We are sadly supportive of long-time volunteer, staff, and community member, Nate George (he/him), as he steps down from his role as a staff member. He has shared this farewell with all of us.
As I sit down to pen this farewell post, I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude and nostalgia. To me, all of you aren't just colleagues or acquaintances; you are family. Bound by a shared vision, united in our commitment to make the world a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming place for all.Over the past four years, I've had the privilege of serving as the Facilities & Special Projects Manager, amongst other roles and titles, at Out Boulder County (OBC). During this time, I've had the front-row seat to witness this incredible organization explode with growth. Our journey together has been nothing short of remarkable.
I remember the early days when we operated from our original office on 14th Street. It was a space brimming with passion, determination, and a burning belief in our mission. Together, we embarked on this extraordinary voyage, and soon, we found ourselves moving into our current downtown Pridehouse on Spruce Street. This vibrant, inclusive space has evolved into more than just a workplace; it's a sanctuary and a symbol of our unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community in Boulder County and beyond.
Amid our shared triumphs, we also faced disasters and heart-wrenching decisions. I was there when we made the difficult choice to close our Longmont office in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was a moment of tremendous resilience and unity, and we emerged from it stronger than ever. One of the most significant highlights of my time here was the creation of the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains. This wasn't just a building; it was a dream come true for countless members of our community. The opening of the Equality Center was a moment of profound achievement, a testament to our collective strength and determination. It's a memory I will cherish forever.
I watched with pride as we expanded our reach north into Larimer County with our youth and behavioral health services, and as we extended our footprint into Weld, Jefferson, and Adams counties to collaborate with their health departments, ensuring that those who are most vulnerable have access to safe and effective vaccines. Our commitment to serving the community knows no bounds, and I have been honored to be part of that.
One particular source of pride for me has been my involvement in the vaccine equity campaign, research, and clinics. Together with Boulder County Public Health and Colorado Department of Health and Environment, we achieved something extraordinary, vaccinating over 30,000 individuals since the program's inception in early 2021. We were the first to begin offering vaccines when Mpox began to spread in summer of 2022. Thanks to our prior work with these agencies, OBC was able to proactively vaccinate members of the LGBTQ+ community promptly keeping positive cases and exposures to a minimum. It exemplified our unwavering dedication to equitable access to healthcare and demonstrated the immense impact we can make when we work together.
As I bid farewell, I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of OBC, my friends, and my family. Our bonds are unbreakable, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve greatness in the pursuit of equality, inclusivity, and positive change.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the love, support, and camaraderie you've generously given. It's been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. I look forward to crossing paths with you all again and witnessing the incredible journey that lies ahead for Out Boulder County and everyone in our community.
Thank you for being my family, my inspiration, and my home for all these years.