, a main dining room, and common areas on every floor

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.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Golden West Foundation

other names

First Christian Manor

Year Established

1986

Tax id (EIN)

74-2442944

Category

Housing & Shelter

Address

1055 Adams Circle
Boulder, CO 80303

Service areas

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

3034443967

Other

303-444-3967

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