Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans

Mental Health Services success story

2011-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

The following is a story about a consumer from our Mental Health Services program, which serves people with chronic mental illness and who are homeless by helping them live independently in the community.

Mr. W came to Volunteers of America having no contact with any of his relatives. He now believes that the support he receives from our staff helps him to fill this void. With Volunteers of America's help, he successfully obtained an Automotive Technology certificate from Delgado Community College. Mr. W desired to continue his education and re-enrolled at Delgado to obtain an associate's degree. After his car broke down, Volunteers of America helped Mr. W find an apartment closer to campus - he had been commuting from the Westbank to City Park.

Recently, through a partnership between Volunteers of America, Unity for the Homeless, and the Housing Authority of New Orleans, Mr. W was able to secure a Section 8 housing voucher, which has allowed him to continue his path towards independence. This was a great accomplishment for Mr. W and a fine example of how the services Volunteers of America offers can equip individuals to make the best out of the hands they have been dealt.

An Elderly Protective Services Success Story

2011-02-16T13:14:00.001-08:00

The following is a story from our Elderly Protective Services program (EPS), which works to prevent, remedy, halt, or hinder acts of abuse and neglect against elderly adults in the community while promoting the maximum possible degree of personal freedom, dignity, and self-determination for these individuals. For confidentiality purposes, the client's name has been omitted.

Client A is a female in her 80's who was living alone in a flood-damaged home in Jefferson Parish. EPS received a report from Emergency Management Services that Client A was in trouble. She refused to go to the hospital, and when EPS arrived, they found her home in dire straits. There was just enough space to get around in the house, which was littered with clutter. Client A was found sitting on her bed, which had no linens or sheets on it. Her living quarters were filthy. There was an unresponsive dog on the bed with her.

Client A's son was called in, and he encouraged her to go to the hospital to be evaluated. She went, and found out that in addition to a broken hip, all her other vital signs were off.

Client A was nursed back to health and brought to a nursing home to be near her son. She is now doing well thanks to Elderly Protective Services' intervention.

Mr. B's story

2011-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

The following is a story about an individual who receives services from our Mental Health Services program, which serves people with chronic mental illness and who are homeless by helping them live independently in the community.

Mr. B started receiving services from Volunteers of America in August of 2006. He sought stability; he'd lost his home and all of his possessions after Hurricane Katrina hit. The relative with whom he was living at the time could no longer able accommodate Mr. B, his spouse, and their four sons.

Compounding this was a history of mental health illness. Mr. B suffered from depression, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Despite this, Mr. B expressed his desire to become stable again and to be a healthy and caring father to his family. The road to recovery was difficult, however - Mr. B was hospitalized after not taking his medications properly, which affected his relationship with his family. Mr. B's wife made several calls expressing her frustration at her husband's behavior.

Mr. B realized that the only way to achieve the stability he sought was to comply with proper medication intake. Since then, he has been receiving injections once a month. This has had a dramatic effect on his behavior - he has returned to taking courses at school daily and will soon be testing for his GED.

After obtaining his GED, Mr. B plans to further his education by enrolling in college to study business. He would like to open a convenience store with his wife.

Mr. B has moved into new housing and reports that his relationship with his family has improved.

Silent Auction

2011-02-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Need another reason to come to our Golf Star tournament this March 1? Check out a few of the of the sweet things we'll be auctioning off at the Silent Auction during the tournament:

- $100 gift certificate to Atchafalaya Restaurant
- 8 guest passes to the Audubon Nature Institute
- Foursome (w/golf cart) to Chateau Golf & Country Club
- Wine Basket from Dorignac's
- Ultimate Rum & Martini Parties by Glazer (at your own house, for 14 of your friends & family!)
- 16 tickets to a New Orleans Zephyrs game
- Breakfast for 2 @ Shula's
- 1 night stay at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street
- 1 enclosed minibus tour of New Orleans for 2

Sign up for the tournament today by calling Al Kohorst, 504.486.8670. All proceeds go directly to benefiting our Adoption & Maternity program, which creates loving families through adoption and serves birth parents and adoptive parents with counseling, support groups & community education.

Ms. M's story

2011-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

The following is a story of a consumer in our Supportive Housing program, which provides housing support services to individuals with a documented disability and are in need of supportive services to maintain housing.

Even when the odds are against you, with self-determination and support, miraculous things can happen. Ms. M knows of this journey all too well. After hitting rock bottom from a heroin addiction, Ms. M admitted herself into an inpatient recovery program to clean herself up. She successfully completed the program, but was now clean, sober and homeless with no where to turn.

Ms. M lived out of her car prior to her participation in the Volunteers of America Supportive Housing program. With the support offered by Volunteers of America staff, she was able to make a fresh start. While in the program, Ms. M complied with all guidelines and recommendations. She has not had any further substance abuse or criminal occurrences and is actively pursuing the acquisition of her G.E.D. Her success in the program made her a good referral for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, which will allow her the freedom to move and own a home. Ms. M exemplifies the levels of success that can be reached with a little push and perseverance.

Veterans' graduation ceremony

2011-02-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Veterans' Transitional Program recently held a graduation commencement which marked the end of an eight-week program of instruction and individual coaching for homeless veterans. The purpose of the program was to assist veterans with returning to the workforce. Curriculum included training in resume construction and writing, job applications, interviewing techniques and skills, and practice interviewing.

Left to right in photo:

Jim Leblanc/President/CEO Volunteers of America

Lenny Simmons, Board Member

Paul Graff, Board Member

Tom Grace, Board Member

Martha Huie, HR Consultant (volunteers for this program)

Ashley Gremillion, HR Director with Phelps Dunbar (volunteers for this program)

David Garic, Garic Consulting, Volunteer Team Leader for this program

Randolph A. Macabitas, Program Director, Veterans Services

Ms. Huie, Ms. Gremillion and Mr. Garic are dedicated volunteers to the Job Readiness program and are instrumental in its success. (Not pictured is Bob Billings, another volunteer with this project).

To view WGNO TV coverage of the event, please visit our Facebook page.

Mr. A's story

2011-02-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

The following is a story from our Mental Health Services program, which serves people with chronic mental illness and who are homeless to live independently in the community.

Mr. A lived without a home for over 5 yrs. In April 2009, he was enrolled in our PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program, which addresses the needs of individuals that are homeless, mentally ill, and substance abusers. PATH provides outreach case managers and workers an opportunity to search for homeless individuals throughout the streets of New Orleans, St. Bernard and Jefferson parish.

The Outreach Team met with Mr. A and began talking to him, attempting to build a relationship. During the first several meetings, Mr. A was very shy and quiet, not giving too much information. However, through repeated contact and persuasion, he began talking with staff and befriended them. Mr. A discussed the death of his mother and family members who tried to take advantage of him for his money. Mr. A also revealed he was depressed. Staff referred him to a behavioral health clinic.

Mr. A began treatment and became stable on his medication. He was then referred to our PATH Outreach Case Manager, Ms. Marlene Chandler, to help him with housing and employment. Shortly after being accepted into our Case Management Program, Mr. A was housed in the Algiers area and was able to obtain a job with Burger King. Currently, Mr. A is living independently and continues to work different jobs to maintain his independence.

Permanent Supportive Housing program success story

2011-01-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

The following is a story from an individual who receives services from our Permanent Supportive Housing program. This program serves persons and families, with low incomes and a qualifying disability, helping them maintain safe, sanitary and secure housing. Persons are referred to the program through the Louisiana state Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS). The program's Housing Support Team provides persons with case management services, helping them outline goals and practical steps toward reaching them. The team serves more than 200 persons with an array of services that include budgeting, employment search, obtaining entitlements, developing social networks and health and mental health referrals.

Mr. G was a homeless but determined individual with a desire to become independent and self sufficient. He desired to become a chef and open his own business. Mr. G started receiving services from Volunteers of America in 2005 and brought with him the baggage of mental health illness and substance abuse.

Throughout the duration of his treatment, Mr. G experienced many obstacles that hindered him from seeing the positive side of his ambitions. Mr. G encountered a few visits of being in and out of the correctional institution for an array of offenses, all resulting from poor judgment. Even though Mr. G. encountered these setbacks, he continued to think positively about what he desired. At times, Mr. G experienced different stages of depression. Each step Mr. G took towards rejoining society, he was knocked down again. He lost his job due to incarceration and personal injury.

Through it all, the support he received from Volunteers of America's Supportive Housing Program gave him the incentive to succeed and become a better person for himself and his children.

In 2010, Mr. G became aware of a personal trade he possessed and decided to open his
own business. Mr. G is a proud owner of his own lawn maintenance company, where
he’s consistently building his clientele. Mr. G has moved into an apartment with the help of Volunteers of America and has found his soul-mate whom he states one day in the near future he
will soon marry. Mr. G is a great example of someone who continuously had setbacks but was determined to succeed thanks to help from Volunteers of America.

Adoption Success Story

2011-01-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

Valerie & Darrell adopted their daughter, Sophie, through Volunteers of America over 5 1/2 years ago. Valerie immediately became a stay at home mother, and they relished their role as parents.

After a few years, Valerie & Darrell felt that they family was not yet complete. They again turned to Volunteers of America's Adoption program to build their family. With Sophie's adoption, their wait was somewhat shorter. While waiting for an expectant mother to select them, they relied on their faith that God had a plan for them.

Recently, an expectant mother in our program selected Valerie an Darrell. Unlike some other expectant mothers who had picked other families over Valerie & Darrell, this expectant mother was drawn to the fact that they already had adopted a child. The expectant mother felt that by being successful parents to Sophie, Valerie & Darrell must have known what they were doing. Also, she wanted her child to have an immediate sibling.

Valerie & Darrell waited anxiously for the call that they could pick up their second daughter. They decided to wait to tell Sophie until they arrived at the Volunteers of America office. Sophie was just as excited as her parents to meet her baby sister. Valerie & Darrell say that Sophie has proudly stepped into the role of big sister and loves helping her parents care for baby Audrey. Valerie & Darrell now feel that their family is complete.

Our Adoption & Maternity program creates loving families through adoption and serves birth parents and adoptive parents with counseling, support groups, and community education.

Mardi Gras Safety Tips

2011-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of our Safety Awareness Committee, here are some safety tips for this year's Mardi Gras season.

Mardi Gras season is here, so if I can draw your attention away from that King Cake for a moment, here are some tips to ensure a safe, fun Carnival.

Children want to see the parades at Mardi Gras and catch throws. Although the crowds along the routes are family-friendly, they can be heavy. You don't want your kids running around trying to catch throws and getting lost or stepped on by others vying for the beads and those collectible throws.

We New Orleanians have Mardi Gras ladders specially designed for safety. You can make your own or buy a seat at your local hardware store. They are made by bolting a Mardi Gras seat on top of a 6-foot ladder. Here, the little ones can watch the parade safely. They not only see better, they stay put.

By law, these ladders must be placed as far back from the street as they are tall. To keep them steady, always have an adult standing on the back.

Write your cell phone number on your child's arm with a marker - better that it takes you a while to get them clean than have them get lost. Also, write your cell phone number, the child's name and any other pertinent info on a piece of paper and put it in your child's pocket. Tell them it's there and to show it to a police officer if they get lost. Finally, don’t forget to set your phone on its loudest ring tone and vibrate - it gets pretty loud around here this time of year.

So, that being said—laissez les bon temps roulez - let the good times roll.

Ben's Poem

2011-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ben is a resident of our Veterans' Transitional Housing program, which provides housing, job training, support services and more to homeless veterans. Click here to watch a testimonial he gave us about his experiences at Volunteers of America. Below is a poem he wrote entitled "Homeless Walk the Streets".

"Homeless Walk the Streets"

DAY & NIGHT HOMELESS WALK THE STREETS

MANIC-DEPRESSIVES, SCHIZOPHRENICS IN SHEETS

SOME LOOKING FOR A HANDOUT!

OTHERS, WONDER WHAT IT’S ABOUT?

SOME HAVE FALLEN, MOSTLY, AGAINST THEIR WILL

OTHERS, WILL GO LOWER & LOWER STILL

“THERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN GENIUS AND INSANITY”***

TO LATE TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS SUCH AS VANITY

WHAT TO DO? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

TIRED OF THE DRUGS, THE LIQUOR & THE BEER

SOME LOOKING FOR A BETTER LIFE, A BETTER WAY!

OTHERS, WONDER IF THEY’LL SEE THE NEXT DAY?

SOME LOOK AT THE HOMELESS AS IF THEIR DIRT

OTHERS, KNOW THE HOMELESS FEEL & HURT

WHAT OF THE CHILDREN, THE LAME & THE SICK

DO WE CHASE THEM AWAY, OR HIT E’M WITH A STICK?

WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR BROTHER, SISTER OR YOU?

THEN WHAT WOULD YOU SAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

SOME LOOKING FOR REDEMPTION, A WAY BACK!

OTHERS, WONDER IF THEY CAN RECOVER FROM CRACK?

SOME WANT TO BELIVE THERE’S ANOTHER CHANCE

OTHERS, WANT TO SEEK HELP, BUT LOOK ASKANCE

MOST HOMELESS WANT SOMETHING, FOOD OR MONEY

STILL SOME YEARN FOR THE LOST LAND OF ‘MILK & HONEY’

THERE ARE THOSE WHO ARE WILL’N TO GIVE LOVE,

TO UNDERSTAND, TO EMPATHIZE, TO BE A FRIEND

BUT STILL THE HOMELESS LOOK, WONDER & YEARN

SOME LOOKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD, FOR LOVE & FRIENDSHIP

OTHERS, WONDER IF ANYONE CARES, IF THERE IS A GOD?

***“There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line” -OSCAR LEVANT

Hollywood's Story

2011-01-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

Ronald, known as “Hollywood” to his friends, is a Gentilly native and Army veteran with a big smile and exuberant spirit. Ronald led a happy life before Hurricane Katrina. A proud homeowner in St. Bernard Parish, he had a good job with Shell, managing the company’s largest oil rig in the Gulf. He was also the patriarch of a proud, happy family.

Katrina hit, and brought with it flood waters 28 feet deep – enough to make the house across the street from Ronald's “look like it was hit by a bomb”. He’s only recently begun to open up about the seven days he spent stranded atop his home in Violet – “helicopters passed me every day…CNN got footage of me swimming…but no one came to help”. Ronald was finally rescued and treated in Austin, TX, but was “covered in snake bites, had suffered a minor stroke, and doctors told me I might never walk again”.

The storm gradually took away everything Ronald had. After making a full recovery from his injuries, he returned to a wrecked home, no job, and a marriage that had begun to falter. He fell into a deep depression and struggled to rebuild his life.

Ronald contacted Veterans’ Affairs, but was placed on a waiting list. While he waited patiently for things to improve, he moved in with a friend, which he recalls as difficult – “it didn’t work out”. Finally, in November 2010, VA connected him with Volunteers of America, where he was given a chance for a fresh start at our Napoleon Avenue facility. “It’s been a positive experience”, says Ronald. “The Napoleon Avenue facility is a safe, secure environment with lots of resources for veterans”. He also praises the facility for its familial environment, and it’s pretty clear that he’s well-loved by fellow residents, who always greet him with an enthusiastic “Hollywood!” and joke amiably with him.

If it weren’t for Volunteers of America, a homeless shelter is where this proud, hard-working New Orleans native says he would be. Now, with our help, he’s working on building up strength to return to work at Shell. Volunteers of America has given him the tools Ronald needs to rebuild the life taken from under him by the storm.

Click here to watch Ronald's testimonial.

David's Story

2011-01-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

David is a resident of our Veterans' Transitional Housing program, which helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services and more. Originally from Chicago, he moved to New Orleans in the early 80's after serving in the military.

David struggled with alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness; he was displaced to Arkansas after Katrina and moved back to Chicago, where he was beset with many problems. David returned to New Orleans and in July of 2009 began living at our veterans' facility. He's noted that Volunteers of America has "helped him tremendously" and he's now on his way to earning a degree in culinary arts at Delgado Community College. "Volunteers of America saved me and got my mind right", says David, who cites that he's now more proactive and better equipped to take care of himself since receiving services from us.

Click here to watch David's testimonial.

Mark's Story

2011-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Mark (pictured on the left, at a recent ceremony honoring veterans) is a resident of our Veterans Transitional Housing program, which helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more. He’s a New Orleans native who joined the Air Force shortly after graduating high school. While in the Air Force, he served as a K-9 dog handler with the security police and guarded Loring Air Force Base’s nuclear facility among his other duties.

It was during this time that Mark began to develop addictions. He was hospitalized in 1978 and “100% disabled”, he says. Mark gradually recovered from his addictions to pursue college degrees and was married in 1982. Upon moving back to New Orleans in 1990, however, he relapsed, and lost his marriage and family. Mark struggled throughout the 1990’s with his addictions until becoming sober for good in 2000.

Throughout the first decade of the 21^st century, Mark was the primary caregiver for his mother, father, and grandmother. He finally found a home at our Veterans’ facility through Veterans’ Affairs in January of 2010, and has since successfully pursued the personal goals he had struggled to achieve for so long. While in our program, he has built a stronger relationship with his children and wife, found stability, and grown emotionally. He’s become involved in supporting his community and environment, and recently traveled to Louisville for leadership training through the Freret Neighborhood Center. He’s also signed up to volunteer for Volunteers of America and has sought job training. His future plans include working with homeless veterans and working for group homes.

Mark speaks highly of Volunteers of America. “This is one of the better facilities for people in my situation…it’s run in such a way that one can accomplish their goals. The people I’ve met here are like family...they take a very personal approach”.

New Year's Safety Tips

2010-12-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Please consider these New Years' Safety tips when going out this New Years' Eve. These are courtesy of John Longoria, Program Manager of our Family Resource Center, which provides services to families and children who have been identified as at risk by various collaborative state agencies.

New Years’ Eve is a huge night for everyone—crowds will be swarming toward all the metropolitan hubs around the world. People feed off each others' excitement, and sometimes things can get out of hand if safety precautions are not taken. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable night (in a good way!). By simply using some common sense, we can keep it that way. Ring in the New Year safely!

· Designate a Driver: If you are going to be driving New Years’ Eve, don't drink and drive. If you have a friend who prefers not to drink, make sure they take the wheel. You might even be on the water this New Years Eve. The person in charge of navigating the boat needs to be cautious - this still applies to them! It is important to be safe on the water as well, so drink sensibly.

· Don't forget about your pets! They are just as much a part of the family as everyone else. If you are using fireworks, anything with loud noises, or fire, be sure that pets are kept at a distance as well as children. None of these are a good mix. There may be some children and/or pets that are extremely frightened by fireworks. If so, make sure they have a “safe-place” to go. Candles are also a potential hazard.

· Be Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting. Stay away from those who are out of control and might cause harm. Taking preventive measures is key. If someone is really intoxicated, prevent them from trying to drive or leaving with someone they do not know. It's important to keep an eye out for each other.

· Don't Drive: If you don't have to go behind the wheel, avoid it. More people will be driving under the influence on this particular night, so avoid a potentially dangerous accident by staying off the road. Otherwise, be alert and drive defensively. Most importantly, wear your seatbelt! Also, using public transportation is a wise option. If taking a cab is too expensive, crashing at a friend's place nearby is a convenient solution.

· Stick Together: This way we can look out for our friends and family. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night; so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment, especially for women, is imperative.

· Monitor your Alcohol Intake: A majority of people will be drinking on New Years Eve, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to pay attention to how much you and others are consuming. Drinking too much alcohol can have lethal affects. Be responsible. Also, drinking on an empty stomach significantly increases the effects of alcohol.

· Fireworks – If fireworks are legal in your community and you decide to partake, make sure that directions for use are followed directly. Do not use fireworks in any manner that may pose a threat to others or to others’ property. Children should not be using fireworks, but if they are, this should be done ONLY under the supervision of a responsible adult.

· Gunfire – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, regardless whether you are in an urban or rural setting, is it appropriate to shoot any kind of weapon in the air or at any other target – especially since it is likely that alcohol or other mood inhibiting substances are being used.

Lighthouse After School Program Kids on the Silver Screen

2010-12-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Recently, children from our Lighthouse After School Program have been involved in the filming of “The Power of Few” right here in New Orleans. These youth include Anntoria Spellman, Tione Johnson, and Lillian Chaney. Anntoria and Lillian, students at Thurgood Marshall Early College High School, have been enrolled in Lighthouse for 2 years, while Tione is a summer 2010 Lighthouse alum and student at Martin Luther King Charter school.

“The Power of Few” is described as a “an urban tale about cloning and terrorism told from five different perspectives” and will also feature Christopher Walken and Christian Slater alongside our Lighthouse starlets. Congratulations Anntoria, Tione, & Lillian!

Our Lighthouse After School program provides after school and summer programs for pre-adolescent children and their families to promote academic achievement and good moral character.

Supported Living Services' Christmas Party

2010-12-10T13:12:00.001-08:00

Our Supported Living Services program (which helps persons with disabilities to live independently) held its annual Christmas party last night, December 9, at Lake Shore Playground Community Room. Among the audience of 75 were SLS consumers, their personal care assistants, and program facilitators.

Consumers were treated to great food, great company, and a DJ! Everyone had a blast while "twisting the night away".

Ronald's Story

2010-12-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Meet Ronald, a resident of our Canal Street Single Room Occupancy facility. Ronald is a Northshore native and son of a successful restaurateur there. He led a straightforward life in his youth as a member of the Navy Hospital Corps during the Vietnam War. While with the Navy Hospital Corps, Ronald served as a surgical medic, lab scientist, and worked in emergency search and rescue.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Ronald developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and began drinking as a result of his anxiety and depression. He attempted to maintain his career, working 5 years after his return from the service, but after a car wreck he moved home and began drinking on and off, “always at the wrong time”.

“The story of my life is caring for others”, says Ronald, and he’s cared for both of his parents as they entered their senior years. Following the death of his father, who he was helping his mother to care for, he began drinking chronically, leaving his job.

Ronald struggled with his alcohol addiction until April of 2005, when at the behest of his sister in law he began receiving treatment. The storm interrupted his treatment, and he evacuated to Omaha; when he was finished, he was connected with our Duvernay Residence, which offers permanent affordable housing, case management, and employment services for formerly homeless people in recovery.

Ronald just celebrated his fourth anniversary at Duvernay. He says of his experiences there – “I’m excited to be at Duvernay. It’s very welcoming and has helped me become self-sufficient”.

For his future, Ronald wants to continue to be more self-sufficient, help others, take inventory of himself, plan for life, and find a part-time retirement job for supplemental income.

We are proud to have individuals like Ronald among those we serve.

Edmund's Story

2010-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

(This is a speech given by Edmund, who receives services from our Supported Living Services program. Supported Living Services helps persons with disabilities to live independently).

My name is Edmund and I am 64 years old. I was born and raised right here in New Orleans.

I lived with my mother for most of my life. When my mother passed away, I needed help. I needed transportation to buy food and I needed help to do that. I needed someone to get me to the doctor for my appointments. I needed someone to help me buy clothes. I needed a place to live. I found Volunteers of America.

That was fifteen years ago. I first lived in one of Volunteers of America’s Community Homes. It was nice there. They cooked for us, cleaned for us and provided me with transportation everywhere I needed to go.

After a while, I wanted to live in my own apartment, so the staff at Volunteers of America helped me. I found a nice apartment in Metairie and I really liked it....but when Hurricane Katrina hit, my apartment was flooded.

Volunteers of America helped me find another apartment. This apartment is really nice - it's also in Metairie.

Felicia, my personal care assistant with Volunteers of America, stays with me on Saturday and Sunday. Nikida stays with me from 7 at night until 7 in the morning.

Paul is with me from 7 in the morning until 7 at night. Paul is really more like family to me. We go to Barnes and Noble, lunch at Applebees (I like their hamburgers), and the Metairie Senior Center to play cards. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have Volunteers of America….or Paul. I love Paul like a brother.

I like to read. I have a subscription to Sports Illustrated. The Saints, of course, are my favorite football team, but my favorite quarterback is Big Ben with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sorry, Drew!

I am a happy man and I have a good life. Thanks to Volunteers of America, I am able to live independently in my own apartment. And I am blessed to have great people help me to do that. I’m proud of who I am and I am proud to stand here and tell you about my life and how Volunteers of America has helped me.

Thank you for coming tonight and thank you for supporting Volunteers of America. It's because of people like you that I am able to stand here and talk about how blessed I am.

May God Bless You All.

Volunteers of America's Holiday Food Drive

2010-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Click here to see WGNO's coverage of Dorian Rawles, our Assistant Vice President of Programming, talking about Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans's holiday food drive! Call Evie Simmons at our Veterans' Transitional Housing facility - 504.899.1116 - for more information.

Wayne's Story

2010-11-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Wayne (pictured) has a troubled past. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife Julie were living under a bridge. Times were indeed tough, but it was Wayne’s unwavering spirit and trust in God that saw him through - “I just believed that God would show me the way, and he did”.

With the help of a collaboration of agencies, including Volunteers of America, Wayne and his wife are now living in an apartment and are as happy as they could imagine they would ever be. Wayne has since been on an advisory board for another agency and has given testimonials in Washington on their behalf. Wayne is interested in working for Volunteers of America and is exploring his options.

Congratulations, Wayne!

Christmas at Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans

2010-11-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Check out our Spirit of Giving PSAs featuring President/CEO Jim LeBlanc and Charmaine Neville! These will be airing on WWL throughout the holiday season.

The Spirit of Giving is Volunteers of America’s holiday campaign to support our Adoption, Mentoring Children of Promise, Lighthouse After School, Community Homes, and Family Resource Center programs.

In addition, we are still seeking donations for our consumers for Christmas. Consider including one of our consumers in your shopping plans on Black Friday. One wrapped gift of $25 or under is a small but significant way to show someone like Larry (pictured), a resident of our Veterans Transitional Housing, you care. To give, call Dan Darbandi @ (504) 486-8695 or e-mail ddarbandi@voagno.org.

Spirit of Giving PSA

2010-11-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Famed New Orleans singer Charmaine Neville stirred up excitement by appearing in our Spirit of Giving commercial. The Spirit of Giving is Volunteers of America’s holiday campaign to support our Adoption, Mentoring Children of Promise, Lighthouse After School, Community Homes, and Family Resource Center programs. Pictured is Charmaine with President/CEO Jim LeBlanc and children from our programs.

Watch for Charmaine on TV spots throughout the season on WWL-TV, our sponsor.

Veterans' Transitional Housing Honors Veterans

2010-11-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

On Veterans' Day, our Veterans' Transitional Housing program showed their support for our veterans with a celebration at our Napoleon Avenue facility. Vets were treated to a lunch and a ceremony featuring membersof the United States Marines Band. Gifts were given out to residents ofthe facility. Pictured is Veterans' Program Director Randolph Macabitas briefing WWL-TV's Jill Hezeau on the many services provided to veterans by Volunteers of America.

Our Veterans' Transitional Housing program helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more.

Adoption Services' Carousel Party

2010-11-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

It's National Adoption Month and our Adoption Services department held its annual Carousel Party on the 6th. Check out WWL's coverage of the event to learn more about the event.

Our Adoption Services department creates loving families through adoption and serves birth parents and adoptive parents with counseling, support groups, and community education.

For more information on the program, click here.

Louisiana's Veterans' Affairs Honors Our Veterans

2010-11-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

On Friday, October 30, four residents of our Veteran’s Transitional Housing, James Parker, Bill Bailey, Ronald LeBlanc, and William Thompson (pictured left to right in between Case Manager Christopher Randall and Veterans Program Director Randolph Macabitas), received awards at a ceremony hosted by the State of Louisiana’s Veterans’ Affairs department. In attendance at the event was Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spoke and handed out awards to veterans. Our Veterans' Transitional Housing helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more. Congratulations James, Bill, Ronald & William, and thank you for your service to our country!

Elysian Courtyards Grand Opening

2010-10-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

On October 5, Elysian Courtyards of Gentilly, a new Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation housing initiative in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, held its grand opening. Formerly known as Chateau Carre, Elysian Courtyards is located in Gentilly and is functional for the first time since it flooded after Hurricane Katrina. It consists of 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Pictured from left are Dr. Albert Ruesga, President/CEO, Greater New Orleans Foundation; Charles Rice, Jr., President/CEO, Entergy New Orleans, Inc.; our President/CEO Jim LeBlanc; Kurt Maloney, our Board Chair; Robin Keegan, Executive Director, La. Office of Community Development; Nick Harris, Dillard University; Mike King, President/CEO, Volunteers of America, Inc; Victor Smeltz, Executive Director, Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corp.; New Orleans City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge Morrell; State Sen. Edwin Murray; Barbara Blackwell, Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association; Steve Hemperly, Greater New Orleans Marketing President, Capital One Bank, and Melissa Persaud, Director, Major League Baseball Players Trust.

ADOPT A CONSUMER IN NEED FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

2010-10-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Would you like to adopt a person in need for Christmas and provide a wrapped gift to them? Perhaps you, your friends, family or co-workers would like to get together and each adopt someone rather than exchange gifts yourselves. If so, contact Dan Darbandi at Volunteers of America, ddarbandi@voagno.org. Dan can provide all needed information on each individual hoping to receive a gift this Christmas.

Help to make the holidays more meaningful and enjoyable --and give back to people in need in your community.

Pictured above is Kelia, a resident of our Olympia Community Home - she was thrilled to receive pajamas last year for Christmas!

New Veterans' Services Director

2010-10-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

A big welcome to our new Veterans' Services Director, Mr. Randolph Macabitas. Randolph comes to us after a distinguished career in the United States military, serving in various capacities. Welcome to Volunteers of America, Randolph!

Veterans Honored

2010-10-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

On Monday, October 11, two residents of our Veteran’s Transitional Housing, Mssrs. Mark Ford and Larry Noble (pictured), received awards at a ceremony hosted by the State of Louisiana’s Veterans’ Affairs department. In attendance at the event was Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spoke and handed out awards to veterans.

Our Veterans Transitional Housing helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more.

Congratulations Mark and Larry, and thank you for your service to our country!

Mentoring Children of Promise's Annual Picnic!

2010-10-04T09:28:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, October 2, our Mentoring Children of Promise program hosted its annual picnic in Metairie’s Lafreniere Park. The Mentoring program provides adult mentors who offer young people of incarcerated parents support, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example. Orleans Parish Sheriff's Marlin Gusman and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand (pictured) were in attendance and handed out Junior Deputy Sheriff Certificates to the mentees at the picnic. Approximately 350 mentees and 350 mentors attended the event, which included snowballs, face painting, a spacewalk, rock climbing, sack races and lots of food. Thanks so much to our mentors, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office, and to Lafreniere Park for hosting the event!

If you'd like to become a mentor to a child with an incarcerated parent, please contact Sherlyn Hughes at 504-836-8700.

Groves Groundbreaking A Great Success

2010-09-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 23, our Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Volunteers of America hosted its groundbreaking ceremony for the Groves, a new housing initiative in Covington. Upon completion, The Groves will provide 94 mixed-income rental apartment homes and 35 single-family homes for purchase by first-time home buyers. It is located near the West 30's neighborhood in Covington.

Pictured, from left, Pastor Gerard Ramsey, Jeff St. Romain, Habitat, Rep. John Schroder, Jim LeBlanc, President/CEO, Volunteers of America, Senator Jack Donahue, Greg Hettrick, VP/Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Milton Bailey, President/LHFA, Victor Smeltz, Volunteers of America/RNDC, Robin Keegan, State of Louisiana, Office of Community Development, Covington Mayor Candace Watkins, Maureen Clary and Councilwoman Francis Dunn.

Thank you to our financial partners: Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, Louisiana Office of Community Development, First NBC Bank, First NBC Community Development LLC, St. Tammany Parish, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Living Cities, Major League Baseball Players Trust, and Entergy Charitable Foundation.

Special thanks to: Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, Concordia LLC, MSH Architects LLC, Scalfano Engineering Inc., Villere Town Planning Associates LLC, Donahue Favret Contractors Inc., Larry Loyd Construction Inc., Latter & Blum Property Management Inc., & Maureen Clary.

Click here to watch WWL-TV's coverage of the groundbreaking. Click here to read a Times-Picayune article about the event.

Volunteer Spotlight

2010-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Leslie Mitchell, a volunteer in our Training program. Leslie has been volunteering for Lorraine Pitts, head of the Training department, since December when the program was re-started for the first time following Hurricane Katrina.

“I don’t like sitting at home-that’s why I’m a volunteer” she says, and she’s certainly kept very busy in the past. Leslie was an employee of Bell South for 35 years, where she was one of the first African-American women to achieve a high-ranking position in the company. Following her retirement in 2002, she cared for her granddaughter; when her granddaughter was ready to go to school, she decided to seek out volunteer opportunities. She learned about Volunteers of America through our voagno.org website, where she was matched to the Training department based on her abilities and interests.

She reports that the work she does for Volunteers of America is “thoroughly different” than her work at Bell South – “more relaxing”. Her duties include, but aren’t limited to, preparing training materials and grading tests for employees undergoing training.

“Leslie helps me to free up time to develop new classes”, says Lorraine Pitts. Prior to Katrina, her department comprised 3 people; now, with Leslie’s help, she’s working towards rebuilding capacity. Lorraine’s current programs include defensive driving, CPR, Crisis Intervention, and Health & Safety. Trainees’ curriculum is based on their position.

Of her volunteer experiences at Volunteers of America, Leslie says, “I enjoy being able to give back & keep my mind going…I like the people I work with”. How long does she plan on sticking with us? “Until Lorraine throws me out!”

Duvernay Resident on the Right Path

2010-09-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Meet Donald Latuso (pictured), who lives at our Duvernay Residence, part of our Single Room Occupancy program. SRO offers permanent affordable housing, case management & employment services for formerly homeless people in recovery. Donald struggled with drug usage and homelessness for many years - in his words, "whenever I'm ...addicted, I'm homeless".

After receiving treatment, it was Donald's goal to live at the Duvernay Residence, a goal he has now realized for the past 10 months. He's made great positive changes in his life - now clean for 13 months, he's enjoying the company of his formerly estranged son and wife again and has big plans to earn his G.E.D. and open a business someday. We're proud of Donald's recovery...he's another example of the success stories created every day at Volunteers of America.

Gayoso Community Home's Summer Road Trip

2010-09-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Gayoso Community Home, part of our Community Living Services program, which provides community homes for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently traveled to Atlanta, GA for their summer vacation (pictured). Six consumers: Walter Files, Gary Malone, John Ray, Earl Tribble, Jacoby Walker & Kenneth Williams, attended, along with three staff members: Lisa Jordan, Lionel Harrison, and Breiontay Jackson.

The group visited the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exhibit, the house where he was born, the King family burial site, the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola World, Six Flags, and several malls for shopping. The consumers had a great time, learned a lot, and really enjoyed the trip!

Direct Support Professionals Honored

2010-09-22T08:22:00.001-07:00

Recently, three of our Direct Support Professionals, Burnell Jenkins, Ty Flemings, & Denise Lee (pictured) were honored for their service to the Jefferson Parish community. Each nominee received a certificate, a copy of a declaration from Governor Jindal, and their choice of fleur-de-lis pendant or tie tac. Direct Supp...ort Professionals are part of our Supported Living Services program and provide support to individuals with disabilities so they may live independently.

Congratulations, Burnell, Ty, & Denise!

Conquer & Succeed....A Duvernay Resident's Success Story

2010-09-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

"Volunteers of America put the life back in me" says Louis Brown (pictured), an Uptown New Orleans native who lives at our Duvernay Residence, part of our Single Room Occupancy program. SRO offers permanent affordable housing, case management, & employment services for formerly homeless people in recovery.

Louis struggled with homelessness and addiction after returning home in 2008. Turned away by other agencies, he began attending meetings at Duvernay, and, inspired by what he observed, decided to get clean so he could move in. The Volunteers of America family opened their hearts and doors to Louis, and he's been a resident of Duvernay for over a year.

Louis is now gainfully employed and working towards his engineer's license. He recommends anyone to Volunteers of America if they're serious about recovery. "Volunteers of America helped me to grow into being a man....I've learned independence and I live the lessons Volunteers of America teaches".

Louis is an inspiration to anyone and everyone with the desire to conquer their addictions and live a healthy, positive life.

New Job Opening

2010-08-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

North Shore Services Case Manager – Supportive Housing and Mental Health. BA/BS in Human Services required + minimum of 1 year experience.

Please send resumes to: careers@voagno.org.

Volunteers of America Staff Featured in WWL and Times-Picayune articles

2010-08-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Click here to read a piece from WWL about New Orleans' mental health delivery system post-Katrina, featuring Rebecca Thees, our Coordinator of Disaster Related Services.

Click here to read a piece from the Times-Picayune about mental health issues in post-Katrina New Orleans, also featuring Rebecca Thees.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program Presents Check to St. Tammany Parish

2010-08-30T11:24:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, August 21, a check for $1,072,784, representing the value of the service hours performed by members of our Retired Senior Volunteer Program, was presented to the St. Tammany Parish Presidents’ Office. The check was accepted by John Tobin, Director of Social Services for St. Tammany Parish (pictured right of our CEO Jim LeBlanc). The presentation was held during Volunteers of America’s annual St. Tammany Parish Recognition Luncheon, held at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville for participants in RSVP. In attendance were Volunteers of America CEO Jim LeBlanc and 164 RSVP Volunteers from across St. Tammany Parish. Dancing, lunch and socializing followed the presentation. Our Retired Senior Volunteer Program offers a variety of service opportunities for volunteers 55 and older to use their skills and life experiences to help meet critical needs across St. Tammany Parish.

Commemorating Katrina: Five Years Later

2010-08-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

Read Volunteers of America's report of our remarkable recovery from the losses of the storm. We have thousands of helpful friends to thank and much gratitude for our progress.

You can also watch Higher Ground, a video about the dedication of Direct Support Professionals during and after the storm, and a video detailing the destruction the storm caused to our facilities and city.

Repairs on Wheels Consumer Gets Mobile

2010-08-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Meet Mr. Fred Harper (pictured), who recently received services from our Repairs on Wheels program. Mr. Harper is a 75 year old New Orleans native confined to a wheelchair and has scant left his Mid-City home in the past twelve years. During Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Harper was evacuated to Alexandria, where he spent three months living in a hospital. Mr. Harper enjoys art, music & books, but had no way to leave his house to enjoy them. He sought help and was referred to Volunteers of America. Our Repairs on Wheels program, which provides minor home repairs to senior home owners in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and St. Charles, was able to fit his house with a ramp. Now, Mr. Harper can scoot safely out of his home with his new motorized wheelchair. “I now have the mobility to get outta here”, he says. Thanks to contributions from Home Depot, Lowe’s, & the Easter Seal Foundation, the cost of the ramp was only $265, a small price to pay for freedom.

Lighthouse Play Featured on WGNO!

2010-08-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Volunteers of America’s Lighthouse Program was recently showcased on WGNO. Some of the students participated in a performance of “The Wiz”, which ran from 7/31-8/1 at Dillard University. WGNO’s Chriss Knight covered the event for her morning news segment. Check out this video to see our Lighthouse kids talk about putting together the play.

The Lighthouse After School program provides after school and summer programs for pre-adolescent children and their families to promote academic achievement and good moral character.

Special Supporters & Fox 8 Film PSA for Mentoring Children of Promise Program

2010-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Watch our new Mentoring Children of Promise commercial starring Mandy and Zach Strief (Black and Gold #64), pictured! Our Mentoring Children of Promise program provides adult mentors who offer young people with incarcerated parents support, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example. We're currently seeking mentors...for more information, contact Sherlyn Hughes, Program Coordinator, at 504-836-8700, or shughes@voagno.org.

Job Opportunities With Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans

2010-07-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

Positions currently available with Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans:

SENIOR SERVICES DIRECTOR. This position is responsible for providing quality management of the Elderly Services program, Repairs on Wheels Program, and Elderly Protective Services. The responsibilities will also include program development, relationship building, fiscal management, and program management.

The position requires the incumbent to have a Master's degree in a human services discipline and two years of management level experience working with the elderly population, or a Bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience working with the elderly including three years at the management level.

NORTHSHORE CARPENTER/SUPERVISOR.

Must be able to do general carpentry, household repairs, supervise assistant workers. Must have own truck, good motor vehicle record, and vehicle insurance.

To apply for these positions, send your resume/salary requirements to careers@voagno.org.

Announcing Upcoming Lighthouse Productions

2010-07-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

Announcing productions of "The Brick and the Rose" and "The Wiz", presented by students from our Lighthouse After School Program in partnership with the American Theatre Project. "The Brick and the Rose" runs next weekend, July 29-31, at Tulane University's Lupin Theatre (corner of Audubon and Zimpel in New Orleans). Plays start 8:00 nightly.

"The Wiz" is hosted by Dillard University and will run July 31 and August 1 with two showings per day at 2:30 and 7:30.

The Lighthouse After School program provides after school and summer programs for pre-adolescent children and their families to promote academic achievement and good moral character.

Entergy Creates A Dream Come True - Part 2

2010-07-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

Check out the video below of Robert Spencer (pictured with our Supported Living Services consumer Willie Martin), Director of Talent Management and Inclusion for Entergy, talking about Entergy's partnership with Volunteers of America to make improvements to the home of Willie Martin (see story below, "Entergy Creates A Dream Come True").

Dads Get Their Due At the Terraces

2010-07-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

On June 18, our Terraces at Tulane celebrated a Father’s Day event, honoring all fathers & grandfathers living there. The Terraces at Tulane is comprised of 200 one-bedroom units and provides housing for senior residents, age 62 and older, with incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income. The dads were treated to tasty food and decorations aplenty.

Like the Mothers’ Day event, the gentlemen of the Terraces sat at tables, served food by staff restaurant-style. “This is wonderful!” said Mr. Andrew Kish, a Terraces resident (pictured on the far left).

Thanks to Dionne Campfield, Senior Service Coordinator (pictured alongside Terraces residents), and Terraces staff for another successful celebration!

Entergy Creates A Dream Come True

2010-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Entergy recently partnered with Volunteers of America and provided landscaping and exterior paint touch ups to the home of Willie Martin. Willie Martin receives services from Volunteers of America’s Supported Living Program. This program provides assistance to persons with disabilities so they may live independently in their own home. “We’re excited to be out here today with Willie and excited to be in partnership with Volunteers of America”, Robert Spencer, Director of Talent Management and Inclusion for Entergy, said.

Pictured is Willie with Entergy Volunteers. Thanks to Entergy for their volunteers and great effort!

Announcing New Board Member, Paul Graff

2010-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans announces Paul W. Graff (pictured) has joined its Board of Directors.

Mr. Graff, a graduate of LSU, is President of Ideal Industrial Supply and has been engaged with Volunteers of America for nearly 13 years in various volunteer efforts.

Terraces at Tulane Resident Gives Thanks

2010-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, Mr. Andrew Kish (pictured), a resident of our Terraces at Tulane senior housing facility, wrote a thank-you letter to our CEO, Jim LeBlanc. Watch Mr. Kish read his letter below!

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Efforts

2010-07-13T09:44:00.001-07:00

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans has taken the lead in assisting with disaster recovery efforts since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Recovery efforts continued following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

Since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we have been in the affected areas assessing the needs of victims and deciding how best to address them. Survivors are reporting economic hardship, lack of employment, loss of livelihood, fear or losing their homes and homelessness. Survivors are also experiencing an increased amount of frustration, anger, sadness, and stress and, as a result, an increase in mental health issues. Many have reported contemplating suicide.

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans is currently assessing the needs to assist with crisis counseling and disaster case management. Providing assistance to those most affected by the oil spill disaster will enable us to continue our mission of serving others.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program Hosts Event

2010-07-13T07:52:00.001-07:00

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Volunteers of America recently hosted a Get Acquainted Coffee at the Summerfield Retirement Community. Attendees received information about RSVP and the Faith in Action programs of Volunteers of America. Deputy Eddie Vauthier of the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office did a presentation on personal safety (pictured on the left). Lou Kennedy and Jacqueline Chadwick of the American Red Cross presented information on preparing for hurricanes and other disasters.

NEXT Get Acquainted Coffee is scheduled for July 29, 2010. It will be held at the Christwood Residential Community located at 100 Christwood Boulevard, Covington, LA 70433-4606 from 9:30-11:30. Join us to learn about the many volunteer opportunities available in St. Tammany Parish. Attendees will also hear presentations on personal safety and disaster preparation. Light refreshments will also be served.

As featured on Cox Connexions...

2010-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sherlyn Hughes, our Mentoring Children of Promise Program Coordinator, was the featured interviewee on a 6/2 episode of "Cox Connexions". Click here to watch the interview.

Volunteers of America on WGSO Radio!

2010-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Recently, our Mary Corban, LaCHIP Program Manager, Maureen O'Brien, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Director, and Jerry Quick, Elderly Services/Repairs on Wheels Program Coordinator, were featured on the Home Health show on WGSO Radio. Click here to hear the interview!

Community Home Resident Wins Special Olympics Medal

2010-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Iraione, a resident of the Craft Community Home. She recently won a medal for the Walk/Run event at the Special Olympics. Iraione has been with Volunteers of America since 1991; prior to Craft, she lived at Arcadia and Park Place community homes. She has been diagnosed with severe mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and communication disorder; however, she hasn't let that hinder her from achieving her goals.

Iraione has built a reputation for being an active and lively member of her group home. "She's very helpful", said Cabrini Johnson, a staff member at Craft. She's been known to help with laundry and household chores, among other tasks.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Iraione is also an accomplished student - she graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School recently in a ceremony held at Tulane University.

Congrats Iraione, keep up the good work!

The Groves, a New Mixed-Income Housing Facility

2010-05-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Groves, a new mixed-income housing facility in Covington, will consist of 94 rental housing units in a mix of one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartments. Groundbreaking will occur in the fall, with units available for lease beginning in the winter of 2011. 30 single-family homeownership opportunities will also be available. Rental housing units will be available to families and households at a variety of incomes with the market rate rents starting at $650 for a one-bedroom. Twenty of the 30 single family homes will be built by Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. For more information, visit RNDC's website, http://www.rndcnola.org/.

Currently Accepting Food Donations for Thanksgiving & Christmas

2010-05-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

Get an early start on your Thanksgiving and Christmas food donations. Our Single Room Occupancy facilities are in need of non-perishable food items to begin preparing their special holiday dinners. Call Sheryl LeBlanc at 504-482-2130 to find out more or drop off your donation today at our Canal Street headquarters (4152 Canal St., New Orleans LA 70119).

Summer Fun at Lighthouse

2010-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse After School Program has big plans in store for its summer program, running from 6/17 through 7/16. First on the agenda is improving students' LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) test scores - The Lighthouse Program will be running a remedial LEAP course beginning June 2 for the June 28 re-test.

The main offerings of the program will be offered at Lighthouse's four schools - Thurgood Marshall High, Gentilly Terrace, Medard Nelson, and Pierre Capdau. This year, however, Capdau's program will be incorporated into Gentilly Terrace's as the school is currently seeking a new location. Each school will host 100-125 students (with the exception of Gentilly, which will host ~250 students after its integration with Capdau) and offer activities including, but not limited to: dance instruction, African drumming, karate lessons, swimming lessons, athletics (soccer and tennis are brand new as of this year) and a chess league.

Two featured programs for this year that the Lighthouse Program leaders are especially excited for are the Uptown Music Theater and Fresh Voices. The Uptown Music Theater, a collaboration with the Marsalis family, will work towards putting on a production of "The Wiz". Various artists will assist the Lighthouse kids in setting up and putting on the production, which will be presented at the La Petit Theater at the end of camp.

Fresh Voices, a collaboration with Century 21 and the American Theater Project, allows Lighthouse kids to write and produce their own plays based on personal experiences living in the inner city. The program will primarily focus on the work created by students from Thurgood Marshall High School, but will also incorporate other innercity children who want to express their experiences. The program is tuition-free and still accepting applications; if you or if you know of someone who is interested, call Ed Bishop at Thurgood Marshall High School, 504-361-4627 (or e-mail him @ ed-bishop@hotmail.com) to set up an appointment. Like the Uptown Music Theater, the program will culminate in a production at the end of camp at a to-be-named venue (stay tuned!).

Other Lighthouse projects in the works include setting up a community center, which, as Kevin Scott, Program Coordinator for Lighthouse, says: "It's all part of helping not only the children [in the program] but their families as well".

Stay tuned...it promises to be an interesting and productive summer for our Lighthouse program.

Women Experiencing Unplanned Pregnancies - Adoption is an Option.

2010-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans places infants in adoptive homes, offers counseling for birthparents and adoptive parents, and reaches out to both groups with a variety of helping services that range from crisis counseling for pregnant women to home studies for adoptive couples.

Adoption and Maternity is a full service agency. The program also places children in state custory with permanent families. We work with Wendy's Wonderful Kids, a national initiative that finds adoptive parents for youngsters in foster care.

In 2002-3, we served more than 1,523 persons - birthparents, adoptive parents, and their extended families. Services can continue for a minimum of five years after a child is placed for adoption. About 86 percent of expectant mothers who contact us choose to parent their child. Of these, approximately 50 percent have a gross annual household income below $10,000. 59 percent are unemployed, 53 percent reside in a female household with no husband, and 16 percent are ages 10-17.

For more information on our adoption and maternity programs, click here.

Seniors Living in Style

2010-05-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Terraces at Tulane is a newly constructed 200 Unit Senior Housing Development with a 3,000 square-foot community center and health clinic located at 3615 Tulane Avenue in New Orleans. It is managed by the Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation, a partnership between Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans and Volunteers of America's national office to create 1,000 housing units in post-Katrina New Orleans. The Terraces replaces a development located in New Orleans East that was rendered inoperable by the storm.

All apartments at the Terraces are one-bedroom units and provide housing for senior residents aged 62 and older who have incomes at or below 50% of the area median income. The location offers excellent access to public transit, medical care services, and basic commercial services. Two other major tax credit developments are now under construction within six blocks east of the site.

For more info on the Terraces at Tulane, visit RNDC's website here, or call 504-482-2440 to reserve an apartment.

Donate Your Car...and Get Back So Much More

2010-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Donate your old used car to us! Proceeds from auto donation go directly to our programs to help children, families, people with disabilities and the elderly.

All you need are the keys and title to the car - we'll take care of the rest (towing, paperwork, etc.)!

Click here to donate online or call 504-525-2179/toll-free 1-800-427-6327.

Lighthouse Kids Learning 12 Months out of the Year

2010-05-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans' Lighthouse program helps more than 400 at-risk youth through a partnership with the University of New Orleans Charter School Network. The Lighthouse offers character-building, help with academics and enrichment at these UNO Charter Network schools: Pierre A. Capdau Charter School, Gentilly Terrace Elementary, Medard H. Nelson Charter School, and Thurgood Marshall Early College High School.

Our goals are to boost academic achievement, character building and social interaction with caring adults. The vision of the Lighthouse is clear - children will achieve when goals are set with high expectations, and the adults who care for them are committed to their academic and social development.

Lighthouse leaders expose the kids to a multitude of cultural enrichment and academic activities. We don't stop there. Our ambition is to serve the needs of the entire family through academic enrichment, cultural, social, health, and nutritional services - making learning essential to their lives.

The Lighthouse believes that if we teach our children the skills they need to make positive choices and acquire good academic skills, they will grow into responsible, self-supporting adults.

Since the story destroyed its Ninth Ward headquarters, the Lighthouse, one of Volunteers of America's most popular and effective programs, has been rebuilding through partnerships with local charter schools. Here are the qualities the program instills in students:

- Trustworthiness

- Honesty

- Citizenship

- Caring
- Responsibility

- Respect

- Discipline

Lighthouse Kids' After-School, Summer Program Outcomes

- 90% showed an improvement in their grades

- 100% matriculated to the next level

- 70% improved on the LEAP test's language arts and math components

- 100% had no interaction with the juvenile justice or school disciplinary systems.

Click here to read a Lighthouse success story.

For more info on the program, or to to get involved, visit our website at:

http://www.voagno.org.

Volunteers of America in the News

2010-05-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

WGNO TV 26 (Lailo Marcos) recently interviewed Voris Vigee, Executive Vice President of Programs, regarding our plans to respond to the oil spill disaster. Volunteers of America along with several other non-profit organizations are currently working collaboratively to develop a plan of disaster related resources to deploy to the areas affected by the oil spill.

Homeless with Addictions Finding Their Way

2010-05-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Thousands of persons who are homeless walk the streets of New Orleans. It’s hard to know how to help. Understanding that about 40 percent of homeless struggle with substance abuse can make things seem more complex.

Volunteers of America has a permanent solution with our two SROs (Single Room Occupancy). We put our 100-plus years of experience in helping persons with these problems to work in a contemporary state-of-the-art program that provides permanent, affordable housing for men and women in recovery.

The SROs are modeled on Volunteers of America facilities in other cities which have proven to give these persons the best chance of recovering, getting off the streets and living productive lives. They save lives and change lives.

The Duvernay Residence, 1801 Canal St., reopened in 2006 after suffering extensive hurricane damage. It houses 70 and originally opened in 2002. Also damaged was the Tulane Avenue SRO, 3901 Tulane Ave., which has housed 80 since 1997 and reopened in March 2007.
Both SROs are part of Volunteers of America's Coming Back Home initiative to supply affordable housing and boost the recovery of New Orleans.

SROs provide:

• A safe place to recover. Skilled staff and facilities provide a stable environment to support continued recovery. Persons who have been in recovery for six months may apply to live in the SROs.

• A permanent place to live. Residents may stay as long as it takes to turn their lives around. The SRO has affordable, furnished, private rooms, with bathrooms and kitchens nearby. Residents prepare their own meals. Communal living areas are place to visit and enjoy group activities.

• Life-changing support. A variety of support services — family reunification to case management — supports independence. The staff helps residents stay in recovery while boosting self-confidence. All acquire job skills or needed education.

• A way to rejoin the community. Homelessness and substance abuse isolates persons in despair. The SROs provide an opportunity to live — perhaps for the first time — in a supportive, caring community. As residents gain confidence, the staff helps them become part of the larger community.

To learn more about applying for residence in the SROs or volunteering to help, email us or call 504.299.1260. Volunteers can share their life skills or hobbies or help with other duties.

Housing And Resources For Homeless Veterans

2010-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteers of America is addressing the issues homeless veterans face. Our facility is headquartered in a rebuilt, renovated 50-bed facility in Uptown New Orleans.This project provides more than shelter. The 24-month program offers veterans intensive case management, support services and treatment. The staff work with veterans individually to help develop a plan to help them put their lives back together. After residents are stabilized, they will contribute a portion of their income as rent. They will also save a percentage to have a reserve for expenses when they complete and move out of the program. For more information call 504.899.1116.

We Truly Value Our Volunteers!

2010-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

And they get back much more! Many of our volunteers say that personal fulfillment from helping those in need is the greatest reward. Other volunteers enjoy friendships they share with fellow volunteers and employees. Any way you look at it, volunteering is an invaluable and rewarding experience. We encourage you to join our team!

To find out about volunteer opportunities, call Woody Hosler, 504-483-3557.

Be a mentor for a child in need.

2010-05-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Mentoring Children of Promise (MCP), a program of Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans in collaboration with local churches in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, was created in response to the need of children with incarcerated parents to have stable, caring adults in their lives. Children are matched with a positive adult volunteer.

Louisiana is second in the nation in the number of people incarcerated. Almost a third (31.5%) of Louisiana's adult inmate population and almost half (41.3%) of the juvenile inmate population come from Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Unfortunately, records show that half of Louisiana's former inmates return to prison within four to six years after they are released. An ominous prediction for the future is the national estimate that 70% of the children with a parent in prison will one day find themselves behind bars.

We need you to help make a difference in the life of a youth in your community. MCP has boys and girls between 4-18 years of age residing in Orleans and Jefferson Parish.

What can you do to become a mentor? It's quite simple. Here are our mentor requirements:

- You must be at least 18 years old.
- A person with a sincere desire to be involved with a young person
- Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a young person.
- Meet with your mentee for at least 8 hours a month for a minimum of one year
- Adherence to background checks for the safety of children
- Have fun!

Studies show that children in mentoring programs feel better about themselves, do a better job at resisting peer pressure and make better grades in school.

If you're ready to make a difference in the life of a mentee in need, call Sherilyn Hughes, Program Coordinator, at 504-836-8700 or 504-239-0234 or e-mail shughes@voagno.org.