Stories of Light

“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 Joanne noticed that the boy had become withdrawn, unsure of how to connect with his classmates and teachers.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…

Hunger Services What makes Volunteers of America Colorado unique is how holistic our services are. We can help clients improve their lives and longevity by utilizing multiple programs to support their needs. Tom began receiving Meals on Wheels about six years ago after he was diagnosed with a disability. Tom remains as boisterous and positive as ever, and his bright personality shines with every story he tells—and Tom is full of stories! Tom is thankful for the Meals on Wheels program, especially because it is difficult for him to grocery shop. His delivered meals help keep him safe at home,…

Volunteer Programs Mr. Earl (as he is endearingly called) has been volunteering at Volunteers of America Colorado for nearly a decade. He began at the VOA Mission, a daytime shelter that provides clients with food, clothing, resources and a safe place for relaxation. Mr. Earl fell in love with the holiday traditions at the Mission, like making emergency food bags, assisting with cookouts, and making sure no one goes hungry. “As long as I’m helping someone, I’m happy,” Mr. Earl said. Mr. Earl met Carlos when he began volunteering at City Harvest Food Bank, and the pair now work together…

More than just a home Alycia began her story with Volunteers of America as a young single mother, without a stable home for herself and her daughter. With a felony on her record, Alycia found herself feeling hopeless. She had paid her debt to society, but had no job, a 6-month-old, and no home to call her own. Housing applications felt pointless as every background check was followed with a rejection. Alycia’s mother encouraged her to apply to the new Volunteers of America affordable housing unit, Boulevard One. Alycia had low expectations that as a former felon she would be…

Robert can depend on Meals on Wheels Robert is a Vietnam War Veteran and has been a Meals on Wheels client for 4 years. Likemany of our Meals on Wheels clients, Robert has difficulty doing day to day tasks that manyof us take for granted. For Robert, Meals on Wheels means that he can depend on both anutritious meal and a friendly face on a regular basis. Tom is a Meals on Wheels volunteerthat has been delivering to Robert since the beginning. Tom went above and beyond hisduties as a Meals on Wheels volunteer when he recognized that Robert had…

Caring Companion Brightens Day for Older Neighbor and Family Kathryn and Kurt Renick share a love story that is unlike any other – one that has persisted beyond borders, time, and, most recently, memory. They met 17 years ago through a chance interaction over the Internet. Kathryn was renting out her charming lakeside cottage in Nova Scotia, Canada; Kurt was planning a trip with his daughter and son-in-law to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary. A conversation about rental plans soon developed into one more casual, and after several emails back and forth, the two found that they shared a lot…

Before Oakes and his sister Indigo went to Camp POSTCARD, neither had been away from home. So naturally when their mom, Jenny suggested the idea of a sleep-away camp, both kids – who are 12 and 10 respectively – were nervous. But as is often the case, not long after they arrived for the week-long adventure, the two siblings settled in and began to have the time of their lives! Camp POSTCARD is a free week-long summer camp designed to benefit 5th and 6th graders from the Denver/Aurora metro area who demonstrate leadership skills and might not otherwise be able…