Colorado PACE Participant Spotlight: Linda Allen
Linda Allen knows a thing or two about food.
She spent nearly 30 years working in hospital kitchens, starting as a dishwasher and working her way up to supervisor and dietician. So when Linda has something to say about food quality, people listen.
That includes the team at Colorado PACE.
When Linda shared ideas about improving the food served to her fellow participants, the Colorado PACE team listened — and made changes. For Linda, that experience says a lot about the organization she has come to know and love.
“The whole staff is friendly and helpful,” she says. “Choosing Colorado PACE was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
That’s high praise from a woman who has spent a lifetime knowing what she wants and speaking up when something could be better.
Linda is a mother of two, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of one. She has experienced plenty of life's ups and downs, and she has learned to appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful.
At Colorado PACE, she has found both.
“The people at Colorado PACE are always willing to help with problems if they can,” Linda says. But the support she receives from the staff is only part of what has made such a difference.
Before joining Colorado PACE, Linda says, “I was alone a lot.”
Her family members had their own busy lives, and Linda sometimes found herself feeling isolated and left out. Colorado PACE changed that.
Now, coming to the Colorado PACE Center means seeing friends, sharing stories and, most importantly, having fun.
“I come to the Colorado PACE Center and have a good time,” she says.
She especially loves the laughter.
“I love to hear the laughter, and to tease my friends here,” Linda says with a smile. “But I always tell them they can tease me right back!”
And Linda isn't content simply to enjoy the community she has found. She wants to help make it better for others, too.
She recently agreed to serve on the Colorado PACE Participant Advisory Committee, where she helps serve as a bridge between participants and Colorado PACE staff and board members. It's a natural role for someone who knows the value of speaking up — and the importance of being heard.
Linda's story is a reminder that life doesn't stop giving us opportunities to learn, contribute and make a difference.
Whether she's sharing her expertise about food, making new friends, advocating for her fellow participants or simply filling a room with laughter, Linda continues to bring her experience, energy and generous spirit to the people around her.
We're so glad that Colorado PACE is part of Linda's story — and even more grateful that she is part of ours.
Go Back She spent nearly 30 years working in hospital kitchens, starting as a dishwasher and working her way up to supervisor and dietician. So when Linda has something to say about food quality, people listen.
That includes the team at Colorado PACE.
When Linda shared ideas about improving the food served to her fellow participants, the Colorado PACE team listened — and made changes. For Linda, that experience says a lot about the organization she has come to know and love.
“The whole staff is friendly and helpful,” she says. “Choosing Colorado PACE was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
That’s high praise from a woman who has spent a lifetime knowing what she wants and speaking up when something could be better.
Linda is a mother of two, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of one. She has experienced plenty of life's ups and downs, and she has learned to appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful.
At Colorado PACE, she has found both.
“The people at Colorado PACE are always willing to help with problems if they can,” Linda says. But the support she receives from the staff is only part of what has made such a difference.
Before joining Colorado PACE, Linda says, “I was alone a lot.”
Her family members had their own busy lives, and Linda sometimes found herself feeling isolated and left out. Colorado PACE changed that.
Now, coming to the Colorado PACE Center means seeing friends, sharing stories and, most importantly, having fun.
“I come to the Colorado PACE Center and have a good time,” she says.
She especially loves the laughter.
“I love to hear the laughter, and to tease my friends here,” Linda says with a smile. “But I always tell them they can tease me right back!”
And Linda isn't content simply to enjoy the community she has found. She wants to help make it better for others, too.
She recently agreed to serve on the Colorado PACE Participant Advisory Committee, where she helps serve as a bridge between participants and Colorado PACE staff and board members. It's a natural role for someone who knows the value of speaking up — and the importance of being heard.
Linda's story is a reminder that life doesn't stop giving us opportunities to learn, contribute and make a difference.
Whether she's sharing her expertise about food, making new friends, advocating for her fellow participants or simply filling a room with laughter, Linda continues to bring her experience, energy and generous spirit to the people around her.
We're so glad that Colorado PACE is part of Linda's story — and even more grateful that she is part of ours.