COLORADO GIVES DAY
It’s Giving Season for so many meaningful nonprofits and Qualified Listeners is hoping for your support to continue providing hope and support for the many veterans and families we care for. You may have already started receiving campaign notifications in your inbox from other organizations, and you’ll be hearing more from us, too. While Colorado Gives Day isn’t until December 9th, you can beat the rush and schedule your gift now! This campaign provides LOCAL support within our community and your generosity, no matter how big or small, makes an impact. CLICK HERE to help us continue doing the work we do. Thank you so much!
~ IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ~
A NEW CHAPTER FOR QUALIFIED LISTENERS
Qualified Listeners has always adapted to meet the evolving needs of our veterans and their families. In our ninth year, we remain deeply proud of the impact we’ve made together and would like to announce a transition in leadership. Effective November 10, 2025, for health reasons, our Founder and CEO, Greg Goettsch, will be stepping aside, and Chrysti Britt will be taking his place as the organization’s new CEO. “Chrysti is someone I’ve known and trusted since 2018, and it became clear that her unwavering commitment to our mission makes her the leader we need now” stated Greg. Chrysti’s military ties run deep and her two-decade career in the nonprofit sector provides her with an array of experience well-suited for this role. You may recognize her from her volunteer time at veteran events in the community or in her role as executive director of Cultivate. QL is also supported by an exceptional team of staff, volunteers, board members, grantors and vendors. “I am thrilled and honored to lead this incredible organization into our next chapter,” said Chrysti.
VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11
If you want to be a part of supporting veterans on Veterans Day, here are some ideas:
- Contact your local VFW, American Legion, or other veteran organizations to see if they have a Veterans Day event planned and volunteer your help
- Take a veteran to lunch
- Bring a nourishing meal into a veteran’s home
- Invite a veteran to your home for dinner
- Arrange a neighborhood Potluck dinner for a veteran family
- Schedule a time to visit a veteran in person either at their home, nursing home, or other care facility
- Phone a veteran to let them know they’re not forgotten
- Send a “thinking of you” card or letter
- Don’t forget there are women veterans, too
- Above all, be sure to thank them for their service
You don’t have to wait until Veterans Day to do any of the above. If you know of a veteran in need, whether it’s Veterans Day or any other day, please contact us. Our job is to listen and assist.
OUR IMPACT
“I just wanted to share how much Qualified Listeners has meant to me and my late husband. When I first arranged transportation for us, it lifted such a heavy weight off my shoulders. The compassion, kindness, and patience shown by the volunteers during that time was truly incredible. The transportation service was more than just a ride. It was a lifeline. The volunteers went above and beyond, helping guide my husband into the vehicle and taking the time to listen to us. That meant everything to both of us. After my husband passed, I was struggling, and once again, QL was there for me with support and transportation. I will be forever grateful for the care and dedication they showed to us during the hardest moments of our lives” ~ Sue
TIME TO REFILE FOR YOUR VA BENEFITS?
Reminder to refile for your VA benefits every other year. There are new and upgraded benefits available all the time. Because you may change, so might the associated benefits. Your local Veteran Service Office can help you with this.
ROLE OF VETERAN SERVICES OFFICERS
Veterans and their dependents are potentially eligible for benefits. Eligibility will be determined during an intake interview. The Veteran Service Officer (VSO) will serve as your advocate to assist you with the preparation, presentation, and possible appeal of your VA benefits. They are trained and accredited by the VA to aid Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Services are provided at no charge.
VSOs are available in every county in the U.S. Their services do not have geographical boundaries and they are authorized to assist regardless of where you live. They may also be a resource for services other than what the VA provides, such as home care, transportation, housing, etc.
For a listing of Veteran Service Offices/Officers:
Colorado County Veterans Service Offices | Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
Wyoming Veteran Service Officers – Wyoming Military Department
ARMED FORCES DATES TO REMEMBER
The whole month of November is:
National Veterans & Military Family Month and National Family Caregivers Month
- November 10th – Marine Corps Day/Birthday
- November 11th – Veterans Day
- December 7th – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- December 13th – U.S. National Guard Birthday
WHAT EXACTLY DOES
QUALIFIED LISTENERS DO?
LISTENING
To everyone who calls and can be followed by phone or in-person sessions, including assisted living facilities or Hospice visitations.
TRANSPORTS – STANDARD/ WHEELCHAIR
Providing free, reliable transportation for veterans
and their families to medical appointments, errands, and more—standard and wheelchair- accessible.
FURNITURE & HOUSEWARES
Offering gently used furniture and household essentials at no cost to veterans and their families to help create a comfortable home.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS – HEALTH & SAFETY
Supporting veterans with free home modifications that improve mobility, safety, and overall housing stability.
RENT/MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
Assisting veterans and their families with rent or mortgage payments through a financial eligibility process to support stable housing.
UTILITIES PAYMENTS
Providing financial assistance for utility bills to eligible veterans and their families through a needs- based application process.
APPLIANCE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
Helping eligible veterans and their families maintain a functional home by covering the cost of essential appliance repairs or replacements.
VEHICLE REPAIRS
Providing assistance with vehicle repairs to help eligible veterans and their families maintain reliable transportation.
VEHICLE LOAN PAYMENTS
Offering financial support for vehicle loan payments to eligible veterans and their families to help ensure continued access to transportation.