Help Finish the VFW Post 1 Veteran Community Center

Help us finish the VFW Post 1 Veteran Community Center 

The VFW Post 1 is the First VFW in the world.  Established in 1899 by returning Colorado Veterans of the Spanish-American war, we honor their mission of helping fellow Veterans by meeting the needs of today’s Veterans throughout the Metro Denver and seven counties. 

OUR MISSION: To finish the renovations and open the Veteran Community Center.

OUR VISION: Expand current and new programs at the new Veteran Community Center 

• A Veteran Community Center for ALL Veterans
• Programs and activities specifically for all generations  
   
  
  • Exercise, volunteer opportunities, at home care, art classes, expand programs as needed
• Peer-to-Peer support
• Career Services
  
  • Resume writing, mock interviews, Linkedin profiles, employer partnerships and more.

Showcase the Veteran’s Art Council (VAC) Gallery

• The renovated building boasts 14,000 square feet and will be home to one of the largest veteran artwork galleries in the country.
• The VAC currently has 150 veteran artists, 80% are disabled veterans. 
• Pre-Covid, the gallery saw 40,000 visitors during the First Friday art walks in the Santa Fe Art District in 2019. Once the building renovation is complete, we look forward to hosting First Friday events again.

Health and Wellness 

• Free weekly yoga sessions: hosted in partnership with Comeback Yoga for Veterans and their families.  
• Non-narcotic therapy sessions: hosted in partnership with Healing Warriors for Veterans and their families. 

Community Space for other Veteran Service Organizations and Community Groups

• The Veteran Community Center will expand its free  communal gathering space for other Veteran Service and Community Organizations (high schools, Boy Scouts, non profits etc.)

Leadership Veteran Program

• In partnership with the University of Denver’s Nonprofit Leadership Program, Post 1 will provide fundamental nonprofit operations education to local Veteran Service Organizations while they share best practices and foster closer collaboration to better facilitate service solutions to Veterans.