Stories

19 years after graduating from Volunteers of America’s housing and employment program, Nick Himphill is beginning his term as the Chairman of VOA’s Board of Directors.

Leila felt like she had hit rock bottom. After fleeing from domestic violence and moving across the country, she knew she had to prioritize finding work. She went to the county office and was referred to VOA’s Employment Program. A week later, she was hired.

This campus will shelter men, women, and pets with the focus on stabilizing, building relationships, and creating plans that will guide those ready into their next step of housing.

Like you and I, Jacquie was living a regular life. She says she was a typical soccer mom, but unfortunately, a car accident left her with chronic pain and depression. She became addicted to prescription pain medication. That addiction eventually led to harder drugs, mental illness, paranoia, and eventually, homelessness.

Jeff never felt like he had a chance at a normal life. His abusive and alcoholic father did not teach him how to act. He felt threatened, and the one thing Jeff learned to do was fight back.

At 72 years old, Keiko found herself without a place to go. She was sleeping in her storage unit after she lost her housing due to the pandemic.

We are thankful for the Little Light Foundation, who recently granted $100,000 to our Options for Recovery Residential Treatment program. This unique program helps parenting women who are suffering from addiction deliver healthy drug free babies and provide a loving, nurturing and drug free environment for their older children..

April was National Volunteer Month, and at VOA, we are proud to have some of the best volunteers out there! One of these special folks is Scott Wong, who serves on the Board of Directors for VOA. Scott has been almost single-handedly keeping the VOA Resource Center open for our clients throughout the pandemic. He has volunteered there since 2017, sorting the mail for about 1500 neighbors who don’t have a permanent address.

Residents of VOA’s Affordable Housing for Seniors have reason to celebrate today: they are fully vaccinated!

If you see the picture of Robert Feidt, you might understand how he gained the nickname, “Happy.”