Encore Life Inc.

Encore Life currently offers programs and activities for physical, educational, nutritional and mental well-being as well as programs to promote outreach and social interaction. We welcome people of all ages to participate.

Our facility encourages community involvement. We have a base of over 200 volunteers, as well as numerous partners within our community and out-lying areas. Encore Life is a host sight for anyone who may want to share their expertise, talents or hobbies with others. It is our belief that civic engagement is the key to success.

Encore Life strives to be a "One Call Resource" for senior services in Yuma County. We maintain a database of information for services such as transportation, tax preparation, home chores, respite care and many needs in between. We hope those seeking a service can make one call to us to gain the information they need rather than calling several numbers and becoming frustrated.

Although Encore Life, Inc. has applied for it's own 501(c)3 status, it currently operates under a fiscal agent, Wray Area Foundation Incorporated (W.A.F.I.) which holds a 501(c)3 designation, enabling it to give tax deductable receipts for donations. Encore Life does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or other legally protected status in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities.

Encore Life Inc. began in 2007 as the Wray Senior Community Center, an organization embedded in the Wray 55 & Over Club. This partnership with the 55 & Over Club and their 30+ year history, has been mutually beneficial. From 2007 to June of 2012, Encore Life operated as Wray Senior Community Center and utilized a fiscal agent (Wray Area Foundation, Inc). As of July 1, 2012, operations shifted to Encore Life Inc. Encore Life has grown into its own organization and is seeking its own federal non-profit status. This new name brings a fresh vision and desire to further develop our programs and services as well as reach out to a broader population.

Encore Life's mission is to enhance the quality of life for the community of Wray, Colorado, with an emphasis on those 50 years and older. Through programs dedicated to physical, educational, nutritional, social and mental well-being, we strive to keep those in life's second half fulfilled, active and vital contributors to our rural community.

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  Linda Briggs Briggs, a third generation Yuma County native, is currently in her 21st year of service to the Yuma County Commissioners as their Administrative Assistant. She also owns and works cattle with her husband, Charlie, and enjoys her three children and nine grandchildren.

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  Dr. Nancy McMahon PsyD McMahon is a licensed clinical psychologist and has a private practice in geriatric psychology in Denver. For the past 25 years, she has been a leader in numerous state wide regional wellness programs and is recognized as an expert in senior mental health. McMahon is also a consultant for community-based groups throughout the state.

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  Craig Soehner Soehner graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2000 with a degree in business finance. He went to work for Wray State Bank in 2001 where he is currently the bank's Executive Vice President. In addition to Soehner's schooling and work, he is married with three children. Soehner also farms and ranches with one of his brothers and his dad in the evenings and on weekends.

  
  

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  Roberta Helling Helling, a 55 & Over Club Representative, comes to the board as a retired County Assessor with 18 years of experience. Not only is she an active volunteer and board member at the Senior Center, she has served on a variety of boards including 14 years on the Hillcrest Skilled Nursing/Towers Assisted Living Care Facility. She is an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary as well. Helling has been of member of the 55 & Over club since 1998. She was pivotal in the 55 & Over's capital campaign during 2006/2007 raising in excess of 295,000, providing a new, debt-free building.

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  Keith Lippoldt Lippoldt moved to Wray in August of 2011 to manage KRDZ Radio. Among his other duties, he manages the marketing/sales, employees and does on-air work. Prior to moving to Wray, Lippoldt worked in the newspaper publishing industry in Kansas for approximately ten years. In addition, coaching college and high school baseball adds to Lippoldt's diverse background. Most recently, Lippoldt accepted the position as the Director of the Wray Chamber of Commerce which compliments his position at the radio station.

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  Harley Witte Board Member Witte was born in Wray and lived in Vernon from the time he was 2 years old until he graduated from high school. He has lived in the state of Colorado all of his life, with the exception of a short stint in Nebraska on a work related matter. He had a 27 year career with Mountain Bell, residing in the Craig & Fort Collins areas. Witte also drove for a shuttle service that provided transportation from the Ft. Collins area to the Stapleton Airport. Upon retirement in 1994, he and his wife moved back to Wray, where he remains active, serving his church and his community.

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  Jim Schmidt Schmidt moved to Wray in 1975 and is currently the Director and an owner of Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home with over 43 years of experience in the funeral services. He is also the County Coroner. Schmidt dedicates his time to his three children and numerous grandchildren as well as a variety of organizations in the Wray community.

  
  

  
  

  
  

Encore Life, Inc. accepts donations year round and sends out a donor letter annually to patrons and constituents. Checks may be made payable to Encore Life. All donations are tax deductable and may be mailed/delivered to 741 W 7th Street, Wray, CO 80758.

Encore Life welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Whether a few minutes a month or something more regular, we are grateful for any time or talent you are willing to give. Please contact us to find the time, talent and interest that suits you best.

• Valentine's Day Date Night
• Spring Extravaganza
• Good, Bad, and the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest