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Qualified Listeners (QL), founded in 2017 in Frederick, Colorado, supports veterans and their families by actively listening to their needs and connecting them to vital resources. Our vision is to help veterans and their families find more peace in their life.
Unfortunately, 60% of veterans are not in the VA system, and 40% of those do not qualify. The result is an overwhelming need for veteran wellness and financial support. The veterans we serve are often disadvantaged financially, on the verge of homelessness, or have a disability. Our goal is to improve their lives by connecting them and helping them get the care and services they need.
Our case management program, referred to as "missions," provides no-cost services, giving veterans the hope they need to move forward in their lives. Direct services include emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, food, safety-related home modifications, transportation for medical appointments, errands, and vehicle repair. Case managers are trained in strategies that emphasize active listening, integrating personalized and proactive communication which builds trust, alleviates isolation, and provides emotional support in tandem with tangible resources.
Our commitment is to help veterans and their families succeed in their post-military lives by providing compassionate advocacy that fosters resilience, independence, and peace. This mission is sustained by critical funding, which fuels our ability to deliver impactful programs, expand access to services, build a lasting foundation of support, provide hope, and empower them to create a brighter tomorrow.
Meet the needs of the Veteran Community through outreach, listening, advocacy, and resources.
How We Got Started - Our Founder’s Story
Greg Goettsch, Executive Director
Born in 1950 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Greg’s family moved to Colorado in 1956. Greg remained in northern Colorado where he worked at lawn mowing, babysitting, worked for a crop duster and ultimately a farmer until he joined the Navy in November 1968. The farmer taught Greg that “just because it has always been done that way does not mean it is the best way to do it”, a lesson he uses every day.
Greg served aboard two different Navy destroyer gunships, had 3 trips to Vietnam. After serving his four years of active duty, getting out in November of 1972 he hid his Veteran status, especially being a Vietnam Veteran, because of the controversy and disrespect shown by his nation. In May 2011 he was invited to participate in a small lineup for the Northern Colorado Honor Flight motorcade on their way to Denver International Airport. Being a part of the lineup along the highway was a life-changing experience.
After the motorcade passed, he sat on a guard rail and broke down in uncontrollable sobbing. Deep feelings were triggered he had no idea existed. He realized that if he felt that way, many of his comrades do too. He is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America and was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization at Post, District, and State levels.
He started wearing clothing showing he’s a Veteran and proudly wore his VFW hat and shirts. Other Veterans would approach him - whether at a community event, grocery store, gas station, coffee shop, or other public places - and began talking to him about their time in the military. Some conversations would last 30 minutes or more. Most of them would say “I don’t know why I’m telling you this. I’ve never told anyone before.”
That spawned the beginning of Qualified Listeners.
Greg started Qualified Listeners to train combat Veterans to listen to combat Veterans, so they had someone safe to talk to. Someone who would listen, and not judge. Not counselors, not therapists, just listeners. The organization has evolved beyond just training and supporting Veterans, they now support all family members and not just combat Veterans, they serve all Veterans from all eras with all levels of discharge. They provide a Veteran & Family Resource Directory, both in print and on the web site, full of highly vetted Resources who have been tested to ensure our Veterans receive the best services available. There are several other services, too.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
Volunteer to Serve Veterans
Northern Colorado and Greater Denver-metro Area
Organization name
Qualified Listeners
other names
Vet Transports, VetConnect
2017
Tax id (EIN)
81-5381427
Category
Military & Veterans Organizations, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 563CO, US