Volunteers of America's Blog

11 - 20

March 21, 2018
What is Moral Injury? It Can Teach Us About Our Own Humanity

Moral injury is an anguish so deep it leaves only shreds of a soul. Anyone who works with marginalized populations at risk has probably seen that empty stare of a broken spirit: people living in poverty, people struggling with addiction, people carrying unprocessed grief and guilt.
March 7, 2018
Women are the Foundations of their Families

Women are caretakers. They care for kids, for parents, for elderly neighbors who don’t have anyone else to watch over them. They act as the glue holding together extended families. This is why so many of the programs offered by Volunteers of America focus on women, especially mothers.
February 5, 2018
Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery: Our Work is Far From Over

At Volunteers of America, we’re at our best when times are at their worst. In addition to our usual work helping America’s most vulnerable, we took on the critical mission in recent months of helping Puerto Rico recover and rebuild following two devastating hurricanes. Our work is far from over, as we transition in the New Year from the relief effort to long-term recovery.
December 26, 2017
Volunteers of America's 2018 New Year's Goals

As we wrap up Christmas and look ahead to the New Year, this season always provides an opportunity to envision what we want to accomplish in the next 12 months. The current political and cultural environment provides a lot of uncertainty, which makes planning for the future all the more difficult, especially for an organization like Volunteers of America.
December 1, 2017
Nonprofits Must Adjust To A More Conservative Atmosphere

Volunteers of America’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Jatrice Martel Gaiter, believes that in 2018, the nonprofit sector will begin a nuanced veer to the right and gives a few reasons why.
November 30, 2017
During the Christmas Season, Remember the True Spirit of Giving

Every year, I’m frustrated and disappointed by the amount of attention given to Black Friday and the material aspects of Christmas. Most of the time, when people are interviewed about their motivations, they talk about buying things for themselves rather than using the holiday sales to buy gifts for others. The spirit of Christmas is not about buying the latest electronic gadget.
October 31, 2017
Hurricane Maria Relief: Survivors Still Need Help

For most of us, autumn is a time of joy and abundance. Traditionally the period of harvest, we spend this time of year celebrating the changing leaves, cooler temperatures, the upcoming holiday season and, for me in particular, the return of football and the World Series.
September 29, 2017
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria Impacted Our Clients

In our line of business, we are accustomed to helping those most in need overcome challenges and rebuild lives. That’s hard work even under the best of circumstances; so imagine how much harder that task becomes at times of devastating natural disaster. During the past month, three places where Volunteers of America provides services have been significantly damaged by powerful hurricanes.
September 18, 2017
Helping Homeless Children Celebrate their Birthdays

While we at Volunteers of America help those of all ages and walks of life, children experiencing poverty or homelessness are often the most heart-wrenching. They often were born into their situations, and are also the most powerless to change their lives for the better. These kids lose out on many of the childhood memories that others take for granted.
August 31, 2017
Donate to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

Flood waters recede in Houston, but the impact of Hurricane Harvey is going to be felt for years to come. Homes, belongings, even lives — washed away in a historical storm. The Texas community is coming together in the aftermath and your gift can help Volunteers of America as we provide emergency relief and rebuilding assistance to many in this proud city.