Stories of Light

The Southeast Community Hub is part of the Family and Community Department (FACE) at Denver Public School. Community Hubs address a holistic approach to student learning through programs and services that support the social, emotional, physical, academic and basic needs of families.  As part of the basic needs assistance, all of the hubs offer food assistance through a Mini Market. At the Southeast Hub, the Mini Market strives to serve 25 to 30 families every week. The Hub relies on multiple food partnerships for the market to accommodate the increased number of families needing access to food.  The Southeast Hub…

After I graduated from East High School in Denver, back in the early ‘90s, I didn’t know what I wanted to do next in my life. Like a lot of kids at that age, I felt lost and confused. College wasn’t on my radar, so I decided to join the military. It was a good decision at the time and one that taught me many things and provided me with many life-changing experiences. I traveled, I lived in different states, I met amazing people, and I learned a ton.  I got out of the service after several years and came…

For AB, a mother of two young children with disabilities, securing stable housing was an uphill battle. Enrolled in the Green Willow Project in early 2022, she found housing and steady employment—but the financial strain of covering full rent while caring for her children remained overwhelming. The Green Willow Project, a vital VOA Colorado rapid rehousing program, provides support, case management, and essential services to families experiencing homelessness.  Through advocacy and direct assistance, the Green Willow Project helps families like AB’s navigate complex housing systems, access financial aid, and find long-term solutions for stability. Once clients are placed safely in…

As Colorado’s senior population grows, so does the need for support to help them age independently. VOA Colorado’s Aging Nutrition Services (ANS) serves over 2,800 seniors monthly through Meals on Wheels and Congregate Dining Centers, ensuring seniors receive nutritious meals that support their health. Hunger and food insecurity affect many seniors. In Colorado, nearly 12% of older adults face food insecurity. VOA’s programs offer more than meals—they provide crucial social interaction and community. The Market Meal Program supports homebound seniors who don’t need daily deliveries, ensuring no one is left behind. VOA also offers Healthy Aging Programs with classes on…

If you would like to support our Operation Backpack program – one of our many initiatives that helps children in need succeed, despite their circumstances – you can do so by clicking here. Operation Backpack fills in the gap for children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and otherwise underprivileged circumstances. Your donations help us provide backpacks, school supplies, and funding for academic enrichment to homeless and underprivileged children.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Denver, the VOA Colorado’s Sunset Park Apartments are more than just a housing facility—they are a lifeline for over 200 senior and disabled residents. In an often harsh world, the facility is a sanctuary of stability, community, and hope. These residents, ranging in age from 21 to 95, often face significant mental health challenges and come from backgrounds of extreme hardship, including homelessness. For many, Sunset Park is their first real home after a period of instability and vulnerability. The Broader Crisis First, let’s put things in perspective. The need for Sunset Park is…

Every day, lives are transformed through the work of Volunteers of America Colorado. In moments of darkness, when hope seems lost, VOA Colorado steps in—not just with a helping hand, but with open arms. Our mission is simple yet profound: to uplift those who need it most – most especially seniors, children, families, and veterans – and to offer safety, support, and the chance for a better tomorrow. Our goal is to transform lives, one person at a time. At the heart of our organization is a network of compassionate volunteers—individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to making…

One of the most exciting events of the year was the groundbreaking of the new Theodora Family Hotel. The ceremony was attended by many of our wonderful volunteers and donors, as well as Denver Mayor Johnston, our partners at the Department of Housing Stability, our board chair Glenn Rippey, and representatives from the City and County of Denver.  The Theodora Family Hotel will allow us to serve families in greater numbers, in an improved facility, and offer more services. By the time this Hotel is complete, we will be able to house 60 families and veterans. There are many unique…

Heather Schelble, volunteer for VOA of Colorado’s Meals on Wheels program, has a deep passion for helping others. Her grandfather delivered for Meals on Wheels in California for over 40 years and well into his 90s. She would go with him on his route starting when she was just five years old. Today, Heather is passing along her servant’s heart to her two little boys. Both of her sons – one just started kindergarten and the other just learned to walk – often come with her when she makes her Meals on Wheels deliveries every week.  With just about every delivery, Heather takes the time to talk with the recipients and form relationships that…

The holidays are a time for joy and generosity, and VOA Colorado’s Village Toy Drive is at the heart of it all. This beloved annual tradition, spearheaded by the incredible Michelle Gruber, brings our community together to ensure that every child in need experiences the magic of the season. Michelle’s dedication and passion for this initiative have made it a cornerstone of hope for families facing challenges. “Every toy represents not just a gift, but a message of love and support to the families we serve,” she says. Since The Village Toy Drive began, Michelle estimates that 18,000 children in…