09/14/2021
Shared from Prairie Times - Elbert County Connection
BUILDING TRUST AND OFFERING SUPPORT TO ALL CITIZENS OF ELBERT COUNTY
Meet Darcy Bolding, the new director of Human Services Darcy Bolding has spent her entire career in Human Services, and as a military wife, has experience from departments all over the nation and even in Germany. She’s now bringing that expertise to Elbert County in her new role as director of the Department of Human Services.
Bolding has worked for the department for the last six years as a program manager, Deputy Director and interim director. As the director, her primary goal for the department is to keep Elbert County children, individuals, and families safe and supported and increase transparency and trust in the department. “People often think of Human Services as only welfare, or that we’re trying to take your kids, and that’s a misperception we really want to change,” she said. “We offer a lot of important services for individuals, children and families when they are in a time of need, and we can get them the assistance that they need to become self-sustaining.”
As the director, Bolding has shifted focus from being on the front lines of human services to supporting her staff of 18, ensuring they have the tools, training and support they need to serve the citizens and families of Elbert County. “It’s been a tough time with the pandemic and many people out of work or in financial trouble,” she said. “We’re a good place to come for support in overcoming obstacles.”
As a whole, the Department of Human Services is committed to providing services that promote independence, self-efficacy and family preservation.
The programs they offer include:
Cash assistance payments for low-income persons, elderly and disabled residents who qualify
Child and adult protection
Child support services
Child Care assistance
Food assistance
Low-income energy assistance (LEAP)
The department works with many community partners, including school districts, law enforcement and local nonprofits, and can also help refer residents to other community resources. “I want our building to be a glass house, where people know exactly what we do and how to access our services,” Bolding said.
Outside of serving Elbert County, Bolding and her husband own and operate a power sports business in Colorado Springs where they sell and service used ATVs and dirt bikes. They also sell new parts and apparel. She’s also a mother of two adult children, loves animals and getting outside. After moving 17 times in 27 years due to her husband’s career, she’s happy to be in what she believes will be their forever home in Elbert County.
