Edwina Davenport carefully watched her Aurora home get painted from the comfort of her own living room with a sense of gratitude and relief. Beside her, her daughter Brianna and granddaughter shared the moment, their faces beaming with appreciation for the volunteers from Brothers Redevelopment.

For Edwina and her family, this was more than just a fresh coat of paint. It was a renewed sense of pride in their home and a heartfelt reminder of the kindness and support from their community.

“This is phenomenal. This is amazing,” Brianna told CBS Colorado. “It just keeps (her mother), you know, so much longevity and it kind of puts a pep in her step.”

The Paint-A-Thon project was part of Brothers Redevelopment’s annual staff volunteer day, where our employees and Board of Directors came together to paint Edwina’s house, showcasing our commitment to making a tangible difference in the community. While our staff works every day to alleviate Colorado’s housing crisis and help those in need, the day gave them the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, work alongside each other, and make a difference in a hands-on way.

“I have done different types of volunteer work my whole life, and this sounded like it would be both fun and make a difference to someone’s life. Unlike many projects, you could see the results of your efforts at the end of the day,” said Julie Manning, tenant-landlord mediator for Brothers Redevelopment’s housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632).

“I did the Paint-A-Thon last year, so I came this year knowing what to expect. I was excited to see who would be there doing it too,” Manning added. “I feel satisfied and like we had done a really nice job at the end.”

So far this year, the Paint-A-Thon Program has painted 43 houses across the Denver metro area and in Colorado Springs. As we continue to celebrate one million volunteer hours through the program, we look forward to beautifying more homes and bringing community members together to make a difference in our neighborhoods.

“It is the one day out of our year where we get to put our action to our words. We talk about community building and preserving housing all year as we work in various program environments,” said Brothers Redevelopment Home Modification and Repair Department Director Jason McCullough. “This one day though, we get to go and take direct action to help someone stay in their home.”

“I love this event. The sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the opportunity to take part in this historic event is humbling,” he added.

Longmont resident Janice Taylor vividly remembers the day her life dramatically changed almost 20 years ago.

Taylor, an avid outdoorswoman and passionate information technology analyst, was on a fly-fishing trip in Crested Butte. As she was gathering her fishing gear outside her vehicle, she suddenly heard screeching tires and saw a large, one-ton truck driving straight toward her. The driver, who was drunk, struck her with the vehicle, dragging her over 20 feet and through a barbed wire fence.

After paramedics helped dig her out from under the truck, Taylor was quickly transported to a medical facility and eventually flown to Good Samaritan Hospital. From then on, she began the long process of recovering from a shattered pelvis, broken legs, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, broken arms, brain injuries, internal bleeding, a broken back, and lacerations.

Fast forward through 47 surgeries and relearning how to do simple tasks like brushing her hair, and Taylor is walking again with a new outlook on life.

“Every morning that you wake up, you have a choice. You can have a positive attitude and give it your all, knowing it’s going to hurt — but tell yourself the pain reminds you that you are alive and fighting,” said Taylor. “Or, you can be miserable, do nothing, don’t try to improve, and make others around you miserable. Those are your choices, and I can tell you the being miserable one is much easier.”

“Life was a challenge then and still is in some ways. It’s much easier now than it was before, but it was a fight to get here,” Taylor continued. “My mother was an old, stubborn German woman, and I think I’m a lot like her. You never give up. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but it will happen if you keep at it.”

As Taylor gradually regained her independence, she faced another hurdle — the deteriorating condition of her home’s exterior. The cost of repainting seemed like an insurmountable obstacle until she was accepted for Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program.

Through the program, volunteers from Good Samaritan Hospital, the place that had witnessed Taylor’s long road to recovery, came together to revitalize her home this month. With each brushstroke, volunteers not only transformed Taylor’s house — they lifted her spirits.

“Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is on a Mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible. This extends beyond an acute care hospital stay,” said Alicia Harker, one of the volunteers who painted Taylor’s home. “Our caregivers partner organizations that address social determinants of health because we believe that when we improve the lives of those in our community, we decrease their risk of hospitalization. Housing is a fundamental need for everyone, and Brothers Redevelopment is an excellent partner for Good Samaritan Hospital as we both work together to attend to the whole person and promote and defend human dignity on the journey of improving overall health.”

“When I was contacted about the Paint-A-Thon, I couldn’t believe it. It was like a pinch-yourself moment,” said Taylor. “It’s completely overwhelming, and I don’t have words to say how grateful I am to each and every one of those people.”

Taylor has since enjoyed her freshly painted house and said she has received several compliments from her neighbors. She said the volunteers from Good Samaritan Hospital showed her a new way, and if she were physically able, she would be outside painting houses for the Paint-A-Thon.

“They came and gave me their time, company, and humor, and watching the camaraderie between them was a delight. It was kind of like extended family because I spent so much time at the hospital,” said Taylor. “I gained more than having my house painted. It was refreshing, and just having them here was wonderful.”

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program. Our commitment to our neighbors and clients has always been fueled by the dedication of selfless volunteers who lend their time, skills, and hearts to make a difference. Thanks to their efforts, our beloved Paint-A-Thon Program is reaching an incredible milestone this year: one million volunteer hours over its 46-year history!

As we reflect on this milestone, it’s only right to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who exemplify the very best of Paint-A-Thon. On April 23, Brothers Redevelopment staff, supporters, and others gathered at Raices Brewing Company to celebrate and honor six organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the program. These awardees embody the spirit of the Paint-A-Thon and have helped make a tremendous impact.

Read on to learn more about each of our awardees and discover why they believe volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon is such a worthwhile cause.

Lifetime Leaders: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Chi Phi Chapter 

For nearly 40 years, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has been volunteering in large teams with the Paint-A-Thon. That organizational commitment stems from the fraternity’s cardinal principle of uplifting others.

“That is truly what they do every year in the Paint-A-Thon — they enliven and inspire through incredible service with their neighbors,” said Brothers Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink.

Brothers honored Omega Psi Phi Fraternity with a Lifetime Leaders ward, recognizing the 7,700 volunteer hours the fraternity has contributed to the Paint-A-Thon. Over the past 36 years, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has painted 54 homes and touched the lives of so many homeowners in the community.

“For me and the brothers, the main thing that touches us is the faces and the smiles and that certain thing you can’t put a name on when the homeowner comes out and looks at the finished project and says, ‘my house looks fabulous,'” said Abel Coombs of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. “That just goes straight to the heart.”

Brush of Service: Gina Koert, Shamrock Painting 

Gina Koert’s journey with the Paint-A-Thon began in 2022 when she participated in the Painting Contractors Association’s Paint-It-Forward program, a service aimed at giving back to the community.

Reflecting on her experience, Koert, president and owner of painting company Shamrock Painting, Inc. in Denver, shared, “I had such a good time, and it was so impactful that I then with my company have done it in the years since as a team-building event.”

Koert’s commitment extended beyond individual involvement as she volunteered alongside her family in Paint-A-Thon projects, including a memorable effort in 2023 where three generations of her family, all skilled in the painting profession, worked together to paint a home for a neighbor in need. Recognizing her outstanding dedication and service, Brothers honored Koert with the Brush of Service award.

“Gina jumped in with both feet and made an impact in a way that only she could. Gina is a force,” said Nibbelink. “When she believes in something, look out. Good things are going to get done.”

Koert views volunteering as a social responsibility that not only enriches the community but also fosters a deeper connection to it. She emphasized that the Paint-A-Thon leaves a lasting impact on the community, instilling a sense of ownership and pride among its clients.

“The Paint-A-Thon impacts the community just by the ownership. This is somebody’s space, it might be the only space they own, it’s that ownership pride, that integrity that you give back that they can be proud when they walk out of something,” said Koert. “That enrichment in whatever community in Denver we can contribute to I think has an incredible impact.”

City Impact: Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities 

Over the past 20 years, employees from nearly every branch of the City of Denver have contributed some type of volunteerism to the Paint-A-Thon.

Volunteers have come from the Denver Public Library, the Denver Police Department, Denver City Council, and countless other city employees all wanting to make a difference in Denver. Since 2004, Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities (DEVO) has given 15,000 volunteer hours to paint 135 homes for older adults in Denver through the Paint-A-Thon. That commitment and service is why Brothers honored DEVO with the City Impact award.

“Denver City and County employees genuinely care about their community, and we have seen this dedication firsthand,” said Nibbelink.

DEVO President Reid Matsuda believes volunteering is a commitment to the community and individuals receiving services through the Paint-A-Thon. He said that as a public servant, it’s important to not be defined by your job title — but rather to be defined by the impact you have in your community.

“Volunteering to me is that commitment to the community, to that individual. And you never really know how big of an impact you have until you see the outcome and see that real impact from that person,” said Matsuda. “That’s why I love to volunteer.”

Community Champion: Nicole Marquez, Huntington Bank 

Huntington National Bank Vice President and Community Development Relationship Manager Nicole Marquez was introduced to the Paint-A-Thon at a young age when her mother brought her along to volunteer for the program.

Since then, Marquez has grown into a champion for solving housing issues, particularly in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood where her family grew up at. At Huntington National Bank, Marquez has used her expertise and deep connections in the community to develop the organization’s service culture in a more profound way. For example, Marquez was the onsite team leader for three Huntington National Bank Paint-A-Thon projects in 2023, one of which took place in the Westwood neighborhood.

Marquez’s dedication to the community is admirable and the reason Brothers honored her with the Community Champion award.

“Her work reminds me of one of Brothers’ early slogans — helping people house each other. Nicole embodies this in the way she interacts with the community, her peers at Huntington, and in the initiatives she drives forward,” said Nibbelink.

Marquez said she believes the Paint-A-Thon impacts the community by maintaining home values in neighborhoods, providing aesthetically pleasing curb appeal, and most importantly, giving the homeowner a sense of pride.

“The most rewarding part of volunteering with the Paint-A-Thon event is really when our team is completely done painting the house, and we bring the homeowner out, and to really see the sheer joy on their face is priceless,” said Marquez.

Next Generation Catalyst: Jen Engquist, Service Learning Camps 

Service Learning Camps Area Coordinator Jen Engquist is highly gifted at setting up youth volunteer projects in a powerful and meaningful way.

Each year, she contributes to the Paint-A-Thon by gathering youth volunteers who make up 25% of Brothers’ volunteers in June and July. These volunteers are energetic and tackle some of the most unique Paint-A-Thon projects throughout the summer. But while volunteering is important, Engquist ensures that youth volunteers also understand what they are doing and more importantly, why their work is important.

Her influence and dedication to the Paint-A-Thon and the next generation of volunteers is why Brothers honored her with the Next Generation Catalyst award.

“Jen does such a great job of challenging youth to commit themselves to healthy service and be the ones to stand in the gap with those on the fringes of society. She models this with joy and enthusiasm,” said Nibbelink.

Engquist believes that it’s important for older adults to feel proud of the home that they’re in and to help neighbors maintain and stay in their home for as long as they can.

“I think that if we’re looking at investing in knowing our community in a meaningful way, working in a project like the Paint-A-Thon is a great, I hope introduction. I don’t think it’s the end of anything, I think it’s the beginning,” said Engquist. “Picking up that paintbrush is the beginning of a story we get to live out being good neighbors.”

Heartfelt Heroes: Atlas Real Estate 

It’s common for volunteers from property management company Atlas Real Estate to maintain relationships with Paint-A-Thon clients long after they’ve painted their houses.

During the fall, Atlas Real Estate has been known to rake the lawns of past Paint-A-Thon clients, deliver turkeys to them for Thanksgiving dinner, and even shovel their driveways during the winter, going beyond their initial commitment on Paint-A-Thon day.

It’s that commitment that truly embodies the spirit of the Paint-A-Thon and what it stands for. Beyond just a one-day event, it’s about fostering lasting connections and making a tangible, ongoing difference in the lives of our neighbors. Atlas Real Estate’s dedication to going the extra mile exemplifies the core values of community, compassion, and service that lie at the heart of the Paint-A-Thon Program.

It’s because of all these meaningful gestures and ongoing support that Brothers recognized Atlas Real Estate with a Heartfelt Heroes award.

“We have seen how Atlas team members engage in the community to repair, clean up, landscape and paint homes for older adults living on a fixed income both in Denver and Colorado Springs. Atlas Paint-A-Thon projects are full of fun, service, and camaraderie,” said Nibbelink. “We are inspired by how they approach his work holistically.”

Ryan Denison, General Manager of 3rd Party Property Management at Atlas Real Estate, highlighted the shared values between Brothers and Atlas Real Estate. With a mission to uplift humanity through real estate, Atlas Real Estate sees the Paint-A-Thon as closely aligned with their overarching goals. Denison emphasized that Atlas Real Estate actively engages in volunteer work year-round, striving to create a positive impact on community members whenever possible.

“There’s something about doing something for someone else that just leaves you feeling amazing and positive like you really produced something at the end of the day,” said Denison. “We do a lot of volunteer work, and I would say the Paint-A-Thon is the one I look forward to the most every year.”

Without the million hours our volunteers have poured into the Paint-A-Thon the past 46 years, homeowners like Paula Maloney wouldn’t have experienced the transformative impact of renewed hope and revitalized homes. And in some cases, like Maloney’s, they could’ve been left without a home.

Maloney is a single, 80-year-old woman living with a disability in her longtime Thornton mobile home. Her home is located at a major corner lot in a mobile home park and has been struck by two cars over the years. One of the accidents involved a drunk driver and knocked over a telephone pole which then penetrated the exterior wall of the home, nearly hitting Maloney while she slept.

Maloney was forced to pay for repairs for the damage the drunk driver caused at her home. But her problems with maintaining her home had just begun.

Her trailer park lot’s management office gave her an eviction notice telling her that she needed to paint the exterior of her home, do intense landscaping, clean up any junk, and fix broken skirting.

Feeling overwhelmed and with nowhere else to turn, Maloney learned about Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon program. After applying, her life changed when volunteers from Dordt University kicked off the 46th annual Paint-A-Thon in March at Maloney’s home. The group spent the day painting her house, trimming trees, cleaning gutters inside and out, carefully caulking any seams at risk of water damage, and helping clean up the exterior of the house.

“When you’re 80 years old, and you think that you’ll be evicted — yeah, it makes you feel very nervous. Just at the time I received the notice, (Brothers) reached out to me,” said Maloney. “It came together exactly at the right time.”

Stories like Maloney’s remind us of the incredible impact volunteers can have. It’s because of those million hours, given selflessly by countless individuals, that neighbors can remain in their homes, feel safe, and experience the joy of a revitalized space. Brothers is eternally grateful for everyone who has ever picked up a paintbrush, wielded a hammer, or lent a helping hand at the Paint-A-Thon.

“I just didn’t know what to do, and (I had) nowhere to go. You don’t know how grateful we are that you guys are doing this for us,” said Maloney.