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(303)444-3967
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Golden West Foundation

Mission

The Golden West Foundation enhances the quality of life of the residents of Golden West Communities, Inc. 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.

What's New

Golden Expressions Art Show

The Golden Expressions (Golden West resident painting group) art show will be from July 5th to August 3rd. The artist reception will be on July 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Golden West. All framed pieces are $25 and all prints (8'X10') are $15. All proceeds will go towards a new art gallery hanging system and a new lighting system. You can view all of the paintings on the Foundation's Facebook page. For more information contact Susan Sullivan-Lefton at 303-939-0828.


Every picture tells a story: Local photographer, 95, keeps on shooting

By Cindy Sutter
Camera Staff Writer

What does it mean to be a photographer?

Here are three people describing the work and life of photographer Fran Hall, 95, who made nature films for the Audubon Society and Walt Disney, photographed an Airstream trailer caravan around the world, and recently published a photography book of double exposures.

“His stuff is just terrific,” says Joel Haertling, who has organized showings of Hall’s Audubon films at the Boulder Public Library.

“He certainly lived an interesting life. It’s one he created for himself,” says Fred Coldwell, who has written about Hall’s caravan photos in Airstream Quarterly.

“Even at 95 he’s still a leader in photography,” says Brian Biggs, printer at Mike’s Camera, which helped Hall put together his book.

Hall himself, puts it this way: “I’ve lived an interesting life.”

That life in photography began when a young Hall landed a job running a photo lab in Yellowstone Nation Park in the 1920s. Soon after, he landed a similar job working in the Grand Tetons. Biggs of Mike’s Camera is fond of Hall’s stories about landmark events such as how he hitchhiked to the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Go to http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=14429&uid=105353664243 to read the rest of the article about Fran, a Golden West resident.

E-Newsletter
Another way to stay in touch with us is to sign up for our e-newsletter. Our e-newsletter features the latest news from Golden West and links to resources. If you are interested in signing up, go to www.gwboulder.org/gwfound and click on "get more information." We will not share your information with any outside organizations, and it is easy to unsubscribe.

Executive director(s) Mr. John Torres
Tax ID number 74-2442944
Geographic areas served
Colorado, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Boulder

Financial graphs
Photos/Video

Click on a photo to view it full-size.

Statements

Impact Statement

In 2008, Golden West’s newest building, Flatirons Terrace, was completed. With the addition of the 54 apartments at Flatirons Terrace, Golden West now offers 309 independent living apartments as well as 56 assisted living apartments. All of the independent living apartments are available below market rate, and Medicaid payment is accepted for half of the assisted living apartments.

Another highlight for Golden West in 2008 was that the Denver Business Journal ranked the community among the top 25 retirement communities in the Denver Area. Golden West ranked sixth overall and was the highest ranked among Boulder retirement communities.

On September 1, 2009, the Golden West Foundation launched its first annual campaign—the Friends and Family Campaign. Although the Foundation currently raises more than $40,000 per year, the community has found that it’s facing pressing challenges that will require a much larger annual commitment. A committee of seven Golden West residents, along with the Foundation staff, created the Friends and Family Annual Campaign as a way to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing Golden West and to help create financial sustainability.

The goal of the campaign is $31,000, which will help fund four key areas at Golden West: rental and food assistance, assisted living services, wellness and other vital programs, and critical infrastructure improvements.

Needs Statement

Assisted Living Services
Golden West is one of only two retirement communities in Boulder offering assisted living to Medicaid-eligible seniors. Medicaid reimbursement does not cover the costs of providing care and services for residents.

Rental and Food Assistance
The majority of Golden West residents are in the low income bracket and some need help paying their rent or paying the full cost of the meal program.

Wellness and Other Vital Programs
As Golden West residents “age in place” there is more need for support, such as hearing equipment, eyeglasses, and walkers. There is also a need for scholarships for residents who cannot afford the monthly fee for the Wellness Center.

Critical Infrastructure Improvements
Golden West’s buildings are aging and the cost to keep them in good shape and safe are increasing.

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 four decade history:

1965
The Central Tower opens with 115 independent living apartments, a main dining room, and common areas on every floor

1970
The South Tower opens with 140 independent living apartments and common areas on every floor

1989
The Mezzanine opens with 56 assisted living apartments and common areas and dining rooms on every floor

1987
The Golden West Foundation is formed as a supporting organization for Golden West

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.

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

Executive Director Statement

John's statement coming soon!

Board Chair/President Statement

Golden West is the hidden jewel of housing opportunities for seniors in Boulder County. I have been involved with Golden West over the past five years on the Foundation Board of Directors and have been continually amazed at the sense of community and caring that can be found among the residents of Golden West. Not only does Golden West provide a unique niche in our community by offering housing to low and low middle income seniors, but is also one of two facilities in Boulder County which accepts Medicaid reimbursement for seniors requiring Assisted Living apartments. Many members of the Golden West community have lived there for years would not have it any other way. They regard their fellow residents and staff as family and enjoy the myriad of activities and cultural offerings that are a way of life at Golden West. I am proud to have the opportunity to help Golden West provide the high standard of living that our residents so richly deserve.

--Janet Lappen

Testimonials

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

“I became very depressed living in a condo by myself eating alone and trying to keep it up. So I began looking for a senior living facility. Checked out four or five and settled on Golden West. It was the best choice I could have made. I have enjoyed it immensely. My life has turned for the better.” –Resident Bob Gurtler

“The Wellness Center is awesome! I use it all time.” –Resident June Franchini