PROGRAM UPDATE APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH, and because I work so closely with the volunteers who come to our office or help us with our events, I wanted to celebrate volunteerism by recognizing the team of volunteers who bring so much to the Denver VOICE. I am very thankful to have CONNIE GAITAN PROGRAM COORDINATOR met such amazing people in our community that help us meet our mission to serve our unhoused neighbors. In the short amount of time that I’ve been with the Denver VOICE, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few astounding volunteers. These people are dedicated and proud to do the work behind the scenes and make a difference, no matter how big or small the job is. That is why I’d like to spotlight two of our volunteers, Rose and Terry, whose time and effort makes such a difference to the Denver VOICE vendors and all of us on staff. I had the pleasure of meeting Rose Villela when I had just started working at the VOICE. Rose helped me rearrange our office space to make it more open and inviting. Not only does she exude this vibrant positive energy, but she’s also very generous and kind. When she heard the news of our longtime vendor Brian’s passing she stopped by our office and embraced me with a heartfelt hug and some flowers, while also expressing her condolences. She also made sure to let the staff know that if we needed anything to give her a call. She’s an advocate for many organizations that support those experiencing homelessness, and I look forward to working with her at our Rise and Thrive fundraising event next month. Terry’s been buying the Denver VOICE newspaper since the ’90s. Describing her work with the VOICE, Terry said, “It’s been a good experience to provide helpful resources, give vendors positive advice, and be a good support system for the vendors.” Terry stops by the office three times a week to count newspapers, sanitize surfaces, water the plants, and welcome vendors. She also refers people to our vendor program. Terry attends our gatherings, helps with the clean-up after, and makes small donations to help our vendors. I appreciate Terry’s dedication and willingness to show up – even when we are experiencing extremely cold days. In a short time, I’ve built great relationships with Rose and Terry, and I’m excited to highlight the importance of why their help at the Denver VOICE has made an impact on our organization. ■ DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTOR WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing GILES CLASEN is a freelance photojournalist who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen WRITERS Zakkayiah Brooks Rea Brown Connie Gaitan Raelene Johnson Andrew McClenton Jerry Rosen WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. LeMarquis Smith BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Albert Bland Donovan Cordova Antonio Diaz Raelene Johnson Jennifer Seybold Julia Watson Cabal Yarne With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE April 2023 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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