It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Four Mile Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cherry Creek, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had used another service for my Mom and changed to Always Best Care and”
“Many positive things have taken place since beginning of CO-VD19 in March. ABC took my concerns”
“The Denver South office of Always Best Care provided senior care services to our mother”
“Very nice and caring staff. Helped me out in a bind and was even able”
“Great company to work for. If you are looking for care for your loved one”
“After working with two other agencies, Always Best Care provided the highest level of exceptional”
“We are so happy we chose Always Best Care as our care agency. My mother”
“Thank you for the staff of Always Best Care Denver South for being such a”
“Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move”
“I am a current client of this provider Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a”
“Great company! They know their business and seniors. They were willing to make arrangements on”
“I have worked for Always Best Care Senior Services for several years both as a”
“Working for ABC as a manager has been a joy I haven't experienced in previous”
“Always responsive, always caring, goes above and beyond, experienced and always thoughtful, best choice I”
“I am a past client of this provider An experienced caregiver came weekly, never cancelled or”
“Just a quick note to say thank you for all your care that you gave”
“The care and compassion provided to my mother and to our family has made the”
“Everyone is a team player!! No one in the company feels like a stranger. The”
“My family needed to find a new home for my grandma. She had been residing”
“Simpy IDEAL. We couldn't have asked for better care. Each individual, from my very first”
“I am a past client of this provider Incomparable! ABC's care of our Father was above”
“Dear Tom and Staff, Our family is so appreciative of each of you! Your dedicating, caring”
“This company is amazing. When I met Cindy, my mom was in acute care and”
“I am a current client of this provider Everybody in this company is amazing. From the”
“Always Best Care Denver South provides outstanding care and placement services. They truly care for”
“I had used another service for my Mom and changed to Always Best Care and was amazed. I know it’s tough to find good staff and the people we had were so caring and attentive. Strongly recommend.”
“Many positive things have taken place since beginning of CO-VD19 in March. ABC took my concerns seriously about care for and to ensure my elderly parents stay safe. They made necessary changes immediately. Jen is great to work with and Pearla is incredible.”
“The Denver South office of Always Best Care provided senior care services to our mother for almost two years up until Mom passed away. The care providers they provided did a superb job of caring for Mom while running errands, taking her to her doctor appointments, making sure she took her medications and occasionally taking her to the hospital for medical emergencies. The office staff did a great job of maintaining the care providers schedule so that Mom would always have the same two CPs every week. Neither my brother or I lived in the same town as our mother so she needed in home care providers if she was going to be able to stay in her home. Without ABC's services, Mom would not have been able to remained in her home up until the time of her passing. Because of ABC and the tremendous service and care of their care providers and office based staff, Mom was able to fulfill her goal of living in her beautiful home until the end. Thank you ABC of Denver South!”
“Very nice and caring staff. Helped me out in a bind and was even able to add an extra day on super short notice. My uncle was very happy with the caregivers as well. Will be using when long term care is needed :)”
“Great company to work for. If you are looking for care for your loved one this is the right company. I've been working for this company as a caregiver for a little over a month and they are on top of keeping you busy with plenty of work.”
“After working with two other agencies, Always Best Care provided the highest level of exceptional care for my mother while she was with hospice care. It is hard to find the high quality care that parents deserve and ABC definitely hit it. The care coordinator Kathryn made sure our needs were met and it happened instantaneously. Also, the care givers were exceptional and made sure my mother was always comfortable”
“We are so happy we chose Always Best Care as our care agency. My mother and father both were very fragile and we brought Always Best Care into the home and they created a safe and loving environment for our parents. Once my father passed Cindy was very instrumental in helping navigate our family to find a community where our mom could have quality of life and be comfortable. We will always be grateful for the compassion and love that Always Best Care Denver South provided.”
“Thank you for the staff of Always Best Care Denver South for being such a huge help and being part of our family for so many years. We can't thank you enough for the care and love that you showed to our dad. You brought quality of life to him in is last years. We will always be grateful.”
“Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move from a very poor assisted living situation to one where she can be happy. Cindy took the time to assess my Mom's situation, and then made placement recommendations based on what my Mom and her family needed. Based on assessment data, Cindy found four AL vendors for Mom to visit. Cindy setup the appts, and attended the tours with Mom and family. She made sure that what she exposed Mom to was within her ability to pay, and were places with good reputations for care/services. Once Mom chose a vendor, Cindy kept tabs on the process and even followed up after Mom was moved into her new home.”
“I am a current client of this provider Very professional, and helpful. Cindy K. did a great job of helping my Mom move from a very poor assisted living situation to one where she can be happy. Cindy took the time to assess my Mom's situation, and then made placement recommendations based on what my Mom and her family needed. Based on assessment data, Cindy found four AL vendors for Mom to visit. Cindy setup the appts, and attended the tours with Mom and family. She made sure that what she exposed Mom to was within her ability to pay, and were places with good reputations for care/services. Once Mom chose a vendor, Cindy kept tabs on the process and even followed up after Mom was moved into her new home.”
“Great company! They know their business and seniors. They were willing to make arrangements on short notice and did their best to make my mom comfortable and safe. I would definitely recommend always best care.”
“I have worked for Always Best Care Senior Services for several years both as a caregiver and now as a scheduler. They have a great support staff and a team approach that supports not only the clients but also the caregivers. You can’t go wrong with Always Best Care as a caregiver or client. Call today!”
“Working for ABC as a manager has been a joy I haven't experienced in previous employment. I enjoy exceeding client expectations and creating a positive employment experience for our caregivers. In turn we have amazing personalized customer service and flexibility to meet everyone's ever changing needs.”
“Always responsive, always caring, goes above and beyond, experienced and always thoughtful, best choice I could have made.”
“I am a past client of this provider An experienced caregiver came weekly, never cancelled or changed. They were incredible in helping find a care home when that became necessary. Always caring, always responsive, experienced caregivers, thoughtful, understanding, will always work with your needs or changes, on time, easy to contact, went above and beyond in services. Worked very hard to find a caregiver when I needed one, including changing a caregiver's schedule to meet my ongoing or additional needs.”
“Just a quick note to say thank you for all your care that you gave to my Mom in her last years of her life. All the caregivers were amazing and the management staff was always available when ever we needed them. We will always be grateful for your care and your loving hearts.”
“The care and compassion provided to my mother and to our family has made the transition from independent living to residence in a retirement village is so appreciated!! I don't know how we would have managed to navigate the decisions that had to be made! I highly recommend their services!”
“Everyone is a team player!! No one in the company feels like a stranger. The company takes the time to know caregivers individually and feel valued as employees”
“My family needed to find a new home for my grandma. She had been residing in a 55 and older community and her care requirements increased significantly. Honestly, we had no idea where to look, what to look for, what questions to ask, and even more so, what to do when her money ran out. Jerry was a HUGE help in this. He took something that was extremely emotional and stressful and made it very simple. He really did care where my grandma ended up. Not only is she in a great place now, but because she loves her home her assisted needs have decreased because she is happier and healthier. This could not have been possible without Jerry. Our family thanks you for giving us our Grandma/Mom the life that she deserves. You have brought Senior Care to a whole new level”
“Simpy IDEAL. We couldn't have asked for better care. Each individual, from my very first call to those who came to check on us all in Hospice, was genuinely caring and devoted. God Sends, every one!!”
“I am a past client of this provider Incomparable! ABC's care of our Father was above and beyond anything we could have imagined - Each Home Care provider brought such gentle, sensitive, capable talent to our entire family. We were thoroughly exhausted and feared bringing an 'outsider' in to care for Jack. But OH! What a GIFT it was to have ABC join our efforts. Don't wait- We wish we'd called sooner!”
“Dear Tom and Staff, Our family is so appreciative of each of you! Your dedicating, caring Care Givers will be forever in our memories. You all added quality to Maurice's life. Thank you - plus your cards and phone calls of sympathy”
“This company is amazing. When I met Cindy, my mom was in acute care and we needed a lot of help. She sat down with me to figure out what services we need and since that time, we have had nothing but wonderful people coming out to care for my parents. in addition, the schedulers are amazing and will make sure we have help even if we call last minute. You will be very happy with this company if you need help caring for a loved one.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everybody in this company is amazing. From the moment I met Cindy, I have had nothing but relief with my parents as they ensure my parents are well taken care of. From making meals to light house keeping and errands, my parents are getting everything they need. When we need someone in a pinch, we can trust that someone will be there and everyone is so nice and caring!!! Thank you Always Best!!!”
“Always Best Care Denver South provides outstanding care and placement services. They truly care for both their clients and staff! Best care in town.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Cherry Creek Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 801 Chophouse or visit Molly Brown House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cherry Creek, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cherry Creek, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cherry Creek, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
In July, CBS Colorado reported on the potential for a Cherry Creek General Improvement District, and received several emails from concerned Cherry Creek North residents saying they want their Denver neighborhood removed from the conversation."Neither of these postcards say on here, we're going to tax you for this, anything that you want on this, you're going to be paying for," said Dana Busch as she showed mailers regarding the GID that she felt lacked important information about the project.Residents invited CBS Colo...
In July, CBS Colorado reported on the potential for a Cherry Creek General Improvement District, and received several emails from concerned Cherry Creek North residents saying they want their Denver neighborhood removed from the conversation.
"Neither of these postcards say on here, we're going to tax you for this, anything that you want on this, you're going to be paying for," said Dana Busch as she showed mailers regarding the GID that she felt lacked important information about the project.
Residents invited CBS Colorado over for a conversation. What was originally supposed to be with three people quickly turned into a dozen.
"We didn't even publicize this, so I can only imagine how many people would have shown up had we publicized this," said Busch.
The neighbors coming together with a common goal.
"Our group is advocating to have our residential area pulled out," said Busch.
When asked if the group knows if any of their neighbors in Cherry Creek North are in support of the potential GID, Busch responded "zero." Residents Wayne New and Greg Jenkins added that they haven't met anyone, either.
As it stands, the proposed improvement district would include Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Cherry Creek North, Cherry Creek East and a triangle just south of the area.
"Each area should have the right to decide whether they want to be part of this larger project or not," said Busch. "We do not need this, and yet, when you look at this map, we're making up about two thirds of the dollar of the residential cost."
The group believes Cherry Creek North doesn't need or want the GID and shouldn't be looped in with other nearby neighborhoods. They even created a website called stopthegidinccn.com to help their cause. A greater concern they say, is that they could be footing the bill for projects outside their area.
"We're just really concerned, not only that our residents don't have a strong voice about what's happening with their tax money, how is it really going to make an improvement that makes a difference for our quality of life?" said Wayne New, who previously represented the area as a Denver City Councilman.
City Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer represents the area and hired a consultant to look into the concept. They surveyed neighbors and found 65% were not interested in exploring a GID for Cherry Creek. Despite those results, the plan is moving forward.
"They want to spend more of our taxpayer money on something that we've already said no to," said Greg Jenkins.
The next phase puts residents into working groups to brainstorm ideas about what a GID could entail. Nearly all dozen of the residents present for the conversation said they signed up to lead a working group, while only one said she heard back.
"We've always had a voice in our neighborhood," said New. "All of a sudden, now an advisory board, almost like a bureaucratic organization, is being developed over all of us, and whether we'll have a voice again, as strongly we had in the past, we don't know. So, it's a big, big concern to all of us."
When CBS Colorado spoke with Councilwoman Sawyer about the project, she was adamant that if residents ultimately don't want this GID, then they won't move forward with a petition or work to get it on the ballot.
Four community meetings are planned in September to talk about the potential improvement district.
Chierstin Susel
Chierstin Susel is a reporter for CBS News Colorado. Share you story ideas with her by sending an email to [email protected].
Cherry Creek Schools in the southern part of the Denver metro area is finding a way to address the national teacher shortage by growing and training their own teachers. Through a program, aspiring teachers get hands-on experience with the support of district teachers, while still attending college.The Aspiring Educator Pathway program is now in its second year and has more than doubled in size since starting. The program has grown from 16 apprentice and aspiring teachers last year to now nearly 60 this year. All the apprentice teacher...
Cherry Creek Schools in the southern part of the Denver metro area is finding a way to address the national teacher shortage by growing and training their own teachers. Through a program, aspiring teachers get hands-on experience with the support of district teachers, while still attending college.
The Aspiring Educator Pathway program is now in its second year and has more than doubled in size since starting. The program has grown from 16 apprentice and aspiring teachers last year to now nearly 60 this year. All the apprentice teachers have been paired with mentor teachers at 15 schools across the district. For the past couple weeks, they've also met to prepare for the start of the school year.
Shae Brock worked in a 5th grade classroom last year as part of the aspiring educator pathway program.
"It was something that was super exciting for me, and I knew it could be super life changing," said Brock.
Brock attends the Community College of Aurora, which has a partnership with Cherry Creek School District for the program. While students take college classes, they also work full-time in a classroom and will become licensed teachers when they graduate.
Melissa Klemenz, is the assistant director of the program, and said in traditional teacher-prep programs, students go to school for 3 ½ years and then during their last semester, they begin student teaching. She added that's why the district's superintendent worked to come up with a better way to prepare teachers. She said the goal is to recruit and retain teachers in the district and also provide the best education to students.
"We really believe that educators need better preparation to in order to be the best for their students in the classroom," said Klemenz. "There is a teacher shortage, and so the more that we can have teachers that are prepared and feel comfortable in the classroom, as well as growing our own pathway to become teachers, will really help students benefit."
In the first year of the program, Klemenz said there was improved student assessment and more positive classroom environments.
For mentor teachers like Katrina Shroyer, she's also seen the growth in her students.
"They have another person that cares about them, that wants them to be successful, that is there to impact their growth," said Shroyer. "We were a team and because they (apprentice teachers) were there every day, they knew the kids just like I knew them.
As part of the four-year-program, mentees get more than 4,500 hours of experience inside the classroom, compared to 700 hours through a traditional pathway or regular student teaching.
"I was in kindergarten as a student teacher, but it wasn't as intense as this program. I would go to school about two days a week and only be at the school part time," said Brock. "I think during student teaching, I was missing so many key opportunities that was Important for my journey as a teacher."
The program also addresses student debt. While apprentice teachers are working at the district, their costs for college classes each year drops down to $15,000.
Not only is Brock working a full-time job and getting a paycheck, but she's also getting a jumpstart in her career.
"I really have been immersed in a school and school environment and working alongside with a teacher in their classroom, and what it's like to co-teach," said Brock. "I've learned a lot about how to build relationships with students, lesson planning, and, you know, really knowing what it takes to become a teacher," said Brock.
This year as part of the program, the district also launched a Special Education Aspiring Educator Pathway. With special education position hard to fill, people are not going into that field of education as often. More than 20 teacher apprentices have signed up are focused in special education.
Cherry Creek School District teachers will return to their classrooms this week and the apprentice teachers will also be joining them to get classrooms prepared and ready to welcome students back next week.
Ashley Portillo
Your Reporter Ashley Portillo specializes in coverage of Arapahoe County. Share you story ideas with her by sending an email to [email protected].
Students in Cherry Creek Schools head back to class on Monday, but beginning with the graduating class of 2026, the district will no longer recognize valedictorians and students won't be given the title. The district says it's an outdated and inconsistent process, but some former and current students don't agree.Valedictorian is a title given to the highest-performing student in the class. Often, the valedictorian also delivers a speech at graduation.Jennifer Tejawijaya will be a senior this year at Cherokee Trail High School. ...
Students in Cherry Creek Schools head back to class on Monday, but beginning with the graduating class of 2026, the district will no longer recognize valedictorians and students won't be given the title. The district says it's an outdated and inconsistent process, but some former and current students don't agree.
Valedictorian is a title given to the highest-performing student in the class. Often, the valedictorian also delivers a speech at graduation.
Jennifer Tejawijaya will be a senior this year at Cherokee Trail High School. She's part of the first graduation class impacted and recalls when she learned about the district's decision.
"I just remember being really confused, like sitting and thinking about how it kind of just shelters students from failure," said Jennifer.
She's also an aspiring valedictorian who won't get the chance to aim for the title.
"That's a goal that I've had for myself, even if I get the title or if I don't, but not like knowing that I don't get the recognition that other people have gotten for years before me is a little frustrating," said Tejawijaya.
In a statement from the district, they say they found inconsistencies among schools in the numbers of valedictorians and qualifications for valedictorians. Only five of the eight high schools consistently named valedictorians, and Cherry Creek High School didn't have one for the last 30 years or more.
Christopher Gimelshteyn and Chukwudi Nwobodo both just graduated several months ago with the valedictorian honor from Cherokee Trail. The two were among several valedictorians named at the high school last year, and part of the last class to do so.
"I always knew that I was on track for it because of how my grades looked and just knowing that there was something there to recognize that at the end of the journey was just a little extra point of motivation," said Nwobodo.
"Having that in my future, something that was a possibility, I think, motivated me to continue trying as hard as I could," said Gimelshteyn. "It was definitely an exciting realization that if I put the work in, this could be beneficial to earn."
The district's statement went on to say: "Combined with the fact that fewer college admissions offices consider class rank when evaluating potential candidates, it was determined that this outdated practice did not align with our Core Values of teaching all students, rather than ranking and sorting them. We remain dedicated to assessing students on what they know and supporting them as they pursue their Pathway of Purpose."
However, Gimelshteyn believes the honor is important when applying to hyper-competitive colleges.
"Having that title, I think, is really like a good indicator to colleges that you're, you know, willing to work hard," said Gimelshteyn. "It shows that you're a good candidate."
"I feel like it does matter, even if the title itself isn't something that they look at. Having the GPA required to get the award is something that is important to colleges. So, if there's not a reason for students to try and achieve that, then there may be less opportunities for them," said Nwobodo.
In 2022, a letter sent to parents from the district's high school principals read: "While we continue to find ways to decrease the angst so many students face on a day-to-day basis, this is one more way we can take away unnecessary pressure."
"I think we had a community of helping each other. I really don't think that there was at any point us trying to push each other down or get ahead of each other," Gimelshteyn. "It was a way that we can all lift each other up to help each other more."
The district has now removed class ranks. Schools instead will recognize other accomplishments and other honors like grade point average and advanced placement classes.
"How I view it is just robbing people of recognition for what they've done up to that point," said Nwobodo. "I also feel like having the valedictorian award, there is an extra factor for motivating them to continue to excel in the path that they've chosen."
"Being able to take away the title of valedictorian shows people that, oh, if you're not valedictorian, then you failed, and I think that's completely incorrect," said Tejawijaya. "As I've gone through high school, I've still strived for that GPA and that ranking of being number one out of however many students. But I realize, we won't get the same recognition as they did, even if we put in the same amount of work."
CBS Colorado also reached out to local universities and colleges regarding the impact of being a valedictorian when submitting college applications.
In a statement from Healther Daniels, CSU Executive Director of Admissions: "We consider a wide range of factors when reviewing applications. Our goal is to assess each student's potential for success at the University by looking at their academic record, coursework, extracurricular involvement, and more. While being named Valedictorian is a notable achievement, it is not a specific factor in our admissions decisions. CSU is deeply committed to removing barriers to higher education and simplifying what can sometimes feel like a complex application process. As part of our land-grant mission, we remain focused on expanding access to a world-class education for all students with the talent and desire to attend college. To further support this commitment, CSU offers free applications every day for students who currently live in Colorado or attend school in the state — waiving the application fee entirely."
Ashley Portillo
Your Reporter Ashley Portillo specializes in coverage of Arapahoe County. Share you story ideas with her by sending an email to [email protected].
Class 5A1. Cherry Creek (3-0) won vs. Millard North (Neb.), 42-0. Brady Vodicka threw three first-quarter TD passes to spark the Bruins, who passed another test against an out-of-state team. That third TD was set up by a Colton Heimlicher interception. Jayden Fox’s rushing TD in the second quarter made it 28-0 and essentially sealed the game. Next week: vs. Skyridge (Utah), 7 p.m. Sept. 12.2. Valor Christian (3-0) won at Las Vegas-Faith Lutheran, 49-21: Senior QB Dawson Olk connected wi...
1. Cherry Creek (3-0) won vs. Millard North (Neb.), 42-0. Brady Vodicka threw three first-quarter TD passes to spark the Bruins, who passed another test against an out-of-state team. That third TD was set up by a Colton Heimlicher interception. Jayden Fox’s rushing TD in the second quarter made it 28-0 and essentially sealed the game. Next week: vs. Skyridge (Utah), 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
2. Valor Christian (3-0) won at Las Vegas-Faith Lutheran, 49-21: Senior QB Dawson Olk connected with Jackson Coleman on a pair of TD passes and punched in another score from 2 yards out, and Cole Beyer returned a pick-6 to lead the Eagles to a blowout win in Nevada. Next week: Bye.
3. Legend (3-0) won at Columbine, 43-0. The Titans ripped off 21 points in the first quarter in a game that was never close. While Legend looks championship-caliber once again after a narrow defeat to Cherry Creek in last year’s title game, Andy Lowry’s Rebels continue to struggle as they fall to 0-3 for the first time in the MaxPreps era (since 2004). Next week: at No. 7 Arvada West, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12.
: Senior quarterback Zeke Andrews threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran in two more to push the Mustangs to a 35-14 lead by the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Sawyer Bolmquist tacked on two rushing TDs as the Mustangs claimed their fifth win over Grandview since 2021. Next week: at Mullen, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
5. Mountain Vista (3-0) won vs. Erie, 48-13: Junior QB Marquise Reese and junior receiver Brooklyn Bailey put on a clinic Thursday night, hooking up for four touchdown passes on five completions in a Golden Eagles rout. All four touchdowns came in a 48-7 Mountain Vista first half, as Reese finished with 338 total yards (241 passing, 97 running) and six TDs (5 passing, 1 running), and Bailey totaled 152 yards on his five catches. Next week: vs. Cherokee Trail, 7 p.m. Sept. 11.
6. Fairview (1-1) lost vs. No. 7 Arvada West, 34-33. Rushing TDs by Ki Ellison and Toray Davis gave the Knights an early lead, but the Wildcats kept answering the bell. Ellison’s playmaking ensured the Knights stayed in the game, while Davis also had numerous big plays. A missed extra point in the second quarter ended up costing Fairview. Next week: at Boulder, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12.
7. Arvada West (3-0) won at No. 6 Fairview, 34-33. After Fairview won 35-30 in a duel last fall, the two programs from the northwest quadrant of the metro delivered another intriguing bout in 2025. This time, the Wildcats prevailed. A TD pass late in the third quarter was the difference, then Fairview failed a two-point conversion that would’ve put the Knights ahead with about 11 minutes left. Next week: vs. No. 3 Legend, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12.
: The Wolves lost to a Top 10 team for the second week in a row, as Ralston Valley raced out to a 28-7 halftime lead and held them at bay the rest of the way. Senior QB Blitz McCarty’s touchdown pass to junior tight end Matthew Schimberg briefly pulled Grandview to within two scores at 28-14 with 6:11 left in the third quarter, but that was as close as the Wolves would get. Next week: vs. Legacy, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
9. Pine Creek (1-1) on bye. Next week: vs. Loveland, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
10. ThunderRidge (1-1) lost at Cherokee Trail, 21-11. The Cougars used a rushing TD to go up early, and didn’t look back from there. CT added TDs by ground in the second and third quarters while the defense kept the Grizzlies’ offense in check following a first-quarter field goal. Next week: vs. Arapahoe, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
1. Dakota Ridge (2-0) won at Winter Springs, Fla., 38-7. A week after topping rival Chatfield, the Eagles traveled to the East Coast and dominated. After a scoreless first quarter, Dakota Ridge ripped off 32 points in a second quarter that featured a pair of pick-6s. The defense, meanwhile, didn’t let Winter Springs in the end zone until garbage time. Next week: at No. 7 Mesa Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
2. Broomfield (2-0) won at Monarch, 28-17. The Coyotes struck first with Nico Rizzello’s TD pass to Abbott Lockwood. But a Donovan Brooks TD pass and Matthew Merilatt rushing TD swung the momentum back to the defending champion Eagles. Another Brooks passing TD, this time to Sean Newton, put Broomfield firmly in control midway through the second quarter. Monarch didn’t quit in the second half in an encouraging performance by the Coyotes. Next week: vs. Rocky Mountain, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
3. Montrose (3-0) won at 3A No. 10 Palisade, 37-20: The Montrose machine kept grinding along Thursday night with touchdowns in all four quarters en route to the program’s seventh straight win over Palisade. The Red Hawks have now won 20 straight regular-season games dating back to a 1-2 start to the 2023 season. Next week: Bye.
4. Palmer Ridge (2-0) won at Doherty, 49-0: Cole Harris and Knox Tinlin both threw a pair of touchdown passes as four different Bears receivers found the end zone in a 42-0 first half that triggered a running clock. Tinlin completed 5 of 9 passes for 146 yards and also ran in a score as part of a 47-yard rushing night. Next week: vs. Lewis-Palmer, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
5. Vista Ridge (3-0) won vs. Evanston, Wyo., 52-0. The Wolves boat-raced Evanston in a game that was never in doubt. Micah Nocita’s rushing TD jump-started the rout, and Colton Camba’s long TD pass to Mikal Hegenbart late in the opening quarter accelerated it. It was 25-0 at halftime, and then the Wolves poured on 20 more points in the third quarter. Next week: at Denver South, 4 p.m. Sept. 11.
. In the Battle for the Brookridge Trophy, a.k.a the Milk Jug, the Warriors defeated their Littleton Public Schools rivals for the sixth straight time. The Eagles took an early lead, but in the second quarter, Theo Lee tossed a TD and Trajan Frasier ran another one in to make it 20-7 at half. Another Lee TD, this one by ground, put the game out of reach in the third quarter. Next week: at Northfield, 6 p.m. Sept. 11.
7. Mesa Ridge (1-1) lost at Northfield, 10-7: The Nighthawks pulled off a stunner in Denver a week after losing their season-opener at 3A Roosevelt. Mesa Ridge was limited to its lowest scoring output since losing to Broomfield, 38-6, in the 2023 4A state quarterfinals. Next week: vs. No. 1 Dakota Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
8. Pueblo West (2-1) lost at 3A No. 2 Pomona, 17-7. A week after a shootout win over rival Pueblo County, the Cyclones got a litmus test in the Panthers. Still, the fact Pueblo West hung in there against a Panthers team that could compete for a Class 3A championship is a good sign. Next week: at Lutheran, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
9. Golden (2-0) won at Brighton, 45-23. Trystan McDougal’s 30-yard TD reception put the Demons up in the second quarter, and a pick-six followed on Brighton’s ensuing drive. Thatcher Matthews’ TD pass to Wiley Carlin in the third quarter gave Golden the momentum for good. Next week: vs. Thomas Jefferson, 4 p.m. Sept. 12.
10. Riverdale Ridge (2-0) won at Poudre, 27-10. While the Impalas are struggling with an 0-3 record out of the gate, the Ravens keep showing signs that the young school’s athletic come-up is starting to translate to the gridiron. Next week: vs. Severance, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
1. Thompson Valley (2-0) won at Greeley Central, 41-0. Next week: vs. Timnath, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
2. Pomona (2-0) won vs. 4A No. 8 Pueblo West, 17-7. Next week: at No. 9 Green Mountain, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
3. Windsor (2-0) won vs. Longmont, 55-7. Next week: at Montbello, 11 a.m. Sept. 13.
4. Mead (2-0) won at Frederick, 28-0. Next week: Bye.
5. Roosevelt (1-1) lost at No. 8 Holy Family, 41-26. Next week: vs. Ponderosa, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
6. Pueblo East (1-1) lost vs. Discovery Canyon, 22-20. Next week: vs. Pueblo South, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
7. Lutheran (1-1) won at Fort Morgan, 26-25. Next week: vs. 4A No. 8 Pueblo West, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
8. Holy Family (2-0) won vs. No. 5 Roosevelt, 41-26. Next week: Bye.
9. Green Mountain (0-1) at Newport Beach-Corona del Mar, 7 p.m. MT Saturday. Next week: vs. No. 2 Pomona, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
10. Palisade (1-1) lost vs. 4A No. 3 Montrose, 37-20. Next week: at Resurrection Christian, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
Real estate broker Dana Monfort was feeling under the weather one day and realized there wasn't a place in her Cherry Creek neighborhood where she could walk for a bottle of Advil. In the past, she could have gone to Safeway, which anchored one end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, but that supermarket closed in 2018, after 51 years."This area is just so walkable, and so I was walking around," she recalls. "And it was one day that I was sick, and I was like, why is there no place that I can go and grab Advil or DayQu...
Real estate broker Dana Monfort was feeling under the weather one day and realized there wasn't a place in her Cherry Creek neighborhood where she could walk for a bottle of Advil. In the past, she could have gone to Safeway, which anchored one end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, but that supermarket closed in 2018, after 51 years.
"This area is just so walkable, and so I was walking around," she recalls. "And it was one day that I was sick, and I was like, why is there no place that I can go and grab Advil or DayQuil — you know, all the classics, hydration, whatever?"
Then, while traveling, she had two ah-ha moments.
"In New York, they have little bodegas on every street corner. And then we were in California one time, and we ran into this little place in Napa Valley," she recalls. "Actually, it was basically very similar to this. Everybody needs Advil. And in Napa Valley, we got some water, some snacks, and then a really, really good bottle of wine."
The concept became concrete in her mind. "I was like, we need this exact thing in Cherry Creek. The original idea was just the bodega, and so I was looking for a space," she says. "I also always had the same thought in my mind that Cherry Creek doesn't have enough elevated fast casual, where you can run in and grab a really, really good meal and take it away."
The opportunity to merge both ideas became reality when she chose the three-sided space that used to house Crepes & Crepes on Third Avenue. On the left side she put the bodega, which is actually an elevated convenience store for Cherry Creek. (True big-city bodegas aren't as elevated, and are usually run by Latinos.) In the middle is the fast-casual sandwich, salads and burrito deli. On the right side, she partnered with Little Man Ice Cream, which already offers its variety of creative cold treats at ten locations in the metro area.
"It kind of just clicked," she says of the location, which officially opens as Town Pump Provisions on August 15. "And I loved that this really posed some challenges with redeveloping the building and turning it into what it is now. I really wanted to maintain just the character of this building. I think it's so special and it's so cute."
This is the first entrepreneurial project in retail and food for Monfort, the Southwest Regional Director at Yale Realty & Capital Advisors and focuses on investments in mobile home and RV parks. She's married to real estate developer Kenny Monfort, the son of Colorado Rockies co-owner Charles Monfort. But her family has deep roots in trucking and logistics. That's how she came up with the name Town Pump Provisions — she envisions the business as a community hub where people can "fuel up," like a truck stop sans gas pumps.
Though the reference is to trucking, she's proud that the cozy complex maintains the overall feeling of Cherry Creek as a walkable community. And yes, you can find Advil there.
Town Pump Provisions is located at 2810 East Third Avenue; the grand opening is Friday, August 15, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. For more information, visit instagram.com/townpumpprovisions.
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