Stories of Light

The cycle of homelessness is complex. This is especially true for our veterans. In addition to an already overwhelming and challenging set for circumstances such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty, job or income loss, mental illness, substance abuse, and health problems, many vets live with debilitating PTSD, often don’t have a good family or support network, and must deal with a complicated and nearly impossible system when it comes to receiving benefits and resources. VOA Colorado’s Veterans Service Center (VSC) located at 1247 Santa Fe Drive in Denver, stands as a testament to compassion and innovation in supporting…

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we are reminded of the silent pain endured by too many in our community. Behind closed doors, countless individuals—our neighbors, friends, and family members—are living in fear. Across the nation, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience severe intimate partner violence. In Colorado, over 27% of women and 14% of men face the unimaginable reality of domestic violence at some point in their lives. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real people, with real stories of suffering and survival. At Volunteers of America Colorado, we believe…

Toni Hunter, associate director of VOA Colorado’s Mission, describes the facility in two simple words: “holistic and transformational.”  Located at 2877 Lawrence Street in Denver’s RiNo District, the Mission is a daytime center for people in the community experiencing homelessness. The program provides clients with food, basic hygiene products, clothing, job training, employment assistance, spiritual guidance, referrals, and a comforting place for relaxation and refreshment.  Recently the Mission began providing dog food for clients’ pets, as well. According to Hunter this is a vitally important addition as many people needing help might not seek or receive assistance if they had…

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…

In a world craving connection, the Volunteers of America Colorado Foster Grandparent Program shines with warmth and care. This initiative unites the wisdom of older adults with the dynamism of youth, creating bonds that enrich lives. Spanning across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, El Paso, and Larimer counties, the program welcomes individuals aged 55 or older, living on fixed incomes, who want to give back by volunteering and are passionate about working with children from early childhood to sixth grade. Whether in preschools, Head Start programs, elementary schools, or youth facilities like Boys and Girls Clubs, Foster Grandparents devote 15…

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…

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…

Durango Community Shelter Finn* has faced homelessness twice in his life. At 16, he fled an abusive homelife and lived alone in a tent until he could enlist in the military. He served Honorably in the United States Army Reserves for 8 years, while obtaining his GED, college degree, and post-graduate degrees. He had started his own family and was “living a wonderful life,” until tragedy struck in 2012, he said. “It was a car accident. Nobody to blame, just a random accident. I spent a lot of time trying to make sense of it, but that was a fool’s…

Community Support Programs Jack and Joyce met about 20 years ago at anice skating rink in Fort Collins. Joyce, being anavid ice skater, noticed Jack holding onto the rail, and she decided to visit with him—the rest is history. They still live in Fort Collins in a Senior living cottage and receive their groceries through the VOA Grocery Program. The Grocery Program connects seniors with local volunteers that pick up grocery items and deliver them to seniors that need a helping hand. Little did we know how useful this program would be during the 2020 pandemic, during which at risk…