Hidden Gems: Volunteers of America – Colorado

Amanda Webb is the Senior Fitness Specialist with the Volunteers of America Healthy Aging Program. Amanda has answered some questions below to help librarians around Colorado learn about the work of the Volunteers of America here in Colorado.

Tell us who you are and what you do at your organization:

We are the Healthy Aging Program within Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA Colorado). Our mission is to support the basic needs and overall well‑being of Colorado’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Within that mission, the Healthy Aging Program focuses on empowering adults aged 60 and better through evidence‑based nutrition and fitness education.

VOA Colorado recognizes that aging well is shaped by how we nourish and move our bodies. To support healthy and independent living, we offer a wide range of accessible programs including one‑on‑one exercise instruction, personalized nutrition counseling, and inclusive group classes for all ability levels. Our programming builds community while teaching research‑backed best practices in healthy eating, mobility and balance, and fall prevention.

We help participants navigate the overwhelming amount of wellness information available by tailoring guidance to their needs—whether it’s eating balanced meals on a budget, adapting movement for chronic conditions or limited mobility, or building confidence to stay active and independent.

Our team currently provides programming across established communities such as senior living communities, independent living residences, and HUD‑supported housing sites. This experience helps us effectively support older adults in any setting, including public libraries.

What needs or challenges can your organization help libraries address for their communities?

Many older adults turn to their local library seeking support—whether they’re managing chronic conditions, feeling isolated, or unsure where to find trustworthy health information. Our programs help meet these needs by creating welcoming spaces where participants can learn, move, and connect. We offer guidance that is grounded in research but delivered in a fun, accessible way, helping people build confidence and independence. Through conversation, gentle humor, and interactive activities, we create meaningful moments that build community and help patrons feel supported in their wellness journey.

Our aim is to support older adults in living healthier, more independent lives while helping libraries expand the reach of their community services.

What regions – cities, counties, areas – of Colorado does your organization reach?

We offer classes throughout the Denver metro area, primarily serving Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. When funding allows, we can expand programming to additional counties on a case‑by‑case basis. We currently serve numerous senior living and independent living communities within these regions.

Do the services or resources from your organization cost any money to the participant?

No. All of our services are free for participants. Funding from organizations such as the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) allows us to eliminate financial barriers so older adults can participate fully and confidently. Participants are welcome to donate if they choose, but donations are completely optional and have no impact on their eligibility to attend classes or receive services.

Do libraries have to provide any funds or apply to any grants to work with your organization?

In most cases, libraries do not need to provide funding to host our programs. Our grants cover staffing, materials, and program delivery. Only in rare cases—typically outside our standard service counties—might we explore funding options together.

Do libraries have to provide any staff, volunteers, or training in order to run your programs or provide resources or services with your organization?

Our programs are designed to be extremely easy for libraries to host. We provide:

·        Our own trained and certified staff

·        All program materials

·        Flyers and promotional content

All the library needs to provide is:

·        A room or open space with tables and chairs

·        Assistance with promoting the program to patrons

Volunteer involvement is completely optional, but very welcome. If your branch has volunteers who would like to participate, we are happy to train them in select parts of our programming.

Our team handles all remaining logistics.

Let’s say one of our librarians, directors, or staff contact you and says, “We want to bring your organization to our community!” What will the next step look like?

Once a library reaches out, the next steps are simple:

1.  Fill out a brief interest form to identify which programs your branch is interested in. VOAC Healthy Aging Classes – Interest Form

2.  We match availability and schedule the sessions. We will provide our weekday time slots and work with you to find the best fit.

3.  We provide flyers and promotional materials to help you advertise.

4.  Our staff arrives with everything needed for a successful, engaging event.

How can people reach you?

If you’d like to bring our programming to your library or have questions about how we can support your older adult community, please feel free to reach us by email or phone at [email protected] or 720-264-3341.