The partnership between Volunteers of America and Mile High United Way has existed almost as long as the non-profit organizations themselves.

For over 100 years, the Volunteers of America Colorado Branch has adjusted its programs to the ever changing needs of the people.  The Volunteers of America was established in 1896 as they sprang forth from The Salvation Army.  The name of the faith-based organization, Volunteers of America, was conceived by Teddy Roosevelt and is rooted in a military tradition similar to that of The Salvation Army.  In fact, the employees or “officers and soldiers” of the organization had ranks and uniforms up until 1980. 

The Volunteers of America has always responded to gaps in service within the community.  At the time of its inception, the main populations served were those who flocked to Colorado seeking riches during the gold rush.  As history goes, many of these individuals and their families ended up destitute, and Volunteers of America was there to feed, shelter and support.  Today, the organization serves some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Colorado with a large array of important programs and services. Mile High United Way has been a valued partner in the development and ongoing success of many of these services.

Most Volunteers of America programs fit into one or more of the three Mile High United Way initiatives:  School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency. 

With over 34 years of experience in the organization, Dianna Kunz has served as President and CEO since 1989.  She is also a volunteer herself.  Every-other Friday she delivers Meals on Wheels to 10 special seniors on the route she delivers with her colleagues at Volunteers of America.  After all these years she still speaks with genuine excitement and fervor about Volunteers of America.

“We offer a wide range of services to people from all walks of life.  Whether it’s providing Foster Grandparents to children failing to thrive, shelters for the homeless, or daycare for children infected with HIV/AIDS, I truly feel that we reach out to those who are in most need of genuine support in their lives.  It’s amazing to see the change in people who come to us for help.  They ultimately change their lives, but we do our best to help them get there.”

One project, in particular, is developing a new model of service to help formerly homeless individuals and families make the leap to home ownership.  It’s called Transformational Housing.  Brunetti Lofts, on the corner of 26th Street and Larimer, is a pioneer project that incorporates support programs that empower residents to become self sufficient, in addition to providing beautiful housing.  Recipients are not only dedicated to creating change in their lives, but have also agreed to complete an individualized training and financial education program and to participate in an organized savings initiative. The end result is that residents are able to save enough at the end of their five-year stay for a down payment on a house or condo.  Through this partnership, between Mile High United Way, the Volunteers of America and many other community organizations,, Brunetti Lofts is now a national model for transformational housing. 

Click here to read a Brunetti Lofts success story.

Click here to donate or volunteer for Mile High United Way’s School Readiness, Adult Self Sufficiency and Youth Success initiatives. Contact Kara at kara.joseph@unitedwaydenver.org  for volunteer opportunities.