Gratitude, Compassion, and Standing Beside Our Neighbors

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to travel to Thailand. During a bike tour, our local guide shared that she will never be able to afford to travel the world, yet she is deeply grateful for the beautiful country she calls home and the abundance it provides. With great pride, she pointed out kaffir lime trees overflowing with fruit alongside busy roads, dragon fruit hanging over concrete walls, and garlic and basil growing like weeds through cracked sidewalks.

Traveling outside the United States has always given me a renewed appreciation for what we have at home. But this trip felt different. Against the backdrop of the challenges our country has faced over the past year and a half, her perspective was a powerful reminder that even during difficult times, there is still much to be grateful for.

I know I'm not alone in feeling sadness and grief over what has happened in our country. Yet I am grateful that the work we do at Benefits in Action brings hope and stability to people whose lives are being affected by changing policies and growing economic uncertainty.

Every day, our Benefit Navigators help people overcome confusing application processes, navigate changing eligibility rules, and access the benefits they have earned. Over the past year, our team has helped thousands of individuals and families put food on the table through SNAP, secure essential health coverage through Medicaid and Medicare, and access critical financial support through Social Security Disability and other public benefits. For many, these services are the difference between stability and crisis.

Leading Benefits in Action has been one of the most humbling experiences of my career. I've gained a deeper understanding of the barriers people face in accessing what should be basic human needs—food, health care, and financial security. Like so many nonprofits, we've experienced significant funding cuts even as the need for our services continues to grow. Yet I remain grateful that we have the privilege of helping our neighbors navigate these challenges with dignity and compassion.

As major Medicaid eligibility changes under H.R.1 take effect beginning January 1, 2027, thousands more Coloradans will need trusted guidance to maintain access to the health care and benefits they depend on. Our commitment to serving them remains unwavering.

If you would like to support our work to help minimize the impact of H.R.1 Medicaid eligibility rule changes, please consider volunteering with Benefits in Action or making a donation today. If you need application assistance or would like to speak with a Benefit Navigator, visit benefitsinaction.org or call us at 720-221-8354.