Nevada County Nonprofit Provides Vital Support for Local Seniors

Gold Country Senior Services offers meals, firewood, and social programs to help older adults thrive in their community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the warm interaction between a Meals on Wheels volunteer and a senior recipient, with soft pools of light and color surrounding the scene.Meals on Wheels volunteers provide a vital lifeline for Nevada County seniors, delivering more than just nutritious food but also a personal connection and sense of community.Grass Valley Today

In Nevada County, the nonprofit organization Gold Country Senior Services provides a range of essential services and programs to support the health, well-being, and independence of local seniors. This includes administering the Meals on Wheels program, organizing social activities and classes, and even delivering firewood to those in need. The organization's holistic approach to senior care helps many older adults continue living independently in their own homes rather than moving to assisted living facilities.

Why it matters

With a large percentage of Nevada County's population over the age of 60, the services provided by Gold Country Senior Services are crucial in helping seniors access the resources and support they need to age in place. The nonprofit's work touches on key aspects of senior health and wellness, from nutrition and social engagement to home safety and independence.

The details

Gold Country Senior Services oversees the Meals on Wheels program in Western Nevada County, delivering warm, nutritious meals to seniors like Ed Pollack twice a week. The organization also organizes activities, classes, events, and a firewood program to support the broader needs of older adults in the region. A team of over 160 volunteers helps prepare and deliver the meals, while also providing valuable social interaction and wellness check-ins during their visits.

  • Gold Country Senior Services has been providing services to Nevada County seniors for many years.
  • The Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to participants twice a week.

The players

Ed Pollack

A senior living in Grass Valley who receives meals from Meals on Wheels, which he calls a "godsend" that has allowed him to remain independent in his own home.

Gold Country Senior Services

A nonprofit organization that administers Meals on Wheels and provides a range of other programs and services to support the health, well-being, and independence of older adults in Nevada County.

Leslie Lovejoy

The executive director of Gold Country Senior Services, who emphasizes the importance of the personal connections and social support the organization provides to its senior participants.

Anna Delgado-Campbell

The communications coordinator for Gold Country Senior Services, who describes the organization's work as a "one-stop shop" for meeting the diverse needs of aging adults.

Agency on Aging Area 4

The regional agency that provides funding and support for many of the local programs and services offered by Gold Country Senior Services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My life would be totally different if it wasn't for Meals on Wheels. It makes life better.”

— Ed Pollack

“So many times, our seniors start feeling isolated. Having that personal connection with somebody else is something incredibly important. We're not just nourishing the body but nourishing the spirit as well.”

— Leslie Lovejoy, Executive Director, Gold Country Senior Services

“What we do touches people in so many different ways. We hit on social health, nutrition, warmth. We are kind of a one-stop shop for everything someone might need as they're aging.”

— Anna Delgado-Campbell, Communications Coordinator, Gold Country Senior Services

What’s next

Gold Country Senior Services plans to continue expanding its programs and services to meet the growing needs of Nevada County's aging population. The organization is always seeking new volunteers to help deliver meals and provide social support to local seniors.

The takeaway

The comprehensive services offered by Gold Country Senior Services demonstrate the vital role that community-based nonprofits can play in helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. By addressing a range of needs, from nutrition and home safety to social engagement and mental well-being, the organization is making a significant impact on the lives of Nevada County's seniors.