FRIENDS OF THE LONGMONT SENIOR CENTER INC
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Mission Statement
To support, foster interest in and promote the programs, activities and capabilities of the Longmont Senior Center for older adults. Since 1981, the Friends have provided over $1 million in support of the Longmont Senior Center to insure that quality programs and services are available to all of Longmont’s older adults and their families. Michele Waite, Senior Services Manager states; ”It is only with the support of the Friends that the Senior Center is able to reach out and serve an incredible number of older adults and provide such an extensive variety and amount of programs and services.” The Friends of the Longmont Senior Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was created to enhance community awareness and support of the Longmont Senior Center and its many activities. Individuals may learn more about the Friends of the Longmont Senior Center by going to www.FriendsLongmont.org
About This Cause
The Friends of the Longmont Senior Center, Inc. was created in 1981 to enhance community awareness and support of the Longmont Senior Center. As the city has grown, so has the number and need for programs and services for Longmont’s older adults. Longmont’s population of 55 and older is now 21.7% of the total population and will continue to increase for years. The Friends have stepped up with more funding, but only because of the committed support of our Friends’ member donors. A vibrant mixture of programs, trips, classes and supportive services are offered to over 8,000 monthly visitors to the Senior Center. Opportunities for developing new skills, exchanging ideas, and sharing expertise enrich the lives of older adults and the Friends are honored to be able to fulfill their Mission and help support the costs for these activities and services and the facility itself. The largest single area of annual support the Friends have funded over the years has been in providing scholarships to those older adults who may not otherwise be able to participate. In 2012, a second scholarship opportunity was established to encourage participation in exercise programs. The Friends Board now annually funds $300 per year per person for dozens of low-income older adults, $150 for general classes and programming and an additional $150 annually for participation in certain exercise and wellness classes. Another major area the Friends have funded since late 2001 has been collaborating with various community and county agencies to provide support to low-income older adults with critical needs. In these difficult times, the Friends have continually increased their support to this program to over $6,000 annually. In 2004, Senior Services staff came to the Friends Board requesting support for Latino Outreach activities. One outcome of this request was the creation of the Bailes de Mi Tierra dance group. The Friends purchased the beautiful costumes that the dancers wear and have provided additional support as needed. In 2014 the dancers performed at 36 events (a new record) as great ambassadors who help raise awareness of the many services and opportunities provided by the Longmont Senior Center. The Friends have been able to fully fund or assist with the areas identified above and many other worthy causes such as Cultural Enrichment Programs, Friday Afternoon Concerts, audio/visual equipment, furniture and building improvements to name a few. The Friends recently unveiled new donor recognition artwork in the lobby which recognizes donors and donation levels and we redesigned our website; www.friendslongmont.org. As stewards of your donations and in planning for the future, the Friends continue to look for innovative ways to help expand our fundraising. Donations can be made in honor of a special event such as a birthday or anniversary or through gifts in memory of someone or through bequests or estate gifts. The Friends are committed to help support the Senior Center actions to reach out and serve Longmont’s older adults by providing an extensive variety and amount of programs and services and thank you for your interest in sharing that commitment. History of the Friends of the Longmont Senior Center, Inc. The Friends of the Longmont Senior Center, Inc. was incorporated in 1981 as a Colorado non-profit corporation and registered as a 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service in 1983. In the early years donations were few and little marketing was conducted. Soon two annual fundraising events were held which increased the donation base. Silent Auctions 1985 - 1988, Tennis Tournaments 1985 – 1988, Thursday Night Dances 1990 – 1996 and Generations Golf Tournaments 1987 – 2000 brought in funds and provided exposure of the Friends to the broader community. In 1985 with the opening of the Twin Peaks Mall, the Friends sponsored the Information Booth which included the stroller rental and copying services for mall customers. This generated approximately $10,000 in income to the Friends. Eventually the Mall took over this service in 1997. The Friends then began an annual solicitation campaign in 1993 and have continued this practice as their primary method of fundraising. In 1987 the Friends promoted and spearheaded a major expansion by raising $350,000 for a 1986-88 expansion of the Senior Center. Over 4,000 square feet for a home delivery kitchen, offices, daily lunch dining area, health clinic, and a volunteer services office were added. In 2001 the Friends also supported a major renovation and expansion of the Senior Center contributing over $75,000 in enhancements to this city funded project. And recently in 2013 the Friends contributed $10,000 toward a minor expansion of the commercial kitchen area at the Senior Center and have set aside $100,000 for planned renovation of an east side retired fire station to be used for Senior Center activities. Four significant gifts have been received since 2005 which have greatly increased the assets of the Friends. These gifts were $450,000 from Ed and Anabel Friesen, $210,000 from Larry and Viola Canfield, $85,000 from Don and Wilda Inman and $43,700 from Rex and Wilma Carnes. These funds combined with the generous support of annual donors and those who give in memory or in honor of others have allowed the Friends to greatly increase their support to the Longmont Senior Center. Since their founding, the Friends have donated over $1,000,000 to support Longmont Seniors in the following prioritized areas: • Facility Enhancements – building modifications, equipment and furnishings for the facility. • Promoting Social & Civic Engagement – outreach, cultural programs and volunteer support. • Optimizing Health and Wellbeing – low-income scholarships & health support programs. • Addressing Basic Needs – emergency assistance as recommended by staff. • Maximize Independence & Support for Caregivers – support programs and information for caregivers