In 2023, more than 25,000 homeless women veterans in the U.S. were served by the Veterans Health Administration’s homeless programs. Additionally, homelessness among women veterans increased last year by nearly 24 percent according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In that same period, the number of unsheltered women veterans—those living on the streets, in a car or in another unsafe situation—jumped nearly 48%, from 1,464 to 2,165. VOA Colorado is combating this alarming trend through several of our programs and services, including the Sinton Sanctuary. The 24/7 facility is specifically for senior women and women veterans…

“These kids give me a reason to get up every morning. They remind me I’m still needed.”— Foster Grandparent Program Participant In classrooms across Colorado, quiet moments of connection are sparking lasting change. In one elementary school, a once-struggling reader sits side by side with his Foster Grandparent, carefully sounding out each word. By the end of the year, his reading score jumps from 26% to 76%. But the numbers only tell part of the story. What’s harder to measure is the confidence in his voice and the pride in his smile. That’s the magic of VOA Colorado’s Foster Grandparents…

For those in our community who are experiencing homelessness, life is especially difficult. Helplessness is a daily struggle. Feelings of loneliness, desperation, and fear are often overwhelming,  The Irving Street Women’s Residence, located at 601 South Irving Street in Denver, is one of VOA of Colorado’s programs that aims to provide a respite from that cycle of despair. According to Courtney Fischer, the facility’s senior residential manager, Irving Street is Colorado’s only remaining Safe Haven program, a designation that allows it to serve chronically homeless women (which is defined as being homeless for one continuous year or four times in three years) who…

“When you look up in the sky at night, it’s dark. But there are also stars that shine light. Be a star; be a light in someone’s life.” These simple but profound words come from one of VOA of Colorado’s brightest volunteers! Kevin MacCary is retired military, a former board member, and a super active volunteer.  Kevin’s involvement with VOA Colorado dates back over 15 years. From the very beginning, he says that he could not believe how organized the organization was. “The leadership, the staff…they all do so much, and the amazing thing is that they do it all…

(1/1/2025) – Volunteering is something that shouldn’t just happen during the holiday season when you feel like being selfless with your time. In reality, the holiday season is the time when most organizations have to turn away volunteers due to an influx of people. Outside of these times, volunteers are needed too, so if you want to make an effort to volunteer, check out some of these local organizations!

(12/31/2024) – Colorado Springs residents can find out ways they can volunteer with VOA Colorado. Read more here.

As a dedicated VOA Colorado volunteer, Joanne Lee was faced with a unique challenge during the school year when her classroom received an influx of students who didn’t speak English as their first language. One student, a young boy from South America, stood out to Joanne. He spoke only Spanish, and even the Spanish-speaking staff found it difficult to communicate due to cultural language differences. Joanne noticed that the boy had become withdrawn, unsure of how to connect with his classmates and teachers. He seemed isolated, unable to express himself. But during recess one day, Joanne—whom the students lovingly call…

(12/17/2024) – Your generosity helped raise enough money to buy 6,000 toys for Colorado children who otherwise wouldn’t get gifts this holiday season.

(12/10/2024) – For those who have a passion for family, the non-profit Foster Grandparents program in Colorado gives seniors the chance to engage with students and have an impact on their education. The program is part of Volunteers of America. Seniors get to go into elementary school classrooms and help teachers with students.

(12/6/2024) – Faustine Curry, VOA Colorado’s VP of Advancement, shares all the ways you can participate in Colorado Gives Day on The Good News with Angie Austin radio program. Listen in here.