Yesterday was the Ribbon Cutting for the new location of Lend A Hand in Boulder City! The project has been in the works since before COVID hit, and went through many twists, turns and struggles but is finally completed!
The organization has operated in Boulder City for the past 34 years. They have served thousands of residents with their volunteers and have been cramped into a tiny 1,100 square foot office at 400 Utah Street. They didn’t have sufficient room to meet their needs for equipment storage and cleaning, office space for paid and volunteer personnel, and these limits also prevented them from being able to expand their services to meet the needs of Boulder City.
The new location is 2899 sq. feet and gives them more office space, storage and cleaning areas, and laundry services to help their clients. Larry Archuleta, the Board of Directors President tells us, “We’re excited and have been working on this a long time. Lend A Hand certainly needs the space as we are growing tremendously.”
The project cost just over $1.5 million for construction, the bulk of the costs being provided by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). These are federal funds provided by HUD which are limited to very specific projects that benefit low or moderate-income individuals, the elderly, or disabled persons. Because of Boulder City’s relatively high medium income, we don’t often qualify for this program for local projects. But this one met the requirements!
If you’re not familiar with them, one of the main services they provide is transportation of seniors to medical appointments.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors (60+) and the disabled by providing escorted transportation and in-home services. Our service providers are trained volunteers from the community who donate their time and service. Drivers stay with our clients (if requested) and bring them safely home. We are donation-based and do not charge a fee for service. Lend a Hand of Boulder City provides compassionate help by friendly caring members of the community.”
In addition to transportation services, Lend A Hand offers in-home services such as respite for caregivers, light housekeeping, companionship including exercising, pet walking, or simply conversation and visitation. They also have a popular loan program for mobility equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.
The need to provide services in our community has grown since Lend A Hand’s origins in 1989. The 2020 census indicated that approximately 20% of Boulder City’s population is 60 years old and older. It has been a desire of the staff and board of trustees to find a larger space to conduct their program that would also provide room for more storage and program services.
Located at the former site of the Southern Nevada Children’s Home, now ABC Park, Cottage #3 was selected. The City had previously used the building for a Halloween Haunted House, and as a training facility for first responders. The property was in need of major renovations to be suitable for a volunteer organization.
At the recent ribbon cutting ceremony at 801 Adams Boulevard, City Manager Taylour Tedder thanked several city employees for working on the project. These employees including department directors Jamie Curreri (Public Works), Roger Hall (Parks and Recreation), and Michael Mayes (Community Development). City staff who helped facilitate the completion of the project included Jim Keane, City Engineer. He also acknowledged the support of Mayor Joe Hardy and the City Council. Councilwoman Sherri Jorgenson and Councilman Steve Walton were in attendance for the event.
Congratulations to this entire organization, it’s employees, the Director and most importantly the volunteers who serve – we couldn’t be more thrilled for you all on this major achievement!
