Every Tuesday for the past 14 years, Kathy and Jim Bowers have walked into the Fort Collins Senior Center with a purpose bigger than themselves. What started as a post-retirement curiosity quickly blossomed into a heartfelt mission filled with laughter, connection, and compassion.
Kathy, a retired CSU staff member, and Jim, a retired electrical engineer, found their calling in VOA Colorado’s Congregate Dining program, a community-based initiative that provides nutritious meals in a warm, social setting for older adults. At sites across Colorado, seniors gather not just to eat, but to connect. For many, it’s their one outing of the week, their lifeline to conversation, routine, and friendship.
In Fort Collins, that experience is shaped by people like Kathy and Jim. They knew everyone by name. They greet each person with the same warmth and sincerity, often recalling past conversations and cherished memories. “Hi, Jeanne !” Kathy calls out with a smile.
Over the years, not much has changed for this dynamic duo. Volunteering, Jim explains, “is part of our routine. It’s part of our lives.” And when they say “our,” they mean it; volunteers, diners, longtime friends, and new faces alike.
Many couples & individuals have been coming since the very beginning. There are regulars who are Sturgis devotees, Veterans, CSU professors, international guests, and football fans of the Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. They talk sports, politics, and memories. They laugh. They grieve those who are no longer there. They keep showing up for each other.
Whether it’s talking basketball or helping a newcomer feel welcome, they embody what the Congregate Dining program is truly about: more than just a meal, it’s about community, dignity, and joy.
“It’s a great social opportunity,” Kathy says. “You get out of the house, enjoy a good meal, and you’re surrounded by people who care.”
Kathy and Jim are the kind of volunteers who don’t just hand out meals; they hand out kindness, respect, and love. And in doing so, they remind us all that showing up, week after week, can change lives, including your own.
If you’re looking for connection, joy, and the kind of purpose that lights up your heart, the VOA Colorado has many volunteer opportunities. Find out more here.