YANA Program: Bringing Comfort and Connection to Seniors in Boulder City

For many, the holiday season is filled with bustling family gatherings and festive cheer. However, for senior citizens in our community, this time of year can often feel quiet and isolating. Whether they live far away from loved ones, are navigating health challenges, or are simply homebound during the winter months, no one in Boulder City should have to spend the season feeling forgotten.

Fortunately, the Boulder City Police Department is stepping in to bridge that gap with a heartfelt initiative designed to keep our older residents safe, connected, and supported.

What is the YANA Program?

Launched in March 2018 in partnership with the Boulder City Senior Center, the You Are Not Alone (YANA) program is a completely free check-in service for Boulder City residents who live alone. Managed by Pat Richardson, the volunteer coordinator with the Boulder City Police Department, the program offers regular wellness checks via phone calls or in-person visits.

The best part? The service is entirely tailored to the individual. "We will do whatever works best for our clients, at a frequency that makes them feel the most safe and comfortable," Richardson explained.

You do not need to have local family to qualify for YANA. In fact, the program is an ideal resource for out-of-town relatives who worry about their aging loved ones living in Boulder City. Even if a senior's friends and family live outside of town or even outside the state of Nevada. They are still eligible to participate.

Beyond the immediate safety benefits of regular wellness checks, the program offers invaluable secondary perks. A friendly phone call or a quick visit from a caring volunteer provides genuine human connection, combats holiday loneliness, and gives both seniors and their distant family members much-needed peace of mind.

Since its inception, YANA has supported up to a dozen clients at a time. However, participation numbers have recently dipped, and the police department is hoping to reach more residents who could benefit from a helping hand.

If you or an elderly loved one in Boulder City could use a little extra support this season, signing up is simple:

• Call: Reach out directly to program supervisor Patrick Richardson at (702) 589-9603.
• Email: Send an inquiry to Patrick Richardson HERE.
• Online: Download the registration form HERE or learn more about the program on the City’s official website HERE.

This holiday season, let’s work together to make sure every neighbor in Boulder City knows they are truly not alone.