Casey’s Pond has officially been saved! On Monday, September 30,2024, the purchase of Casey’s Pond was finalized and Northwest Colorado Health assumed ownership of the senior living community. Most of the purchase price was raised through individual donations from over 400 generous community members, ranging in amounts from $10 to multiple millions of dollars, as well as contributions from the City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County, and the incredible leadership of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation in raising the funds necessary to close the deal. Casey’s Pond is now a part of Northwest Colorado Health, and Capella Living Solutions will continue to provide management support services to maintain the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the high quality and professional standards, as well as the dedicated staff will remain in place. The critical services available at Casey’s Pond will remain the same, including: Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Care, Independent Living, and Adult Respite and Day services.
This was a huge lift for our community, and together we pulled off a rare, if not unheard of, thing – saving a senior living community from receivership. Thanks to the hundreds of donors who made this possible!
Thanks to our generous community, we have met our goal and are no longer fundraising for this purpose.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Since Aug 7, when the City of Steamboat Springs made an emergency authorization of $2.5 million toward saving Casey’s Pond, Foundation staff, board, and its closest supporters began a quiet fundraising campaign.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the showing of support from our generous community”, said Tim Wohlgenant, CEO of Yampa Valley Community Foundation. “In a very short period, we secured many millions of dollars in commitments from over 300 members of our community. It’s been truly miraculous.”
A quick close and the ability to continue operating the facility as a senior living and skilled nursing facility averts the likely “transfer trauma” associated with relocating elderly residents. Further, retention of the skilled nursing facility maintains this resource as a local service for community members needing short-term care and support after surgery or a medical incident. The Receiver has halted process of closing the campus, and sent notices to Casey’s Pond residents and staff that they do not need to move or find other employment.
Northwest Colorado Health, a local, highly experienced nonprofit provider of comprehensive, affordable health services for people of all ages, will become the new owner of Casey’s Pond. Northwest Colorado Health brings over 60 years of experience in the Yampa Valley, currently managing the regional home health and hospice program and operating The Haven Assisted Living in Hayden.
“The community has really stepped up and we are honored to be a part of this effort to save much-needed services for the aging population in our region”, said Stephanie Einfeld, CEO of Northwest Colorado Health. “While we’re very excited to share the news of this important milestone, it’s not over yet. The notices of closure have resulted in a decline in the campus census, and it will take time to re-fill those vacant spots. We are committed to working diligently to bringing stability back to those in need of our care.”
For the near term, Northwest Colorado Health will continue to contract with CLC-Capella, the award-winning current operator which will maintain day-to-day operations. “We are incredibly grateful to the local community for rallying around the older adults in need of housing, care and services” said Jill Vitale-Aussem, President and CEO of CLC-Cappella. “Our goal has always been to retain these critical services, and we are thrilled that a solution has been identified.”
This is a Designated Fund of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Donations are irrevocable assets of the Foundation to be used for the charitable purpose stated above.