Wind Crest Resident Libby Bortz Inducted into Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame

Wind Crest is pleased to share that community member Libby Bortz was recently inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. 

At a special ceremony, Ms. Bortz was honored for her lifetime of work as a community activist and psychiatric social worker. A group of Wind Crest neighbors traveled by bus from the community to downtown Denver to honor and celebrate with her at the event. 

As a first-generation American citizen, Bortz’s parents instilled in her a sense of responsibility that we all must take care of each other. After earning her bachelor’s degree in public health administration and a master’s degree in social work, she went to work doing just that—caring for others. 

Early on in her career, she observed that a large percentage of her clients with mental health concerns were women. To address their unique needs, Bortz established the Women’s Resource Center at a local community college. The center provided education and resources to enable women to develop self-esteem and skills to care for themselves and their children, and to build careers. Bortz worked to provide all kinds of needed services, housing and education for many people, particularly women and seniors. 

Her efforts led to Littleton, Colorado becoming the first suburban community in the region to create a Housing Authority in 1971. Through the Housing Authority, Bortz and her colleagues became aware of the need for local seniors to have affordable assisted living options. They worked to establish the first affordable assisted living center for people of low and moderate-income. In recognition of her leadership on this initiative, the Littleton City Council named the center Libby Bortz Assisted Living. It continues to serve a critical role in the community today.

In addition, Bortz taught biomedical ethics at the University of Colorado Medical School and was appointed to the Medical School Admissions Committee, on which she served for many years. This came after the school initially refused her application on the basis of her age at 27 years old. 

“The world is truly a better place thanks to the incredible contributions of Libby Bortz,” said Craig Erickson, executive director. “We are incredibly grateful for all she has accomplished for the greater good and proud to call her a neighbor and friend. Thank you, Libby, for sharing your unique gifts, experience and expertise with the Wind Crest community each day.”

To learn more about the interesting people who call Wind Crest home, request more information today.