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Denver Regional Council Of Governments
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Refugee support

Older adult refugee woman, center, holds a certificate from the program along side two staffers in the program.

Older Adult Refugees and Friends program

About 2,000 refugees a year resettle in Colorado after being forced to leave their homeland under fear of persecution for race, religion, political or social membership. The Denver Regional Council of Governments partners with the Aurora Center for Active Adults to offer the Older Adult Refugees and Friends program (formerly the Elder Refugee program) to help older adult refugees learn about their new country, culture and community; and connect with their new community. The program's supportive, educational and fun activities help participants reduce social isolation, improve their health and wellness and empower them to forger strong connection with their communities. 

Participants and their families receive information about services for older adults, as well as help enhance the skills of service providers who work with refugees

The program is funded by the federal Older Americans Act and a state grant from the Colorado Refugee Services program.

The Older Adult Refugees and Friends program aims to:

  • Provide older adult refugees with access to programs in the Older Americans Act.
  • Include and maintain older adult refugees viewpoint in future planning for older adults in the Denver region.
  • Fund programs, including wellness and recreation classes, for older adult refugees at the Aurora Center for Active Adults.

Supply cultural competency training and cross-training for both traditional aging service providers and the refugee resettlement agencies in the Denver region.

Contact Us

AreaAgencyonAging@drcog.org

Aging and Disability Resource Center
Long-term Care Ombudsman
Case Management
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Medicaid Transition Services Options Counseling
Veteran Directed Care Program
Older Adult Refugees and Friends program
DRCOG Main Office

Partners

The following organizations are partners for the program.

Colorado Refugee Resources