The Farm at Volunteers of America is a hydroponic urban garden growing fresh produce from a repurposed shipping container, and offering a range of programs from a veteran-focused agriculture therapy initiative to food pantry distribution and workforce development. Since joining VOA, Farm Program Manager, Jason DeLooze, has worked to strengthen connections between The Farm and the broader community to address the increasingly widespread systemic issue of food insecurity in Rochester. In a recent partnership with the Rochester City School District, VOA has developed a youth education curriculum that teaches children about sustainable growing practices. This hands-on approach encourages healthier eating…

Volunteers of America has been selected by Tompkins County to design and operate an emergency shelter in Ithaca. The details of the new shelter are still in development, but it is anticipated VOA will serve up to 100 people, providing them with safe shelter, supportive services, three daily meals, and include space for co-located service providers, laundry, and other resources. In addition, Tompkins County has engaged VOA to operate Code Blue emergency shelter services from November 15 through April 15, 2025. “For more than 100 years, VOA has been providing essential services to those in need, and this partnership with…

For families working hard to regain stability, the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming. Your support of Operation Backpack® lifted that burden and reminded parents that their community cares. With support from community partners, grants, and generous individual donors, backpacks were distributed to children staying at VOA’s family shelters and attending our Children’s Center. We collected over 450 backpacks and school supplies valued at more than $13,000, exceeding our goal. “A new backpack might seem small in the grand scheme of things,” said Sam Moskowitz, Director of Shelter Services. “But to a child who has been through instability the…

Stuck in a cycle of instability, Billy once faced homelessness without a strong support network behind him. He found both home and community within the walls of VOA’s Foundation House, where the welcoming staff helped him get back on his feet. With a permanent apartment, Billy was able to focus on improving his mental and physical well-being and reconnect with family. Hoping to turn his experiences into a source of hope for others, Billy is training to become a peer support specialist. “A lot of the struggles I went through provided me with a unique opportunity in that I’m able…

VOA partnered with the Broome-Tioga BOCES Barbering Program to provide free haircuts for residents at our Permanent Supportive Housing program in Binghamton. The effort was coordinated by BOCES instructor Michael Scott and VOA staff. When facing housing instability or economic hardship, it can be challenging to maintain a personal sense of self-care and style. It can also be a powerful step towards reintegration into the community, leading to job interviews and improved social interactions. Thank you to the talented BOCES barbers for helping 15 residents receive fresh cuts and a renewed sense of confidence.

Golfers took to the course at Locust Hill Country Club on September 8 for the 23rd Annual Volunteers of America Golf Tournament raising $75,000 to support VOA programs. The housing, education, and health services VOA provides can change the trajectory of someone’s life, results that extend far beyond individual success and build thriving communities for all. We couldn’t have done it without our incredible golfers, sponsors, and volunteers! We’re proud to recognize them in this year’s interactive digital event program. Inside, you’ll find the day’s schedule, contests, and the generous organizations and individuals who make this event such a success….

In August, Senator Jeremy Cooney announced that, amid federal funding threats, he would support local nonprofits through “Reinvesting in Organizations that Care” (ROC) Grants. Volunteers of America received $54,000 to install a handicapped-accessible bathroom at our Ward Street shelter. With this barrier removed, VOA can move forward with adding medical respite services. The addition of 2–4 respite beds will provide safe housing and the dignity of proper recovery for adults experiencing homelessness, while also easing pressure on local hospitals. VOA was one of twelve organizations selected to receive a ROC grant. Read the full press release from the office of…

This past year hasn’t been easy for many individuals and families navigating rising costs and uncertainty But even in difficult times, we’ve seen quiet acts of resilience that carry people forward. Take Melissa, a mother of two who found herself without housing after an unexpected job loss. She arrived at VOA’s Family Shelter anxious and unsure of what came next. With housing and guidance from VOA, she’s working again, her kids are thriving in school, and she’s preparing to move into a place of her own. Her story, while extraordinary, is one of many, and a reminder of what’s possible…

It’s no secret that rising costs and limited availability leave many people struggling to find safe and affordable places to call home. In response to this growing crisis, Volunteers of America Upstate New York has been selected to join the 2025 cohort of the New York Land Opportunity Program (NYLOP), a LISC-NY initiative that supports faith-based and mission-driven organizations in exploring new opportunities and navigating the complexities of affordable housing development. “We have a three-acre site in Rochester that is very suitable for housing,” said Pat Drake, Senior Vice President of Agency Advancement. “We’re excited for the opportunity to explore…

One in five school children in the U.S. live below the federally defined poverty line. On average, school supplies cost families about $80-$120 per child, depending on the grade level and specific school requirements. For some parents working hard just to provide shelter and stability, that can mean making difficult choices between purchasing school supplies or groceries. With the opening of VOA’s Moving Forward Family Shelter last year, which provides temporary housing for up to 58 families a day, the demand for school supplies has grown significantly. This fall, dozens more children from our emergency shelters will be heading back…