Volunteers of America's Blog

31 - 40

November 24, 2016
The True Spirit of the Holidays

With the hustle and hassles of the holiday season, it's easy to forget that this time of year has been set aside for us to count our blessings. Political division over the past year have placed a cloud over the heads of many that continues to cast a shadow. Making matters worse, giving thanks seems to get lost as we segue from turkey day to Black Friday and the month-long buying frenzy leading up to Christmas.
November 10, 2016
How the Private Sector is Helping Veterans

Human capital is our nation’s most valuable resource, and finding the best ways to apply it, is imperative to building a strong economy and fostering job security when our soldiers return home. Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedom, and a hero’s welcome needs to extend beyond the jetway. It will be up to the private sector to step up to the plate.
October 25, 2016
How We Help Those in Need

Beyond the corn mazes and pumpkins, to me the traditional autumn harvest season celebrates the virtue of patience. The fruits of the farmer's labor that arrive in the fall depend on hard work six months earlier. The farmer knows he or she will need to wait half a year before those tiny seeds turn into something viable, and maintain faith that a bountiful harvest will come with no guarantee of success.
September 1, 2016
Assisting Low-Income Kids with Back to School Needs

As any parent with small kids knows, back to school time can be expensive. In fact, many parents spend more money preparing for the new school year than they do at Christmas. American families expect to spend an average of $673.57 on back to school supplies. For even comfortably middle class families, this can be a daunting sum. Imagine preparing kids to return to class if your family is homeless.
July 28, 2016
Helping the Working Poor

The news lately has become heavily focused on strife resulting from divisions in our society. Listening to the news would make you think that our country is now collapsing under the weight of its own disjointed diversity. This is greatly distressing, especially because diversity has and continues to be a key factor that makes America great.
July 1, 2016
Charities, Stop Stereotyping People of Color as Needy

Jatrice Martel Gaiter, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at Volunteers of America, discusses how nonprofits need to change visual content to reflect the demographic reality of poverty and vulnerability in the United States and that nonprofits must stop using good intentions and puerile naïveté as excuses to remain oblivious to color and the implications of how it is perceived.
June 23, 2016
Moral Injury: Easing the Pain of Those Most Affected by Violence

When something horrific occurs, we become overwhelmed by the stories of those suffering and the political debates surrounding this horrible act have only just begun. At times like this, we must remember the names and faces of those who lost their lives, as well as support those in our own lives who may be traumatized by what has happened.
June 7, 2016
Affordable Housing Remains Out of Reach for Some Americans

A recent report shows that a full time worker needs to earn $20.30 per hour to afford a modest two bedroom apartment. We believe that federal, state and local governments should do more to provide additional resources, or to make the development of affordable rental housing more expeditious.
May 30, 2016
How Volunteers of America Honors Memorial Day

For most Americans, Memorial Day represents the unofficial start of summer. Of course, we know the true purpose of the day … a time to remember the ultimate sacrifices made by brave men and women in uniform who gave their lives in defense of our country. Memorial Day also provides another opportunity for Americans to honor those veterans who are still with us and thank them for their service.
April 28, 2016
Care for the Caregivers: Programs that Support Women

In the coming weeks, many Volunteers of America affiliates will host special "I Remember Mama" luncheons to honor older women who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to spend Mother's Day with their own children. These events have become beloved traditions for us, and speak to the true essence of our mission to uplift all people and help them live the most fulfilling, joyful lives possible.