Aging should never mean aging alone. For many seniors in the Platte Canyon area, finding resources, staying connected, and navigating the challenges of aging can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Seniors Alliance of Platte Canyon (SAPC) steps in—offering support, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to older adults in our community.

Founded in 2019, SAPC was created to fill a crucial gap in services for seniors on the east side of Kenosha Pass. While the Park County Senior Coalition theoretically serves the entire county, many seniors in the Bailey area lacked local support. Recognizing this need, a dedicated group of individuals came together with a vision to ensure that every senior in the Platte Canyon area has a place to access resources and support to promote healthy aging.

Mission & Vision

SAPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through advocacy, education, socialization, and connection to essential resources. Their mission is clear: to connect seniors with the support they need while fostering a community where aging is embraced, not feared. They firmly believe that all seniors deserve access to a quality of life that sustains their health and well-being.

In the last 3 years alone, 728 people have reached out to SAPC for support, demonstrating the critical role they play in the community.

What They Do

SAPC operates on four key pillars: Advocacy, Socialization, Education, and Resources.

1. Advocacy: SAPC amplifies the voices of seniors by participating in legislative meetings and local government discussions. They were instrumental in supporting initiatives and proposals such as the formation of the Platte Canyon Health Services District and bringing the Stride Mobile Health Clinic to Bailey, and continue to fight for better access for seniors to healthcare and emergency services.
   
   
2. Socialization: Isolation is a major challenge for many seniors, and SAPC actively works to combat loneliness. They host events like an annual Ice Cream Social in July, where seniors and their families can gather for fun and friendship. Their Card Making, Carols & Cookies event, which recently partnered with Fitzsimmons Middle School, created a heartwarming intergenerational holiday gathering. They are launching knitting classes and more.
   
   
3. Education: Knowledge is power, and SAPC empowers seniors with the information they need to thrive. Their emergency preparedness program through (FAB - Fire Adapted Bailey) helps seniors develop evacuation plans, while their technology education initiatives teach older adults how to record doctor visits on their phones and access free online classes through CSU Extension.
   
   
4. Resources: SAPC is a vital connector, guiding seniors to essential services for food, heating assistance, and home maintenance. Through partnerships with organizations like the Department of Human Services, Park County Senior Coalition, LifeBridge, Mountain Resource Center, Mt Evans Home and Healthcare and more, they ensure no senior is left behind. One of their most impactful programs provides electric blankets and space heaters to seniors struggling to stay warm during the harsh Colorado winters.

The Nurse Lending Closet: A Lifeline for Many

SAPC also runs the Nurse Lending Closet, a program that provides free medical equipment such as walkers, canes, raised toilets, wheelchairs, scooters, ice machines and more. This service at times even extends beyond seniors—it has aided high school athletes recovering from injuries, individuals across the region, and even those as far as Evergreen and Pueblo who heard about the program.

Since 2022, SAPC has lent out 172 medical equipment items to 111 people in need.

Community Outreach and Events

SAPC hosts social and educational events to help seniors stay engaged and informed. They also collaborate with organizations like Public Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Park County Senior Coalition to ensure community members have access to the resources they need.

Office & Volunteer Support 

Establishing a physical office space has been a major milestone for the Alliance, giving the community a dedicated place to seek information and assistance. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with more than 2,000 recorded volunteer hours in the past year—though the true number is likely much higher.

Expanding Their Reach

SAPC is currently working on an updated Senior Resource Directory, which will be available online in March. This guide will offer comprehensive information on available services, helping seniors navigate challenges more efficiently.

Challenges & How You Can Help

Like many grassroots organizations, funding remains one of SAPC’s biggest challenges. As a fully volunteer-run nonprofit, they rely on community support, grants, and donations to keep their programs running. Their primary fundraiser, the Gold Rush Fever event, is held on the third Saturday of September and features a barbecue dinner, live music, dance, and a silent auction. They are also working to qualify for Colorado Gives Day to increase their fundraising opportunities. You can make a direct donation at https://seniorsalliance.org/donate

In 2023, SAPC played a key role in helping to launch a nonprofit collaboration initiative, bringing local nonprofit organizations together to share resources, improve grant-writing success, and secure better insurance rates for board members. Together, they are exploring additional funding and support opportunities.

Be a Part of the Mission

The Seniors Alliance of Platte Canyon is more than an organization—it’s a lifeline, a support system, and a family for the seniors in our community. But they can’t do it alone. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, you can make a difference in the lives of local seniors.

By remaining flexible, responsive, and deeply committed to the community, the Seniors Alliance of Platte Canyon continues to fill critical gaps in senior services, ensuring that no one is left behind due to age or financial limitations.

To gain deeper insight into SAPC’s impact, I had the opportunity to interview Patty Lucy, President of the Board of Directors, and hear valuable input from many board members during a recent board meeting. Their passion for supporting local seniors was evident in every conversation, reinforcing how vital this organization is to the Platte Canyon community.

To support SAPC, visit their office at 83 Main Street in Bailey, connect online, or consider making a donation through their website.

Together, we can ensure that no senior in our community faces aging alone.