Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
North Platte, Neb. - A new organization in North Platte is working to strengthen support for the community’s aging population by bringing together providers, resources and residents under one collaborative effort.
The North Platte Aging Coalition, founded by Dalene Skates and Jennifer Caudillo, recently held its first meeting—drawing an impressive turnout and highlighting a clear need in the community.
Skates said the idea began after attending a similar coalition meeting in Kearney, where she saw firsthand how valuable collaboration could be.
“I thought this is so exciting and so helpful and informative. We have got to do something in North Platte like this,” Skates said.
After returning home, she began reaching out to others in the aging services field, including case managers, assisted living facilities and other providers. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
At the same time, Caudillo had been considering a similar idea, and the two quickly realized they shared the same vision.
“I think it really speaks to wanting to serve the North Platte community and provide resources for the people we serve,” Caudillo said.
The coalition’s mission centers on connection—helping organizations better understand each other’s roles while improving access to services for seniors and their families.
Skates said one of the most eye-opening aspects of the Kearney meeting was seeing how many groups were working toward the same goal without fully understanding what others offered.
“Here’s a group of people who don’t work in the same office, but serve the same clientele, who didn’t understand what this organization was doing,” she said.
That gap is exactly what the North Platte Aging Coalition aims to fill.
The first meeting drew 31 attendees from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare providers, support groups, the public library and university extension programs. Organizers said the diversity of perspectives made for meaningful conversations and new connections.
“It really was diverse… and there were some really good questions about what each organization does,” Caudillo said.
Beyond introductions, attendees stayed after the meeting to exchange contact information, ask follow-up questions and explore ways to work together—something Skates said reinforced the need for the coalition.
At its core, the group is guided by its tagline: “Caring, Compassion, Collaboration.”
“That means being able to put your ego aside… so that we’re serving everybody,” Skates said.
While some participating organizations may technically be competitors, both founders emphasized that cooperation is key when it comes to meeting the needs of seniors.
“It’s not really to us competition… it’s about serving North Platte,” Skates said.
The coalition focuses on sharing resources, discussing challenges and highlighting solutions that can improve quality of life for older adults.
Many of those needs center around helping seniors maintain independence while ensuring they have support when needed.
“One of the things that I hear a lot… is they’re so worried about losing their independence,” Skates said.
Services like transportation, meal preparation and companionship can help individuals remain in their homes longer, while also giving families peace of mind.
“We’re helping them age in place, have quality of life,” Caudillo said.
In some cases, the need is as simple as having someone present to provide social interaction or ensure safety.
“These seem like small things to do, but it’s huge for a family,” Caudillo said.
The coalition also highlights the importance of supporting caregivers, including through respite care services that allow family members to take needed breaks.
“That little bit of a break for a caregiver can mean everything,” Skates said.
Organizers say one of the most valuable aspects of the coalition is uncovering unexpected resources within the community. From library programs to university extension classes on nutrition and meal preparation, participants are learning about services they may not have previously considered.
“It just makes us all better in the end. It helps everyone fill the gaps,” Caudillo said.
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month and may rotate locations as different organizations volunteer to host. Each meeting includes lunch and open discussion.
The coalition is open to anyone interested—whether they work in the aging field, care for a loved one or simply want to learn more about available resources.
“These conversations are not easy… we just want to bring some ease into that,” Skates said.
As the coalition grows, organizers hope it will continue to strengthen connections across North Platte and ensure that seniors—and those who care for them—have the support they need.