Blogs

@Jason DeaBueno (CEO and President, Silver Key Senior Services) is dedicated to growing the social connections of older adults and people with disabilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  

Tell us about the work that your organization does. What is your mission and what population(s) do you serve? 

Silver Key Senior Services is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults by providing services that support independence, dignity, and connection. Our mission is to help older adults live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. We primarily serve adults age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, across El Paso County—many of whom are living on fixed incomes or facing social isolation, food insecurity, or housing instability. 

Please tell us about the goals of the program you are involved with and how you support social connection? 

Social engagement is woven throughout all our programming. Our Senior Activity Centers, Meals on Wheels program, case management services, and volunteer opportunities all prioritize meaningful human connection. From group classes and educational discussions to wellness activities, shared meals, and friendly check-ins during meal deliveries, our goal is to reduce isolation, foster belonging, and create opportunities for older adults to build relationships and stay engaged in their community. 
  

Share one of your top achievements or a success story. 

One compelling example of how we’ve helped an individual from our community is with an older woman named Irene R. Supportive housing played a critical role in helping Irene achieve stability and long-term independence. By providing a permanent, secure place to live, supportive housing eliminated the stress and uncertainty of temporary housing and frequent moves. This stability created a strong foundation for healing, recovery, and personal growth. 

With safe housing in place, Irene was able to focus on addressing past trauma and consistently attend medical appointments related to obtaining her service-connected benefits. Ongoing case management provided trusted guidance, advocacy, and support throughout this process, helping her navigate complex systems and stay connected to care. 

Case management also connected Irene to essential resources such as transportation assistance and access to a food pantry, ensuring her basic needs were met while she worked toward long-term goals. Once her benefits were awarded, she was able to shift her focus toward future planning and independence. 

As her stability grew, Irene pursued meaningful personal goals, including obtaining a companion animal for emotional support. Ultimately, she reached a major milestone by transitioning into her own home. Today, she lives independently with her emotional support dog, Brodus—a powerful example of how stable housing, supportive services, and human connection can create lasting change in an individual’s life. 

Why is promoting social connectedness important to the community/population you serve? Why and when did you start incorporating social connectedness into your programming? 

Social connectedness is essential to overall health, especially for older adults. Isolation can increase the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and chronic illness. At Silver Key, we’ve always recognized that meeting basic needs—like food or housing—is only part of the solution. Connection, purpose, and community are equally critical. Social engagement has been central to our work for decades, and its importance has become even more evident in recent years.  

Any exciting projects coming up? 
 
We’re excited to be developing new affordable senior housing in the Old North End of Colorado Springs. This project will provide safe, stable housing while intentionally fostering community and connection among residents—aligning perfectly with our commitment to social well-being and aging with dignity.