$6,300 awarded to seven Boulder County volunteer programs

Boulder County, Colo. - In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2026, Boulder County is proud to recognize outstanding volunteers who made significant contributions to programs across the county in 2025. Volunteer managers were invited to nominate individuals and teams whose dedication, creativity, and service strengthened their programs and supported the community. A selection committee reviewed all submissions and chose the following volunteers and volunteer teams to receive this year’s Program Enrichment Awards.

1. Denice Walker: Mobility for All Volunteer Ambassadors – Community Planning & Permitting

Mobility for All Ambassadors help residents navigate transportation options, learn new mobility tools, and feel confident using public transit. Reflecting on her work with riders, Denice shared that “Mobility for All helps people stay connected… ensuring older adults, people with disabilities, and others maintain independence, access what they need, and feel seen, heard, and empowered, no matter where they need to go.”

In 2025, Denice contributed more than 50 hours assisting Lafayette residents with AccessaRide applications, app tutorials, and one-on-one support. She is a reliable presence at community events and even presented to the Lafayette Senior Advisory Board to expand awareness of transportation resources. Her patience, warmth, and deep knowledge make her an invaluable ambassador for mobility in Boulder County.

2. Claudia Romans: SHIP Medicare Counseling – Community Services / Area Agency on Aging (CS/AAA)

The SHIP Medicare Counseling Program offers free, unbiased guidance to residents navigating complex Medicare and Medicaid systems. In describing what motivates her, Claudia noted, “We provide clear, unbiased guidance when people need it most… ensuring no one has to navigate Medicare alone or without trusted support.”

For five years, Claudia has been a dedicated, highly informed counselor. She prepares thoroughly for every appointment, helps beneficiaries make confident decisions, and communicates complicated rules in a clear and compassionate way. Her ongoing training—spanning topics from hospice care to fraud prevention—strengthens her ability to support clients. Claudia’s reliability, intelligence, and sense of humor make her an essential member of the SHIP team.

3. Victim/Witness Advocates – District Attorney’s Office (DA)

Volunteer advocates in the Victim/Witness Unit guide victims of crime through difficult and often overwhelming experiences. Speaking about the work, team member Melinda Kassen shared that “volunteering with the Victim Witness Unit means guiding people through one of the hardest moments of their lives… so no one has to face the justice process alone or without compassion and care.”

These volunteers offer court accompaniment, handle crisis calls, assist with trial preparation, notify victims of legal developments, and connect them to resources. Their steadiness and empathy are especially essential during mass tragedy responses, where their presence provides continuity and comfort. This team’s professionalism and commitment elevate the unit’s ability to serve the community.

4. Miles of Smiles Volunteers – Housing Services

Miles of Smiles volunteers pilot trishaw bicycles that bring older adults outdoors to enjoy fresh air, conversation, and Boulder County’s scenic open spaces. Describing the program’s impact, team member Mary Pierce reflected that “Miles of Smiles gives older adults the chance to feel the wind in their hair again… bringing people out of isolation and into nature, one ride, one story, and one shared experience at a time.”

This team donates their time, energy, and heart to ensure residents can experience joy and connection in nature. Their dedication reduces social isolation at Boulder County Housing sites and builds meaningful relationships across generations. The program continues expanding thanks to these volunteers’ commitment and care.

5. Dave Fletcher: Volunteer Naturalists – Parks & Open Space (POS)

Volunteer Naturalists design and lead interpretive programs that help residents understand and appreciate Boulder County’s natural history. Dave described his motivation by saying, “I bring Boulder County’s landscapes to life… sparking curiosity, sharing knowledge, and inspiring stewardship.”

Since joining the program in 2018, Dave has contributed over 350 hours as a hike leader, educational presenter, and contact volunteer supporting others in the program. He works closely with the Longmont Senior Center, helping broaden participation and reach new audiences. Dave’s enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors makes every program he leads engaging and accessible.

6. Grant Tietje: Volunteer Ranger Corps – Parks & Open Space (POS)

Volunteer Rangers provide a friendly and informative presence on county trails, supporting visitor safety, stewardship, and responsible use of open space. Reflecting on the role of volunteers, Grant noted that “park volunteers help protect and enhance our open spaces… ensuring they remain safe, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone, now and for generations to come.”

Since 2022, Grant has contributed more than 200 hours and consistently gone above expectations. He proactively checks trails after severe weather, assists with events, supports searchandrescue dog testing, and contributed the most shifts to the FiveYear Visitor Study. His positivity and reliability make him a standout ambassador for Boulder County open spaces.

7. Petrea Mah: Colorado Master Gardeners – CSU Extension

Colorado Master Gardeners support horticultural education through handson garden care, plant health assistance, and community outreach. Petrea described the heart of the program this way: “The Master Gardener program is about education and outreach… connecting people with knowledge that supports their land.”

Petrea is a key contributor at the Bliss Trial Garden, where she helps plant, weed, prepare for each season, and plan longterm educational uses for the space. Her extensive knowledge of plants, insects, and birds enriches the entire program. She is also known for inspiring and recruiting new volunteers, helping the garden serve the public as a vibrant and educational resource.

Learn more about Boulder County government's range of one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Boulder County’s Volunteer Initiatives and the annual Program Enrichment Awards is managed by the Boulder County Community Services Department.