Stories

Jade laughs when she describes her life before Open Arms as “wild”—but not the good kind of wild. “There was no consistency, no peace. I was lonely as hell.” Years of ping-ponging between the Bay Area and Florida, dealing with messy family stuff, losing people she loved, struggling with substances—it all came to a head. She had two choices: keep fighting everything or learn to let go. “I picked surrender. I had to trust that I’d be okay.” But surrender didn’t make the hard parts disappear. Jade had to say goodbye to people who couldn’t accept her as a trans…

Dedra Russell’s 30-year journey with VOA is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances. Her story began as a young mother in the Options Program for women and children. While participating, she gave birth to her son, Brandon, one of the program’s first babies. “They made me feel like family,” Dedra recalls, cherishing the support and kindness shown by the staff. Inspired to give back, Dedra joined VOA in 1993 as support staff, starting a career defined by her passion for helping others. Over the years, she advanced through roles like children’s services coordinator and case…

VOA houses and shelters more than 1,000 people in Northern Nevada each night. Your generous support helps us move people like Gena from homelessness to independence with love and dignity.  Gena experienced significant challenges throughout the past 12 years. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2012. She returned to work in 2021 a few years later with a part-time job. But in 2023 her world was turned upside down again when she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that metastasized in her lungs. Gena went through intense chemotherapy, lost her job, her home, and nearly lost her…

Meet Whitney Aguirre, Lead Support Staff at El Dorado Navigation Center in Placerville. Whitney’s personal experience with homelessness fuels her passion for her work. “I know what it’s like, and I care about them deeply,” she says. Whitney spent three years working at a nomadic shelter, which inspired her to join NCNN and pursue a career helping the homeless. “I felt lucky and honored to be given the lead support staff position,” she shares. Her role ensures that the shelter operates smoothly, providing essential services like mental health support, medical care, and case management. Her lived experience allows her to…

Heather Bolen is the Community Administrator for Sierra Manor One and Two in Reno, overseeing 187 units of affordable senior and disability housing. What sets Heather apart is her dedication to helping those in need. “I love that we are providing affordable housing for those who so desperately need it,” she says, highlighting the importance of her work as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age. Heather’s journey with VOA began after researching the organization. “When I researched VOA and found out everything they do, everything they stand for, and how long they’ve been around, I felt like this was a company I…

Meet Steve Orwig, a dedicated Case Manager at the Mather Family Transitional Program, whose journey into social services began with a background in criminal justice. Steve initially worked as a probation officer and held various roles in law enforcement, but his true passion was discovered when he joined Volunteers of America over ten years ago. Steve is known for his signature tie-dye shirts, which serve as an icebreaker for children in the program. “Tie-dye is an easy drawing for kids who are having some issues, crying, whatever. They see the tie-dye and they’re just, ‘Oh my God, that looks so…

Melissa Amaro, an Intake Screening Specialist for Supportive Services for Veterans and Families, exemplifies dedication and compassion in her role. At the front desk, she is often the first point of contact for veterans seeking assistance, offering a warm welcome and crucial support. “I greet everybody that walks through the door,” she says, highlighting the importance of making individuals feel valued from the moment they enter. Melissa values the sense of community her work fosters, finding immense satisfaction in helping individuals rebuild their lives. “It’s really good to feel that…sense of local community and being able to help people.”  Her journey…

Kareem Oneal has served in three VOA positions since joining the team two years ago. He started as a Support Staff member at the Nevada Cares Campus. After three weeks, he was promoted to Diversion and Intake Specialist at the Nevada Cares Campus. Now, Kareem is the supervisor for Reno Works, a workforce development program in partnership with the City of Reno that helps people experiencing homelessness secure employment and, ideally, obtain housing. Kareem has lived experience and shared, “I believe that I’m at VOA because of the past that I’ve had struggling with drugs and alcohol and my drug…

(Ty pictured left) The unfortunate truth about homelessness is that it can happen to anyone at any time. Ty had everything he could want – a loving family, a home, and a successful career. But in an instant, tragedy struck. At only 38 years old, he suffered a devastating stroke that ended his career. Soon after, his oldest daughter passed away in an accident. His whole world was turned upside down. Overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, and depression, Ty’s life spiraled out of control. His darkest thoughts took control of his life. He left his family, unable to cope with the…

Mandy never imagined she would end up homeless with two young children relying on her.  Have you ever had toxic relationships with your family members? Or experienced abuse from a parent? Mandy lived through many difficult experiences. In the end, she was kicked out of her family’s life and had to live on the streets.  She recalled cold nights while she lived in her car. Her two kids were taken care of by their father. Mandy wanted nothing more than a safe space where she could live with her kids and take care of them.  “I felt so scared and…