Stories

Meet Ashton, known as Joey. He was adopted as an infant through Volunteers of America. His adoptive father, Ashton Sr., a federal probation officer, volunteered at our Residential Re-entry Center where he learned about our Adoption program.

Carl and Stella may seem like an unlikely pair, but these two have forged a devoted, lasting friendship. Stella, a person with an intellectual disability, grew up in foster care and has no family nearby.

At 48, Joseph, a Veteran of the United States Navy found himself homeless and embarrassed about his situation. With no family or friends to help him with his struggles, he lived in his car—but that changed with a little help from our Veterans programs.

This organization energetically supports our Readers to Leaders project. Members volunteer weekly to read to at-risk youth in our Lighthouse Afterschool program.

As the Christmas lights, trees and decorations adorn our community, it is a wonderful time to reflect on all of the amazing work our volunteers are doing. This month, we have partnered with two schools that have provided heartwarming Christmas Cards made by the students for our troops overseas.

In 2012, Ronnie Williams, 55, came to live at our Creekwood Community Home in Hammond. Diagnosed with mild mental retardation and schizophrenia, Williams also weighed more than 300 pounds and suffered from arthritis.

Do you believe wealth, age and influence are prerequisites for becoming a philanthropist? Not true.

In times of war, Stand Down described a safe retreat from combat, in which soldiers could rest and renew. Today, Stand Down refers to another kind of help for homeless veterans—a program that helps supply personal hygiene, clean clothing, medical and dental care, warm meals, and information on services.

Thanks to The Home Depot Foundation, veterans served by Volunteers of America will have more resources to use in rebuilding their lives. In June, The Home Depot Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans to address the critical housing needs of homeless veterans.

On June 10, Lighthouse students from the summer program at Alice Harte School visited Stoney Point Farm to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables, using them to prepare a delicious, healthy snack.