News and Events

Strengthening our Mission and path forward in 2025.

Strengthening our mission and path forward in 2025.

As we enter a new year, Volunteers of America continues our dedication to tackling the social issues of homelessness and poverty that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 130 years ago when Volunteers of America was first founded. The agency has initiated a new strategic plan and updated mission statement: “At Volunteers of America, we are dedicated to restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for people facing challenges. Our mission is to foster self-reliance and stability by delivering essential services in housing, education, and health.” Today’s world presents many challenges, including an affordable housing crisis, rising…

Dr. Junior Dillion at TEDx Nazareth University.

TEDx Talk: Starting Last and Finishing First

This past September, Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of VOA Upstate New York, spoke at TEDxNazarethUniversity, sharing his story of resilience and his inspiring journey from growing up in an underserved community to leading a nonprofit that impacts thousands. Dr. Dillion emphasized that success is rarely straightforward; rather, it’s a series of small steps supported by others. “Starting last and finishing first really means being the best representation of yourself,” he said. “Sometimes it takes others to help bring that out in us.” Now at VOA, Dr. Dillion leads a team dedicated to creating meaningful change by investing in…

Staff Spotlight: Sharifa Whitt, VOACC Director

Staff Spotlight: Sharifa Whitt, VOACC Director.

Sharifa Whitt brings 25 years of experience in early childhood education as the new VOA Children’s Center Director. A proud graduate of Howard University with a Master’s Degree in Education, her journey has included roles as a teacher, manager, director, and founder of her own educational development consulting agency. In her previous role as CEO, Sharifa worked with young girls at FIGHT Village in Rochester, providing afterschool care focused on STEM and leadership empowerment. Her passion lies in creating opportunities that empower children to dream, explore, and succeed. Sharifa is dedicated to fostering the growth of each child and building…

Cultivation wall of mixed produce at The Farm

The Farm introduces workforce development and agri-therapy for veterans.

The Farm at VOA has recently expanded its programming, developing a 6-week workforce development curriculum designed for individuals reentering the job market. In addition, The Farm is providing agri-therapy opportunities for veterans struggling with mental health challenges. The new programs offer hands-on learning of all aspects of hydroponic farming including climate control, seeding, planting, harvesting, produce packaging, and managing a farm.

Christmas tree with boxes of donated toys.

Joyful holidays thanks to generous hearts.

Thanks to the generous hearts in our community, this holiday season was filled with warmth, joy, and countless smiles! This year’s toy drive received more than 300 toys for the children staying in VOA’s emergency family shelters. This is in thanks to community partners including Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, The Pirate Toy Fund, the Corn Hill Neighborhood Association, Joanne and Charles Chada, and other individual donors. In addition, Santa made a special appearance at the VOA Children’s Center, and provided gifts for the 200 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers thanks to incredible generosity of the Barnes family.

County Executive Adam Bello cuts a ribbon with VOA President Dr. Junior Dillion and other elective officials for the opening of Moving Forward Family Shelter.

VOA Opens New Family Shelter in Monroe County

Volunteers of America is proud to announce the recent opening of our newest family shelter, “Moving Forward.” VOA has partnered with Monroe County to create a new shelter with 58 private units to address the growing number of unhoused families in the Rochester area as a way to keep families together during a time of crisis. This shelter will serve families of any composition, a model VOA introduced with our first shelter, The Guest House, which opened in 2008 with 14 private units. In addition to safe shelter, Moving Forward will provide families with meals, transportation, and on-site support services…

Colleen Matteson, president of Bank of America Rochester holds plaque for a dedicated family room at the Guest House family shelter.

Championing Change Through Corporate Compassion

Community partnerships are essential to advancing the mission of Volunteers of America Upstate New York (VOA). These collaborations enable VOA to provide critical support and services to individuals and families in need. Among these valued partners, Bank of America stands out for its unwavering support and significant contributions in Rochester. Bank of America’s commitment to supporting local communities aligns seamlessly with VOA’s mission; the bank supports nonprofit organizations that focus on economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. Since 2019, Bank of America has invested $3.6 million in Rochester nonprofits to help support programs and resources for working families, youth,…

Poster that reads Volunteers of America Annual Gala sits on an easel in front of the entrance to the Arbor Loft event space.

Annual Gala Helps Raise Essential Funds

In a powerful community gathering on April 18, Volunteers of America hosted its 4th Annual Gala at The Arbor Loft, raising $115,000 for our programs that address the issue of homelessness, enhance childhood education, and combat poverty in the Rochester area. Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of VOA Upstate New York, shared the stage with notable speakers including, Mayor Malik Evans and presenting sponsor Bank of America’s Rochester President Colleen Matteson. Dr. Dillion emphasized the collective effort needed to advance VOA’s mission, highlighting the organization’s success in serving more than 5,000 individuals annually. “Here at VOA, we are more…

Older woman holds a pink potted flower and a white gift bag for "I Remember Mama" at Cobblestone Place apartments.

“I Remember Mama” Makes Mother’s Day Special

For more than 35 years, VOA has worked with local senior living communities to identify older women who have outlived their families or are separated from them and recognize these women with gifts of appreciation for Mother’s Day. This year, VOA distributed more than 200 gift baskets filled with flowers, treats, and other gifts for the residents and clients at Catholic Charities, Cobblestone Place, Danforth Towers Apartments, Hudson Ridge, Jonathan Child Apartments, Jordan Health, and Montgomery Neighborhood Center. According to the Administration on Aging, approximately 27% of older adults in the United States live alone, and older women are often…

Tiffany and Junior pose for the camera with their VOA Ministry stoles.

Two Staff Members Ordained at VOA National Conference

As VOA serves our communities, we do so with compassion, love, and faith. At the VOA National Conference held in the DC Metro area from May 4-7, Upstate New York’s President and CEO, Dr. Junior Dillion, and Assistant Facilities Manager Tiffany Bundy were officially ordained as VOA ministers. Our ministers offer optional spiritual care and emotional support in ways that respect each individual’s culture, religious beliefs, practices, and privacy. Congratulations Junior and Tiffany!

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