Susan Kelly, Nederland. Once upon a time, Mountain Peak Life was a thriving program of the nonprofit Nederland Area Seniors (NAS). Mountain seniors attended lunches, dinners, pancake breakfasts, guest speakers, and other special events which had been organized specifically to help them with the community and each other. When Covid-19 appeared, these face-to-face gatherings came to a screeching halt. Then what? 

Good news! Under the enthusiastic leadership of Director Nicole Cavalino, Mountain Peak Life has shifted gears and is servicing more seniors than ever before. 

The primary source of funding for the Nederland Area Senior meal delivery program has been through the generosity of Boulder Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) grants, Boulder County Community Foundation COVID response grants, other non-profit organizations and individual community donations. In April 2020 in response to the identified need for a meal delivery program for older adults, Director Cavalino requested additional funding from BCAAA to continue serving the older adult mountain communities through August; NAS was awarded $127,200 in additional funding from that request. Further funding to continue delivery service throughout the winter has already been requested. Private community donations, ranging from $5 to $20,000, have also been received and have greatly contributed to the program’s sustainability and success. 

Mountain Peak Life is now serving approximately 1800 nutritious meals to 92 seniors each month, and the number is expected to increase. Frozen meals are delivered in microwave safe containers, making them easy to prepare. They are delicious, homemade, and contain no preservatives. Approved by Boulder County nutritionists, each meal contains a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and fruit juice or milk. Plus, gluten free or vegetarian options are also offered. Deliveries are made on Mondays and Fridays to individuals from Ward, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Nederland, Rollinsville, Coal Creek Canyon and areas of Gilpin County. Dedicated volunteers, including two retired registered nurses, not only deliver meals, but also build trusting relationships with each client.

The success of Mountain Peak Life during Covid-19 is directly related to its outstanding team: Nicole Cavalino, director, newly hired Reba Mitchell, administrative assistant; Patricia Graves, head chef; and Sue Leto, kitchen assistant. This team has built long-lasting partnerships with the Nederland Food Pantry, the Nederland Community Library, Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, the Town Hall, and the Fire and Police Departments (to name a few) so that all individuals who need help are identified and offered services. As a mountain community during Covid-19, the good news is that there has been a blossoming of community support and vigilance to help our neighbors. 

More good news! Anyone 60 and older who lives in the Peak to Peak region and is choosing to stay home to stay safe is eligible for meal delivery, regardless of income. Most recipients contribute a $5.00 donation, but that is optional with no questions asked. Yes, our seniors are strong, resilient mountain men and women, and some are resistant to receive any kind of assistance. But seriously, who can resist heartfelt, nutritious, homemade meals delivered to your doorstep? 

To learn more about this program, or to sign up yourself or a neighbor, contact Nicole Cavalino at mountainpeaklife.nas@gmail.com or 303-258-0799. Covid or no Covid, Mountain Peak Life is determined to enhance living in the mountains, especially for our growing senior population. Congratulations for the good news and a job well done!

(Originally published in the July 16, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)