A partnership with Home Depot brings meaningful home upgrades to a WWII hero
We’re proud to share that Qualified Listeners was recently featured in the Sterling Journal-Advocate for our role in a remarkable community effort to support a local World War II veteran. It’s a story that reflects everything we believe about veterans advocacy — that when the right people come together, meaningful change happens.
The veteran at the center of this story is Baxter Arnold, a recipient of two Purple Hearts who served with the U.S. Army’s 102nd Infantry Division in northwestern Germany. After decades of service and sacrifice, Baxter and his wife Carol found themselves in need of some essential home modifications to accommodate his health. What happened next is a testament to the power of community.
The path to help began with a chance conversation. Carol’s daughter connected with Stacy Syphers of the Centennial Area Health Education Center (CAHEC), who immediately recognized that Qualified Listeners was the right organization to call. Our team got to work securing a grant from the Home Depot Foundation — in partnership with Sterling VFW Post 3541 — to cover all materials and supplies for the project. Adrian Meraz, operations assistant store manager at the local Home Depot, assembled a crew of employees who donated every hour of their labor. The project included a new walk-in shower, updated toilets, porch railing repairs, and even an unexpected gutter fix the team spotted along the way. A local plumber and contractor also stepped up to volunteer their time, and Sam & Louie’s donated lunch for the crew.
As our resource coordinator Barb Goettsch said that day, this project had nothing to do with finances — it was entirely about honoring a veteran. Carol Arnold put it beautifully when she described being overwhelmed by the generosity of people who showed up simply because they wanted to help. That’s the kind of community we’re honored to be part of.
If you or a veteran you know could benefit from our services — whether it’s navigating home modification resources, connecting with the VA, or simply having someone to talk to — we’re here. Reach out to us at qualifiedlisteners.org or call 720-600-0860.
Read the original article by Callie Jones at the Sterling Journal-Advocate.