Dear Friends:

Colorado Hands In Action is closing its doors. It has been my pleasure, and my honor, to have worked with all of you for just over a decade. We began as a small volunteer program through the Care Ministry programs at Mile Hi Church. Then we became a community-wide program with Jeffco Volunteer Caregivers. We then grew into our own interfaith effort merging with InterCommunity Caregivers. Finally, we became our own 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our last big step came in changing our name just a year ago from Helping Hands Faith in Action to Colorado Hands In Action.

Over the years we have given 35,000 hours of our time and spirit to our community. I thank you for your generosity when it came to making financial donations and giving your time and talent.

The reason we are closing now is simple: we do not have the money to continue. The reason is also complex. Although our volunteers and those we serve have been generous to the best of their ability, we are not able to support ourselves. We continue to see an increase in the number of requests for assistance and we realize that we have too much to do and not enough resources to do it. This does not mean that our work is done, just that as individuals we need to find new ways to make it happen.

As the old saying goes when you close a door you open a window. It is very important to all of us to keep TeamCaring.org growing. This web-based program has taught me the impact and value of empowering caregivers. The Life Quality Institute will continue spreading the word as part of their Creating Communities of Care program. I know TeamCaring.org will grow better and faster as a part of the Life Quality Institute.

As for me personally, I am changing how and where I work. I'll be joining another non-profit organization in coordinating education programs for seniors, and developing volunteer programs within naturally occurring communities statewide.

Although no longer on staff, I will be coordinating the Spring Make A Difference Day on Saturday, June 7th. I am thrilled to share with you that both Kathy Holden at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community and Cammie Oliver at Mile Hi Church will be continuing the good work we have begun together. Feel free to contact them for new volunteer assignments!

I am grateful to you on behalf of all those we have assisted together over the years. Join me in thanking CHIA’s brave and wonderful Board of Directors: Eileen Kennedy, Patty Luckenbach, Margaret Winn and Cheryl Siefert.

In closing let remind you that you are an angel. Even if the organization that brought us together dissolves, you are still that same wonderful gift to the world. Let us all move forward and spread our wings as we let our service to the world begin!

With Gratitude and Blessings,

Lynnzy McIntosh
Executive Director
Colorado Hands In Action