--- title: Senior Connections Granted $18,000 for 2027 description: Senior Connections awarded 2027 grant image: https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/hubfs/20261009%20check%20photo%20Brooke%20Cheryl%20Bernie%20web3.jpg --- [![lcmc\_endowment\_fund-Horz-Full Color](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/lcmc_endowment_fund-Horz-Full%20Color.png?width=200&height=99&name=lcmc_endowment_fund-Horz-Full%20Color.png "lcmc_endowment_fund-Horz-Full Color")](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/) - [About Us](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Grant Program](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/grant-program) - [Board of Directors](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/board-of-directors) - [Our Impact](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact) - [FAQ](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/faq) - [Contact Us](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/contact-us) - [About Us](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Grant Program](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/grant-program) - [Board of Directors](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/board-of-directors) - [Our Impact](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact) - [FAQ](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/faq) - [Contact Us](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/contact-us) [Donate](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/ways-to-give) # Senior Connections Granted $18,000 for 2027 October 9, 2026 - The Lake City Medical Center (LCMC) Endowment Fund Board awarded a grant of $18,000 to the Lake City Senior Connections (SC) program at their October 1, 2026 quarterly meeting. The grant provides funding for the senior meals program and other SC expenses in 2027. The Senior Connections program is led by Committee Chair Cheryl Tate and Senior Resource Coordinator Brooke Jones of the Silver Thread Public Health District (Public Health). Their vision and work, together with an extensive cadre of other partners and volunteers, has established the program as an institution in Lake City for senior citizen health, independence, and social connectivity since launching in early 2024. Public Health Director Dr. Joni Adelman observed that "with this generous $18,000 grant, Lake City Senior Connections can expand vital programs that combat isolation and improve daily life for our local seniors. We are incredibly thankful for the support of our aging community." 2027 will be the third year of Endowment support to the program that is becoming a model for community senior citizen support. Senior Connections was also recognized as Lake City “Organization of the Year” in 2025. Greg Olson, Endowment Board and Lake Fork Health Service District Board member, said “Supporting Senior Connections is an investment in the health and independence of our older adults. These meals and activities give people regular opportunities to connect, stay active, and build relationships. That is a meaningful way for the Endowment to put our donors’ generosity to work here in Lake City.” **Tate Reports on 2026 Activities and 2027 Plans** At the Endowment Board meeting, Cheryl reviewed the Senior Connections 2026 program activities, 2027 funding proposal, future event plans, and status of outreach to other Lake City and Colorado foundations. SC Committee Chair and tireless visionary, Tate shared that "In early 2024, Senior Connections was born by a small grassroots group to address the needs of our Seniors, the largest demographic in Lake City and Hinsdale County. We began with zero dollars.” “Today, 2 years later, we are a vibrant, active and ever-growing organization under Public Health and led by Brooke Jones, our amazing Senior Coordinator. Our program has even drawn national attention.” “Because no other grant covers food, the Endowment has been our major provider for Senior lunches and other related food activities. These services help fight isolation and promote socialization. For 2027, the Board has generously increased the amount allowing us to expand our lunch and food-related programs. We thank the Endowment for their support and believing in us. We will continue to grow to address and meet the needs of our Seniors." **What Does the Senior Connections Program Do** Since September, 2025, SC has provided over 1600 nutritious meals. The senior lunches are the cornerstone of the program and are held twice monthly year-round. They provide an opportunity to gather, connect, and reduce social isolation. The lunches average 65 participants and at times over 100 at each meal. **Fitness Programs** Senior Connections supports healthy, independent living through twice-weekly, year-round Silver Sneakers classes and weekly Walking Strong outings during the summer. Through the efforts of SC, Memorial Park now features a new outdoor fitness circuit with five exercise stations along the walking path. The circuit is free, accessible, and available year-round for residents and visitors of all ages. **Activities and Special Events** Since September, 2025, SC has hosted 33 special events, including educational presentations, arts and crafts, movie matinees, healthy aging programs, and seasonal celebrations. Topics have ranged from watercolors and regional history to wildfire preparedness and sleep apnea. **Resources and Support** Throughout the year, SC distributes caregiver resources and information, connects older adults with transportation, respite care, and other support services through community partners. Brooke Jones, Public Health Senior Resource Coordinator added that “the Endowment Board’s generosity helps create something that can’t always be measured in numbers – the feeling of belonging. Every meal, activity, and gathering gives our older adults another reason to get out, connect with others, and know that their community cares about them.” **The Program Volunteers and Partners** Program volunteers provide the horsepower to make the events happen. The core volunteer group includes Cheryl, Lori Lawrence, Rick Hernandez, Mary Nettleton, Marcia Carl, Malinda McDonald, Judy Grey, Lynn Hudgeons, Debbie Payne, and Larry Iiams. Meal planning and preparation are provided by Anne Marshall with help from Sue Brix and other meal volunteers. Many others also provide volunteer support from time to time and are too numerous to name. Other community partners provide funding, discounts, and support. They include the Country Store, Town of Lake City, Hinsdale County, Region 10, Mountaineer Theatre, Refuge Roasters, Matterhorn Motel, San Juan Solstice, Sportsman’s BBQ, Cabin Fever Mercantile, San Juan Soda Co., Lake City DIRT, Lake City Fire Department, Lake City Community School, and Lake City Area Medical Center. Other grant financial support is provided by Next50 Foundation, Pioneer Jubilee Women’s Club, Tri-County Health Network, Lake Fork Community Foundation, San Juan Solstice, El Pomar, Colorado Common Grant, Matterhorn Motel, and the always appreciated private donations. **Where Can I Learn More About Events and Schedules?** More information on Senior Connections programs can be found on the Public Health website [www.silverthreadpublichealth.org](http://www.silverthreadpublichealth.org) under the Senior Connections tab or on Facebook at “Lake City Senior Connections.” **The Endowment Putting Donor Money to Work** Endowment Board President Bernie Krystyniak said “we look for ways to provide the highest and best benefit possible for our donors in advancing healthcare in Lake City. Everything about the Senior Connections program demonstrates that we have picked a winner in putting the donation money to work.” “Senior Connections has great vision, leadership, organization, hard work, and volunteers combined to result in a tremendous outcome. This is one of the finest healthcare community programs I have seen, maybe the best ever!” The Endowment Board includes Marcia Carl, Linda Downs (Secretary), Dr. Joni Adelman (Public Health Representative), David Jepsen (EMS Representative), Malinda McDonald, Sarah Moody, Greg Olson (Health District Representative), Cindy Rae (Vice President), and Bernie Krystyniak (President and Treasurer). The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) established in 1996 with the Mission of supporting quality health care delivery in Lake City through supported organizations Lake Fork Health Service District, Silver Thread Public Health District, and Hinsdale County EMS. More information can be found on their website at [www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org](http://www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org).   [Download the article](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/hubfs/20261009%20Endowment%20Grant%20to%20Senior%20Connections.pdf) Share this article: - - - - - [mailto:?subject='https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact/senior-connections-granted-18000-for-2027'](mailto:?subject='https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact/senior-connections-granted-18000-for-2027') ## Read On [![](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Graphic.jpg?width=352&name=Blog-Graphic.jpg)](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact/benefield-and-mourning-donate) ### [Benefield and Mourning Donate](https://www.lcmcendowmentfund.org/our-impact/benefield-and-mourning-donate) July 29, 2026 - On July 4, Dr. Dennis Mourning of San Juan Ranch Estates donated a 2013 Polaris 550... 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