Northwest Colorado Health is marking two major milestones this week: The first anniversary of its ownership of Casey’s Pond senior living community and the launch of a new $3 million Home Services Campaign to support senior care programs across the Yampa Valley, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

Casey’s Pond was on the brink of closure in mid-2024, threatening to displace many seniors. Thanks to a rapid fundraising effort led by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, along with backing from the city of Steamboat Springs, Routt County and hundreds of private donors, Northwest Colorado Health finalized the purchase, effectively saving the facility and preventing residents from having to find alternative homes. 

Now, one year later, Casey’s Pond is flourishing with full occupancy and a waitlist — as is The Haven Assisted Living, Northwest Colorado Health’s other senior living facility — demonstrating the strong local demand for assisted and independent living units. 

“We are so grateful for the support our community provided in helping save Casey’s Pond,” said Northwest Colorado Health CEO Steph Einfeld in the statement. “Casey’s Pond is not just surviving — it is thriving thanks to our staff, residents and the generosity of this community.”

At the same time, the organization is launching a three-year campaign to raise $3 million to sustain and expand vital services including home health and hospice care, which help older adults remain in their homes throughout Routt and Moffat counties.

The new Home Services Campaign targets growing demand for home-based senior care across the Yampa Valley. Northwest Colorado Health is the only provider of home health and hospice in the region, delivering over 10,000 visits annually to more than 300 patients regardless of their ability to pay. 

These programs, however, operate with a nearly $1 million annual loss due to low government reimbursements and high care costs. The campaign aims to raise funds to close that gap in the next three years, ensuring continued access to essential services that allow seniors to stay in their communities and “age in place.” 

“Home health and hospice are critical services in the Yampa Valley,” said Einfeld in the statement. “When Casey’s Pond and The Haven are full, these programs allow residents to remain here at home. Without them, many would be forced to seek care in Denver or Grand Junction.”

The campaign launch comes after Einfeld’s plea to local officials for sustainable funding options to support home health and hospice services earlier this year. Einfeld urged Routt County commissioners to consider a property tax mill levy or other forms of public funding as a long-term solution to the organization’s growing deficit. 

Despite the urgency, commissioners expressed concerns about adding more tax measures to an already crowded November ballot, and discussions turned to exploring alternative funding models or partnerships.

“Because we were told ‘no’ from the Routt County Commissioners…then we went back to the drawing board with our committee to say, ‘Okay, what else makes sense? Because we have to do every single thing we possibly can to try to keep these services in the valley,'” said Einfeld in an interview with the newspaper. “At that point, we shifted to a fundraising campaign, and that’s where we are.” 

“The idea is that three years will give us a glide path to be able to set up a high-level gala for our organization, which we don’t currently have … but those events take time to build,” she continued. “What three years does is allow us to start this year with that celebration for Casey’s Pond and in the next two years to three years, we will … really build on that momentum of the campaign to try and close the gap for long-term sustainability.” 

“At the same time, three years means 30,000 more visits in the valley that help people stay in their homes and help people at hospice pass and die with dignity,” Einfeld added. 

Key health partners are backing the campaign. UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center has donated over $1 million since 2020, and Memorial Regional Health recently committed $100,000 annually through 2026. 

In the interview, Einfeld also said that Northwest Colorado Health is also requesting funds from the city of Steamboat Springs and the city of Craig, as well as Routt and Moffat counties. 

“It’s really important that the local governments support us, too,” she said. “I’m really optimistic and hopeful that they can come to the table to support this campaign.”

The anniversary of Casey’s Pond and launch of the home services campaign are being celebrated at a small gathering 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, added Einfeld, who will speak about the campaign. Community members are welcome. 

“We have seen firsthand how a community can affect the sustainability of services in this valley when they come together and really understand the need for them,” said Einfeld. “I’m just invigorated by this community, and I am optimistic that we’ll get there, because this is a community that truly cares for each other.”

For more information or to support the campaign, visit NorthwestColoradoHealth.org/HomeServicesCampaign.