Volunteers of America

At VOA, we believe every kid has the power to make a difference in their community. That’s part of the reason for Camp POSTCARD (Volunteers of America, Northern New England), our signature summer camp that breaks down barriers with first responders and law enforcement officers.

Meet Christine Buchanan, a former DARE officer who co-founded Camp POSTCARD in Maine 30 years ago. Returning to camp every year as a director, Christine has influenced the lives of more than 4,000 young people.

Watch this story on Camp POSTCARD from News Center Maine WCSH6: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/at-camp-postcard-its-not-what-the-kids-are-doing-but-who-theyre-doing-it-with-winthrop-maine/97-fb62474d-ed0c-4992-8f80-ef958cf78b7d

We encourage you to use your energy to spread as much love as you can.

At VOA, we’re on a mission to create healthy, thriving communities across the country. That starts with ensuring our youngest learners are able to succeed inside and outside the classroom. With the support of our corporate partners, we are providing more and more backpacks to kids in need.

🚌Learn how you and your organization can contribute to Operation Backpack: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/

Last week, the CEOs from our offices in Louisiana (Volunteers of America North Louisiana, Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, and Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana) met with their Congressional Delegation on Capitol Hill. Sitting down with numerous Members of Congress and their staff, the CEOs relayed the achievements and progress being made to strengthen communities in the Pelican State.

Today is Purple Heart Day, a time to honor the heroic actions of U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed. VOA extends its gratitude to all Purple Heart recipients and their families for their sacrifice and staunch dedication to our country. Let us know who in your life has received this honor.💜

Fun Fact: General George Washington created the Purple Heart on this day in 1782. It was originally called the Badge of Military Merit!

Learn more about our programs for veterans and their families: https://www.voa.org/services/supportive-services-for-veterans-and-their-families/

Every kid deserves a special back-to-school experience, and with your help, you can make someone’s first day in their classroom magical.

📘Learn about volunteer opportunities for our Operation Backpack program in your area: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/

Do what you love and keep doing it.

On Coast Guard Day, we uplift all current and past members of the U.S. Coast Guard for keeping us safe at sea. Nationwide, we’re providing supportive services to veterans and their families to ease the transition back to civilian life.

VOA|ReST 4 First Responders is a peer-facilitated program for first responders who have struggled with moral injury. Join our free, confidential sessions where you can share your experiences and recover a sense of commitment. Register today: https://rest4firstresponders.com/a

No one should have to decide between school supplies and groceries. You can make an impact in your community by organizing a supply drive and inviting friends and family to help you reach your goal.

📝Find out how to support an Operation Backpack program near you: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!🍦Residents of Gulf Coast Village, one of our senior and independent living communities, cooled off from the heat with a delicious ice cream treat from staff and employees.

There is no better way to top off National Ice Cream month!

After two years of working with Public health AmeriCorps, we are pleased to announce that our Determined Health initiative will continue into a third year! In multiple states, our community health workers are strengthening those we serve through education, advocacy, outreach, and social support. Congratulations to our leaders Cindy Cota, Kathi Higgins, Alberto Maldonado, Jennifer Halberg, LaSonya Bishop and the entire team – and thank you for augmenting our work to build .

We were thrilled to have members of our Public Health AmeriCorps team attend NACCHO 360, the largest gathering of public health professionals in the country. Ten of VOA’s community health workers were given scholarships to attend the conference to hone their expertise and dive into the latest trends in the public health industry.

Congratulations to our VOA representatives for the outstanding work there are doing in their communities:
⭐Mirza Ramos, Mildred Lane, Jesus Nieves, Jhon Kemil, Gabriela Cruz, Ma**ca Garcia, and Idalisse Vigo (VOA Puerto Rico)
⭐Caroline Fofana and Maryam Funmilayo (VOA Texas)
⭐Mary Ostergren (Volunteers of America-Minnesota)

This Monday we at VOA encourage everyone to show up as their best self, not their perfect self.

Ride On! 🎡This week, our National Office staff beat the heat and spent a day at Kings Dominion!

All year long, our team is busy uplifting our nationwide programs and developing cutting-edge solutions to address our nation's inequities.

This makes it all the more important to create opportunities for our employees to have fun – and sometimes the best place to build relationships is hundreds of feet in the air on a roller coaster!🎢

VOA|ReST is a free, confidential, group process that supports emotional resilience in people struggling with isolation, fatigue, frustration, anxiety and a sense of inadequacy or failure.

School is back in session at VOA! Our team at the National Office joined Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas at Lutheran Social Services to pack backpacks with essential school supplies for children and families in need throughout greater Washington D.C.

Last year, our Operation Backpack campaign impacted 50,000 students nationwide, making sure they had the supplies they needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Learn more by visiting: http://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024

Happy International Self-Care Day! Today and every day, it is vital that we show up for ourselves so we can be there for others. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being by doing an activity that will recharge your battery.

At all our programs, self-care is a centerpiece of the holistic care we provide to those in need. Learn more about our specific mental health services:
https://www.voa.org/services/behavioral-health-services/ -mental-illness

Last year, we distributed nearly 50,000 backpacks to kids and families in underserved communities. Your donation of $50 can help set a kid up for success this school year. 🎒

Help now: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/

At VOA, we are committed to supporting our veterans through their highs and lows. Meet Ted, former signalman in the military turned co-owner of a successful food truck business in Florida.

Transitioning back to civilian life was difficult for Ted. After losing his apartment, he turned to Volunteers of America of Florida where he found supportive services, stability, and ultimately was able to revive his food truck business.

Every year, VOA provides affordable housing to more than 27,000 veterans, making sure our nation’s heroes are treated with dignity.

In this info-packed episode of the Responder Resilience Podcast, our very own Dr. Rita Brock, Senior Vice President of Moral Injury Programs, explains the causes and real-life impacts of moral distress, sharing insights on how to move past the pain and build resilience, with inspiring stories of veterans and frontline workers who have found strength through VOA|ReST.

From a paramedic torn apart by the impossible choices of a pandemic or a police officer haunted by actions that clash with their moral compass, this episode is a raw, eye-opening discussion that offers hope and practical tools for healing.

Learn more about VOA|ReST on our website and listen to the podcast anywhere you stream: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience

VOA is investing in the future of our healthcare systems to ensure our communities receive effective care.

Meet Transition CNA one of six organizations in our annual Community Health Incubator. Transition connects healthcare students to potential schools through simulated work environments, all while moving the needle in the healthcare landscape.

Learn more about Transition's impact on the future of healthcare in your community: https://www.jointransition.com/

First responders face relentless challenges, but their resilience shouldn't be depleted. Join VOA|ReST 4 First Responders for group sessions that empower emotional resilience. Attend alone or with trusted colleagues – together, we'll heal. Register now: https://rest4firstresponders.com/

Everybody has a favorite color crayon. Next time you’re shopping for school supplies, pick up an extra pack or two for a family in need. By donating supplies to our Operation Backpack program, you are making sure that every kid has a rainbow at their fingertips. 🌈

Learn how you can contribute: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/

Show some love to LunaJoy one of six organizations participating in VOA's Community Health Incubator this summer.

LunaJoy aims to help women maneuever their mental health through every stage of life. Intentionally designed by women and for women, LunaJoy provides mind and body wellness, personalized medication and genetic testing, and 24/7 care.

Learn how you can improve your well-being with LunaJoy: https://hellolunajoy.com/

Nelson Mandela said it best.

In the wake of , more than 500 seniors in three affordable housing communities and 50 employees have been without power and essential supplies all week. Temperatures continue to soar in Houston, resulting in empty refrigerators and dangerous conditions for the people we serve.

Donate today to help buy water, food, and generators for those directly impacted by the storm (VOA Texas): https://voatx.donorsupport.co/page/supportforberyl

Hurricane Beryl has devastated our community, leaving many without power and essential services. Nearly 500 people served by VOA Texas and staff members are impacted, struggling with heat advisories and closed stores.

We urgently need your help! Your donations can provide immediate relief, including water, food, hygiene items, and assistance with power restoration.

Please donate now: https://bit.ly/3WeS6WR

Thank you for your support and compassion during this difficult time. Together, we can help our community recover. 🙏

VOA knows how important care and community are for older adults. Meet Care Options Network, a resource that matches any senior to the care they need with a click of a button.

Our Community Health Incubator is collaborating the Care Options Network this summer as they work to make the senior healthcare system more equitable and navigable. Ranging from home care providers to attorneys, Care Options Network makes finding the right care for your family a stress-free process.

Read more about your care options today: https://www.careoptionsnetwork.org/

No kid should have to worry about going to school without the supplies they need to succeed. Keep education possible for the next generation of leaders by supporting Operation Backpack in your community: https://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2024/🚌