On Sunday, July 29, a group of 20 skilled handymen and handywomen celebrated the spirit of volunteerism with a barbecue. It was the Volunteers of America Safety of Seniors Handyman Program's Appreciation Event for the men and women who give back to the community by helping senior homeowners keep their homes secure from unnecessary dangers.

The program is dedicated to keeping seniors safe and independent in their own homes by providing minor home repair services and safety modifications for limited-income seniors. All labor is free as these seniors usually have few or no financial resources to pay for handyman services. Most often they are widowed or single women with one or more disabilities, and have no one to help with maintenance.

In addition to minor repairs, the program installs safety devices and provides educational materials to help reduce falls in the home, the number one cause of serious injury and hospitalization for seniors. Thanks to the men and women with tool belts and the spirit of giving, Colorado seniors are safer and more independent.