Stories

Without our loved ones, the holiday season that should feel like the most wonderful time of the year, can end up being one of the loneliest - especially for seniors. It happened to Mr. Hawkins, a retired school teacher, but we were there to help. No matter our age, we all deserve to see our Christmas dreams come true.

With a contagious smile and a penchant for conversation, nine-year-old Silvia eagerly tried on frames for her new glasses—-glasses her family could not have provided without the kindness of Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans’ Christmas Wish Project. Find out why a perfect pair of purple glasses was her holiday miracle.

Like many veterans who have courageously served our country, Melanie came home expecting honor, dignity and the chance to build a new life with her two children. Instead she found unexpected hardships.

An anonymous letter from a neighbor in need hits home the impact of faithful service.

In his career as a social worker, Carl has worked with many clients. But Stella is special. She is like family. Carl, one of our employees and a facilitator in the Supported Independent Living Services program in our New Orleans office, has been helping and working with Stella who has intellectual disabilities for more than 26 years!

After 49 years living in a state institution due to her intellectual disability, Maggie’s biggest challenge arrived the day she was “de-institutionalized” and recommended for transfer to a community-based residential facility.

Five Volunteers of America clients, in their own words, explain how we helped them through some tough times in their lives.

Lester Talieferro, homeless and a veteran, was helped by Volunteers of America Indiana’s Brandon Hall, a transitional residential facility with 49 beds for veterans in Indianapolis that also provides employment resources and a case manager to help veterans thrive.

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana's Repairs on Wheels is a home remodeling program for the elderly and persons with disabilities that helps people live with greater dignity and safety. Licensed contractors and staff have been transforming lives in this way for years.

A single mom of two girls, Whitney entered Volunteers of America Colorado’s residential program aimed at homeownership that provides income-based rent and assistance with saving and planning for buying a home.