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.
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We have various services available, including application assistance for various social benefit programs, food delivery, mental wellness programs, and education programs.
Benefits in action
by the Numbers
8
years of operations.
64
Counties we provide services to.
12000
Coloradans served since 2015.
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.
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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 and a mental wellness program, both designed to help individuals impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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
Jane Barnes, President and CEO
Jane has more than 20 years of experience in the health care field, first as a developer and implementer of community-based programs and then in government affairs. Jane has been recognized for her innovative and collaborative program and project development. Throughout her career, Jane has facilitated and trained numerous community groups, leading to unique programs designed to meet community needs. One such program is the 10 year old + Centura Health Links program linking at risk Coloradans with public and private benefits for which they may be eligible and enables this population to live healthier, more productive lives.​​
Board of Directors
Michelle Lapierre, President
Executive Consultant, Capstone CX
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Dr. Michael Straight, Vice President
Internal Medicine Physician
Aaron Sanburg, Treasurer
Branch Manager, Wells Fargo​
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Alexander Noren, CFO​
White Lotus Bookkeeping
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Jane Barnes, Ex-Officio
Executive Director, Benefits in Action
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Cassie Angerer, Board Member
Outreach Coordinator, PASCO​
Andrew Barnes, Board Member
VP of Business Development, PNC Asset Management
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Ryan Dishman, Board Member
Strategic Account Executive, Twilio
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Courtney Hoskins, Board Member
President, CL Hoskins & Associates​
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Laura Wachter, Board Member
Capital Planning & Programming Dir, City and County of Denver
Deb York, Board Member
Founder, York Insurance
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Christine Yun-Sauer, Board Member
Inhouse Counsel, Microsoft​​
