About Us
Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization located in Colorado that serves individuals throughout the state. We strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources. Our team of navigators works with individuals to help them recognize the health-related benefits they qualify for, apply to those benefits, and utilize them as effectively as possible. We are passionate about the importance of increasing healthcare benefit literacy among the public. Accordingly, we organize and hold educational sessions in public facilities aimed at increasing individual understanding and self-efficacy in navigating the healthcare system.
We have various services available, including application assistance for various social benefit programs, food delivery, and education programs.
Benefits in Action
by the Numbers
10
Years of service to
neighbors statewide
64
Counties served across Colorado
17,500
Neighbors
connected to resources &
supports in 2024
Our Story
Benefits in Action was founded in 2015. From previous work in the nonprofit arena focusing on low-income older adults, we realized that, even with all current nonprofits and organizations in Colorado that serve this population, there are still many Coloradans that are in need of benefit assistance.
Benefits in Action was accepted as a Certified Application Assistance Site (CAAS) in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson and Broomfield Counties, as a SHIP (Medicare) Site for Adams, Denver, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Otero, Prowers, Kiowa, Baca, Bent, and Crowley counties, and as an Enrollment Center for Connect for Health Colorado. These are key steps for the long-term success of the organization.
Benefits in Action has grown exponentially since our opening in November of 2015. In 2019, Benefits in Action served more than 12,000 individuals by providing navigation and application assistance for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Connect for Health Colorado, and more. Additionally, we launched a food delivery program designed to help individuals impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mission
Dedicated to connecting our diverse community with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Vision
To be the trusted community organization for comprehensive food and health-related benefit application assistance and program navigation
Values
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Compassion
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Accountability
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Respect
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Honesty
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Innovation
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Perseverance
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Staff
Cari Frank, President and CEO
Cari brings with her a strong background in nonprofit leadership, health advocacy, and strategic communications. With over two decades of experience driving innovation, growth, and mission-centered impact, she is well-equipped to guide Benefits in Action into our next chapter of service and sustainability. Her passion for health equity and community-centered solutions aligns perfectly with our mission and values.
Board of Directors
Courtney Hoskins, President
President, C L Hoskins and Associates, LLC
Dr. Michael Straight, Board Member
Internal Medicine, MedNow
Andrew Barnes, Treasurer
Managing Director, CIBC
Aaron Sanburg, Board Member
Branch Manager & AVP, Wells Fargo
Ryan Downs, Board Member
Architect & Planner, Croft & Associates
Stuart Knight, Board Member
Associate, Holland & Hart
Michelle Lapierre, Vice President
Principal, Capstone CX
Will Arthur, Board Member
Principal, Nestled Insurance
Courtney Hoskins, Board Member
President, CL Hoskins & Associates
Laura Wachter, Board Member
Department of Finance, City and County of Denver
Tom Narvaez, Board Member
Director of Business Development, Listings.com
Non Voting Board Members:
Cari Frank, Ex-Officio
Benefits in Action
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Benefits in Action provides an environment which is Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive for employees, volunteers, and community members. Our DEI committee meets monthly, provides training and information to staff regularly through our weekly updates and at staff meetings. The DEI committee, through the liaison to the leadership team, works to ensure the workplace is welcoming and inclusive to all.
Benefits in Action assists individuals in their native language through our navigation staff who speak more than 10 languages and by using a language translation line for languages not spoken by staff.
Benefits in Action provides opportunities for services to our communities to all who request these services, and we recognize our impact is directly related to our ability to understand and practice behaviors welcoming diversity, equity, and inclusion to all.