Stories of Light

AvalonBay is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that owns and manages distinctive apartment homes in some of the most vibrant U.S. markets, including Colorado. We’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live, which includes a commitment to making a difference in the neighborhoods where we live and work. Since 2020, AvalonBay has partnered with VOA Colorado to make a difference for underserved communities in the Denver metro. What sets VOA apart is the people they help – from veterans, to seniors, to persons with disabilities, to families – VOA has more…

At Volunteers of America Colorado, we believe that every child deserves a strong start. Through our Early Childhood Education Programs (ECEP), including Head Start and Early Head Start, we provide free, high-quality, dual-language early education to pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers — all while supporting the whole family with vital services like health, nutrition, mental health, and disabilities support. But beyond the services and the stats, there are stories. Stories like Mateo’s. Mateo was just three years old when his family enrolled him in VOA Colorado’s Head Start program. His parents had recently moved to the area, hoping to…

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…