Sometimes the most meaningful community programs are the simple ones. In Boulder City, the Police Department offers a free safety check-in service for senior residents called You Are Not Alone, also known as YANA. The program is designed to support homebound senior citizens and city residents who live alone, giving them regular contact and giving their loved ones extra peace of mind.
What I like about this program is that it is flexible and personal. According to program supervisor Pat Richardson, who serves as the volunteer coordinator with the Boulder City Police Department, YANA can provide check-ins through telephone calls and in-person visits. The frequency depends on what makes each client feel safest and most comfortable, which is exactly how a program like this should work.
This service can also be especially helpful for families who do not live nearby. A senior may live alone in Boulder City while their children, relatives, or close friends live somewhere else in Nevada — or even out of state. YANA gives those families another layer of support by helping make sure their loved one has regular contact and is not isolated.
A few key details about the YANA program:
Free check-in service for Boulder City seniors
Offered by the Boulder City Police Department
Designed for homebound seniors and residents who live alone
Check-ins can happen by phone or in person
Family, friends, and neighbors can refer someone
Available even if loved ones live outside Boulder City or outside Nevada
Started in March 2018 with the Boulder City Senior Center
Helps provide peace of mind for seniors and their families
The program began in March 2018 in partnership with the Boulder City Senior Center, and at times has served as many as 11 clients. Recently, participation has dipped, and Richardson is encouraging more residents and families to take advantage of the service. That’s an important reminder: sometimes people do not use programs like this simply because they do not know they exist.
This is also bigger than just a quick phone call. For seniors without a strong local social network, regular check-ins can help reduce isolation, create a sense of connection, and make sure someone is paying attention if something seems wrong. It is a small service with a potentially big impact.
My take is this: Boulder City’s YANA program is exactly the kind of community resource more people should know about. It is free, thoughtful, and built around caring for seniors who may otherwise feel alone. If you have an elderly relative, neighbor, friend, or loved one living alone in Boulder City, this is worth sharing with them.
Important Program Information
Program: You Are Not Alone, also known as YANA
Offered By: Boulder City Police Department
Community Partner: Boulder City Senior Center
Started: March 2018
Cost: Free
Who It Serves: Homebound senior citizens and Boulder City residents who live alone
Services: Telephone check-ins and in-person visits
Referrals: Family, friends, and neighbors can refer someone
Program Supervisor: Pat Richardson
Phone: (702) 589-9603
Good For: Seniors living alone, homebound residents, out-of-town family members, caregivers, neighbors, and anyone concerned about an elderly Boulder City resident
Community Benefit: Peace of mind, safety checks, social connection, and added support for seniors without a local support network
