Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Boulder County Housing and Human Services representatives set up their booths in the Nederland Community Center at the same time that the 9Health Fair was taking place in the gym. One could get their blood drawn for testing and then receive a bag of food to take home.

Lisa Quaanbeck, the eligibility technician, talked to people about their finances and offered advice on what services were available according to one’s income.

Becky Thelen, a Housing and Financial Counselor, was available to help people gain control of their money, learn how to save money and reduce their debt. She says most people could reduce their debt by 58 percent within three months of meeting with a financial counselor, whose services are free. This can lead to a 38 percent improvement in their credit.

Thelen said the agency can also help with student loans repayment programs and a home buying process.

Senior Reach was on hand to let people know that there is assistance for adults 60 and over to support aging in place, to help seniors meet the challenges of staying in their own home. This free program also provides short term counseling and case management for depression, anxiety, grief or trauma.

Bank On Boulder County information was offered; the program that offers alternative identification, no possibility of overdraft fees and a $0 minimum balance.

The Nederland Food Pantry had a table set up with a large number of bags filled with food intended to help local families enjoy the upcoming holiday season with the basics for a healthy dinner.

The food pantry was also open as well as the free clothing store, adding to the donations bounty of those who visited the community center. This is the time of year when Nederland and Boulder Country get together to help the families that could use a little extra joy as they gather for dinner over the holidays.

(Originally published in the November 16, 2017 print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)