VOAC’s New Aging & Nutrition Service Center & Michael Kern Kitchen
Volunteers of America Colorado invited their AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteers for a tour of VOAC’s New Aging & Nutrition Service Center & Michael Kern Kitchen ~
Story contributed by VOAC RSVP Program Specialist Gayle Larsen ~
Our Volunteers of America Colorado RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteers) are like family, so it was time to welcome our AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers into our new home. On August 8th, VOAC / RSVP staff hosted close to 90 RSVP volunteers and RSVP partner stations at the new Volunteers of America Colorado’s Aging and Nutrition Service Center & Michael Kern Kitchen located at 4915 E. 52nd Ave, Commerce City. There were lots of hugs, excitement, questions, and tasty food. RSVP staff members Cathy Law, Gayle Larsen and Betsy Hackemer say “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We are so thankful for their helping hands, giving hearts, and caring smiles.” Relocating the kitchen and ANS offices was a more than 3-year undertaking. While we changed cities, zip codes and even the county, the new location is about five miles away from VOAC’s 2660 Larimer St location. Many RSVP Volunteers have helped with special projects / one-time / holiday events on Larimer Street, so they were very interested in seeing their new spot for projects. There were a few questions about what is happening on Larimer Street. While the 2 blocks from 26th to 27th and Larimer to Lawrence have been sold to a developer for residential and commercial use, Volunteers of America Colorado’s beautiful three-story brick administration building will remain. This building is undergoing a major remodel and will be closed for a period of time. When construction is complete, VOAC’s accounting, human resources, marketing & development, and executive leadership will have offices on the 2nd and 3rd floors. VOAC is proud to have the largest collection of VOA memorabilia. The remodel will include a VOA museum on the first floor.
From delivering meals on wheels, tutoring elementary students, helping at food banks, knitting items for those in need, special projects, one-time volunteer opportunities, in-home community support projects and much more, each year our RSVP Volunteers make positive changes in our community through volunteerism. RSVP’s mission is to match your skills, experiences, and time to a volunteer opportunity that you want to do. You can use the skills and talents you have learned over the years or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community. RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours a month to weekly. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP partners with 50+ sites in Denver, Douglas, and Western Arapahoe counties to offer you a variety of volunteer opportunities. Use the QR Code or contact RSVP Program Specialist Gayle Larsen 720-264-3339 glarsen@voacolorado.org.
VOAC’s is the grant sponsor for a second AmeriCorps Seniors Program- Foster Grandparents. The Foster Grandparent Program is a volunteer program that offers an opportunity for seniors to give back to their community by mentoring and tutoring at-risk children and youths. Various options include early childhood programs, head start programs, K-5 schools, and community programs like the Boys and Girls Club. Foster Grandparents provide emotional support, help develop basic learning skills, tutor in reading and other subjects, assist with and teach self-care, be a positive role model, and build a bridge to the community and another generation. Those that qualify can receive a non-taxable stipend and travel reimbursement. Foster Grandparent volunteers are asked to commit 15 hours a week. Those interested in learning more about the program can call 720-264-3397 and ask to talk to the Foster Grandparent staff member.
Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America Colorado (VOAC) is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, VOAC changes the lives of over nearly 100,000 people in need each year. VOAC’s 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. To learn more information about Volunteers of America Colorado and to get services, please visit voacolorado.org.
