"You have to find an organization you really believe in and something you can get behind and support" said Mark Fuller. "We wanted to do something to help somebody and this was reasonable for us" said Julie Fuller.

Every month Mark and Julie make a meal for fifteen kids at Attention Homes. "You have to like to cook" said Julie. Attention Homes assists youth who can no longer stay in their homes or who have no homes to go to by giving them a temporary place to stay. Kids staying at Attention Homes receive teaching in critical life skills in addition to therapy and counseling.

"Their dependability is a wonderful example to our residents of the meaning of commitment and caring. They are a real blessing to the staff at Attention Homes," said Sharon Routt, Volunteer Manager. Attention Homes is the only emergency residential living facility for children ages 12-18 in Boulder County.

Julie cooks the meal that they both deliver to the Attention Homes once a month. When deciding what is on the menu Julie said it depends on, "Whatever the mood is of the day." Attention Homes has sheltered over 200 kids since 2004. That is over 6,000 days of shelter, care and therapy; and nearly 20,000 meals.

"It could have been any one of us growing up," said Mark reflecting on why he and his wife participate with Attention Homes. "We just started doing it because it was time to start doing something for the community," said Julie, "and this was something we could handle".

"They are behind-the-scenes volunteers, steadfast and dedicated in wanting to help kids," said Sharon. Julie and Mark have been making meals since May of 2005 and plan on continuing for some time to come. They are very active in snowboarding and skiing and Mark works a full work week while Julie works thirteen hour days as well as working towards her masters degree. But they still find time to help out the children at Attention Homes. When asked what is most important to them Mark said, "Just the fact that we're helping the kids".

For information about volunteering with Attention Homes or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.