Who We Are
Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, VOA Colorado changes the lives of over nearly 100,000 people in-need each year. Our services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body and heart of those we serve by integrating compassion into our highly-effective programs and services that build and strengthen communities.
Who We Serve
For 125 years, our ministry of service has supported and empowered Colorado’s most underserved residents. Volunteers of America Colorado supports diverse populations, including families, children, veterans, and older adults. We address unmet needs within our communities and create programs that empower our neighbors to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.
What Makes Volunteers of America Colorado Special
Volunteers of America Colorado believes unique challenges require unique and thoughtful solutions. We create specialized programs to meet the critical needs of the communities we serve—meaning our services across Colorado look different because each community is distinct. VOA Colorado recognizes the individual needs of the senior who needs a wheelchair ramp to be safe at home, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. We support veterans experiencing homelessness who have been under-served, and provide a safe place for women, men, and children escaping domestic violence. Wherever we go, we utilize faith, relationship-building, and volunteers to lift up and support Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.
Our administrative offices are located at 2660 Larimer Street, Denver CO 80205. To speak to someone about our programs or volunteering opportunities you may email us at info@voacolorado.org or call 303-297-0408. To keep up with our news and activities, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Volunteers of America Colorado programs are available to all people regardless of race, age, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender variance, marital status, national origin, military status or physical or mental disability. To learn more, visit our DEI page.
Our Mission
The mission of Volunteers of America Colorado is to identify and serve the basic needs
of the most vulnerable individuals and families within the community.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA Colorado) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. As a faith-based institution, we believe that God has the best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement of all and that is to (a) love your neighbor as yourself and (b) to act with justice and mercy. We are committed to continually listening to and learning from, employees, volunteers, our board and most importantly, to the communities that we serve in order to ensure our DEI framework is a best-practice and a priority.
Diversity: VOA Colorado defines Diversity as all the mutable and immutable characteristics that make each individual unique and valuable. It is the combination of our individual stories and experiences which allow us to recognize both our differences and the common humanity that unites us. Thus, we choose to promote and celebrate diversity at VOA Colorado.
Equity: Volunteers of America Colorado defines Equity as providing each person equal access to positive outcomes, fairness, resources, justice, and opportunity. VOA Colorado incorporates the concept of equality into its definition of equity because equity must never discriminate, harm, segregate, nor dictate outcomes. Equity removes barriers to success to help people grow and flourish. Thus, we choose to promote and celebrate equity and equality at VOA Colorado.
Inclusion: VOA Colorado defines Inclusion as the genuine and omnipresent belonging that derives from an environment intentionally cultivated to create a space for everyone. Through inclusion we better reflect, welcome, and most importantly, honor our employees and the communities we serve. Thus, we choose to promote and celebrate inclusion at VOA Colorado.
Our History
In 1896, under the guidance of Volunteers of America co-founders Maud and Ballington Booth, the VOA Colorado Branch was founded with its first programs in Boulder, Leadville, Pueblo and, soon after, Denver. By the turn of the century VOA soup kitchens fed the hungry and sleeping space was provided for the homeless.
Over one hundred years ago, a handful of inspired individuals began a journey that continues today. This journey brought them to the extremes of poverty, into the world of the abused, the destitute, the hungry, in to a world that lacked both material and spiritual comfort. These dedicated individuals, known as the Volunteers of America, rolled up their sleeves and created shelter for homeless women and children and served meals throughout the year so that no one would hunger.
Needy children were treated to festivities on each holiday and job opportunities were created for the unemployed.
This year 17,000 dedicated volunteers helped Volunteers of America’s Colorado Branch reach over 100,000 men, women, and children. We do more than Feed, Shelter, Support and Care. Every effort is made to assist individuals reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.
“Our work is not all bread and shelter. The underprivileged, the weak and the unfortunate need more. They need sympathy, the warmth of fellowship, and the instilling of courage.“
Volunteers of America Founder, Ballington Booth
Letter from our Board Chairman, Glenn Rippey
Dear Friends,
Back in 1896, there were a number of historically significant events that occurred as the 20th century beckoned. The Ford Quadricycle was released, launching Henry Ford and his company into “putting America on wheels.” The Dow Jones Industrial Average was created with the original 12 companies which included General Electric and Bethlehem Steel. John Philip Sousa composed “Stars and Stripes Forever.” And our beloved Volunteers of America was established.
Volunteers of America was founded by Maud and Ballington Booth with the stated goal of uplifting all in need of help, going wherever the needs existed and doing whatever was necessary. That inspirational, all-encompassing message of love and support has endured and thrived in the 128 years that have followed VOA’s inception. We who are honored today to carry on the Booth legacy in leading VOA Colorado take great pride in presenting this year’s Annual Report.
We invite your review of the pages that follow to learn about the latest chapter in our VOA story here in Colorado, which dates back to that very same year in 1896, a mere 20 years into Colorado’s statehood.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest thanks to the extraordinary, dedicated staff and volunteers who live the VOA mission every single day. On their shoulders rests the operation of all the programs, events, and services that touch the lives of thousands. We are also profoundly grateful to the organizations and individuals who have supported VOA Colorado with their generous donations of both financial and human capital.
My friends, we are on this journey together…and I will tell you that our “togetherness” only grows in importance as time marches on. And even though many things have changed in the past 128 years, one thing hasn’t: the necessity but also the profound joy that comes from helping those in need. 128 years later, the vision of Maud and Ballington Booth is alive and well…thanks to you.
With warmest regards and blessings,
Glenn Rippey, Board Chairman