Frasier Meadows Flood Update

Several people have contacted the UMA office asking how they can provide financial assistance to Frasier Meadows which was hit by last month’s devastating floods in Colorado.

CEO Tim Johnson reports that the damage was far more extensive than originally thought. Half of their 108 skilled nursing beds were damaged, resulting in the relocation of 54 residents and a $5 million impact on operating revenue. Even after adjustments, there will still be a $1.5 million shortfall. Abatement efforts are underway, but it will be some time before full operations are restored.

Meanwhile, 34 Assisted Living residents had to be relocated because that facility was also flooded. They are being housed in apartments with support from some amazing, dedicated Frasier Meadows staff. In addition 14 Independent Living apartments were damaged and need to be renovated. In the facility’s parking garage, more than 100 staff and resident vehicles were destroyed. Repairing the damage to the garage alone will cost more than $1 million.

Thankfully, despite the extensive damage, there were no fatalities.

Johnson said, “We’re better today than we were because we have a better sense of our purpose, more clarity.” He indicated that the flood has caused the organization to explore different ways they should be doing ministry in the future.

He went on to say jokingly, “We were financially blessed.” The organization had managed to scrape together money for a “rainy day fund” without realizing that the funds would be woefully inadequate when that “rainy day” came.

Kathy Pollicita, VP for Mission Advancement, explained that the resident need fund has sufficient monies to meet current and anticipated demands. However, there are urgent concerns: (1) donations to the general “flood relief” fund to cover a wide variety of things not covered by insurance, and (2) the employee emergency assistance fund. Johnson had previously noted that numerous staff stayed on duty during the flood to ensure the safe evacuation of residents, even as their own homes and all of their belongings were destroyed.

Donations can be made through the Frasier Meadows website. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to Frasier Meadows, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, CO 80303. Be sure to note “flood relief” when you make a generous gift.

NOTE: Johnson has agreed to make a presentation on some of the important lessons learned from the flood when he attends UMA’s National Conference next March in Orlando. You won’t want to miss his powerful presentation!

P.S. Is your organization’s Emergency Preparedness Plan up to date?