From contractors to mechanics, and grocery stores to insurance companies, senior citizens often have a hard time finding reputable, reliable companies that can meet their needs for products and services.

"I'm very disgusted," said 71-year-old Maria Becerra, after paying nearly $1,000 to have her car repaired, only to find it still doesn't run properly. Barbara Hildebrand, age 63, laments that a nagging hip problem requires her to search out grocery stores and other retailers that have motorized shopping carts for older or disabled customers. "And even if they do have a motorized cart available, the aisles aren't always wide enough and sometimes the display cases are too high to reach what I want," added 65-year-old Donna Ellison, who also uses a motorized cart to do her shopping.

Fortunately, help is on the way for these women and the rest of Colorado's 500,000 senior citizens and 1.2 million baby boomers, who start turning 60 this year. On April 8 th, Seniors Incorporated, a non-profit organization serving Colorado seniors, boomers and their families for 36 years, will launch The Source, a free, first-of-its-kind, online directory of Colorado businesses that have been evaluated and approved by Seniors Incorporated as being reputable, reliable and "senior/boomer-friendly."

"The Source will help seniors, boomers and families who are caring for aging parents, find trustworthy companies that respect them as people and value them as customers," said Lou Kallas, executive director of Seniors Inc. "The businesses listed in The Source offer high quality products and services that meet the unique needs of seniors and boomers and can help them live healthier, more enjoyable, productive and independent lives."

Businesses included in The Source undergo a thorough investigation, including a site visit, and are evaluated on the following criteria:

*Does the organization meet American Disabilities Act requirements for accessibility, including assisted or lightweight doors, wide aisles, accessible restrooms, appropriate lighting, motorized shopping carts, etc?

*Are senior discounts available?

*Is the business on a bus route and is the office or store easy to find?

*Are bills, refunds, estimates and refund policies clear and concise?

*Is someone available to speak with customers over the telephone or is an automated voice system in use?

*Are clerks courteous and informative?

*Is there a one-stop shop for questions or are customers transferred to various departments?

Seniors Incorporated will launch The Source on Saturday, April 8 th, with a free Senior Services Fair, featuring businesses listed in The Source. The fair will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Daniels College of Business, 2101 S. University Blvd., on the University of Denver campus. Free valet parking will be provided.

Also on April 8 th, The Source will be available at www.ColoradoSource.org and by calling Seniors Incorporated at 303-300-6900, where a volunteer will provide information over the phone to callers.

"I think this will be a great resource for senior citizens," said Ellison, with Hildebrand and Becerra nodding in agreement. "I'm looking forward to using it."

For more information about The Source and the free Senior Services Fair, call Seniors Incorporated at 303-300-6900.