What kids really need from their dads, according to science. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate dads, but for millions of children in America, the day is a little more complicated with a parent behind bars or without a stable place to live. These are the families rarely featured in Father’s Day stories, and yet two new studies cut through common assumptions about what makes a good father, and the findings might surprise you. Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York, and Michael Chen, adjunct professor of Public Health at Nazareth University, recently…

From the desk of Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York Permanent Supportive Housing plays a vital role in helping people move beyond homelessness and build stable, healthier lives. By combining long-term affordable rental assistance with flexible, person-centered support services, PSH serves individuals living with disabilities, chronic health conditions, substance use disorders, and complex behavioral health needs. Research consistently shows it reduces returns to homelessness and out performs short-term solutions. Chronic homelessness is not simply a housing availability issue. The public debate often frames PSH as costly, but it actually reduces overall public spending…

April is Financial Literacy Month. At VOA, we know that true stability goes beyond housing. It also means having the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Bank of America has partnered with Volunteers of America Upstate New York to provide its signature Better Money Habits® financial education program directly to residents in VOA’s emergency family shelter. “Our clients have really been enjoying these classes and learning from the instructors,” said shelter director Sam Moskowitz. “Many of our clients have mentioned how no one has ever taught them basic finances, and in some cases their parents have never…

A mother of six, Lakeya, and her children were unexpectedly uprooted when her landlord lost his property, and they were forced to move out in a hurry. Despite working full-time as a bus driver and recruiter, with a low credit score and limited housing options, finding a new place proved nearly impossible. Leaving her with nowhere to go, she felt alone in the world. “You get this sense of feeling you let your children down,” she shared. Lakeya made the heartbreaking decision to split her children between family and friends. Some nights, she slept in her car. Asking for help…

Local leaders across Upstate New York helped commemorate VOA’s founding week and the organization’s 130th anniversary by proclaiming March 8 as “Volunteers of America Day” in Monroe, Broome, and Tompkins counties. In Rochester, the celebration quite literally lit up the night with the city skyline illuminated in red and blue, a reminder that hope shines brightly when a community comes together. Across our program sites, staff also marked the occasion with celebrations of their own, coming together to reflect on the work they do each day to support our neighbors. At the same time, supporters rallied around our mission for…

For 130 years, Volunteers of America has shown up in the moments that matter most. What began in 1896 as a movement rooted in compassion has grown into a vital source of housing, care, and support throughout Upstate New York. As we honor this milestone, we celebrate both our rich history and the difference being made every day. VOA’s founders Maud and Ballington Booth began their early work advocating for the rights of those who were exiting the criminal justice system, supporting people experiencing poverty, and going wherever they were needed. Today, VOA Upstate New York serves more than 10,000…

As a single parent with a newborn, Aisha* turned to Volunteers of America for support during a critical time in the face of uncertainty. VOA’s Rapid ReHousing Program found safe housing for Aisha and her child, providing temporary rental assistance, and helped her move from day-to-day survival to being able to focus on her long-term goals. With a roof over their head, Aisha returned to cosmetology school determined to pursue a career she loved, and successfully earned her licensing. Along the way, VOA connected Aisha to essential community resources, such as food, clothing, and toys for her daughter, ensuring she…

Books and imagination came to life as preschoolers at the VOA Children’s Center celebrated the opening of a new Little Free Library this fall. This library is one of 25 special Narnia-themed Little Free Libraries awarded nationwide through the Little Free Library Impact Library Program, in partnership with HarperCollins Children’s Books, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. “We’re thrilled to offer a space where children, parents, and neighbors can come together, share stories, and build a stronger community around a shared love of reading,” said Community Engagement Manager Elyse…

The holidays were brighter for children staying in VOA’s emergency family shelters. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, this year’s holiday toy drive exceeded expectations. We surpassed our initial goal with an estimated 900 toys donated. We are especially grateful to our community partners who helped make this year’s drive a success, including Corn Hill Neighborhood Association, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Henrietta 9U Rockhounds, Joanne and Charles Chada, Mindex/SchoolTool, Pirate Toy Fund, RCIPA, Rochester Red Wings, UR Center for Community Engagement, and Wegmans Controllers Group, as well as countless individual donors whose generosity helped make this year’s holiday toy…

Residents and families served by Volunteers of America now have even more support at their fingertips. VOA has joined the Social Care Network through a partnership with Forward Leading IPA’s WeLinkCare program in the Finger Lakes region and Care Compass Collaborative in the Southern Tier. This program is a statewide effort to provide more coordinated and comprehensive services for individuals struggling with serious health conditions, as well as those facing housing, food, and financial insecurity. It helps people become stabilized in housing and connected with healthcare while providing improved access to basic needs, including food, furnishings, and transportation assistance. “Through…