News and Events

UPK Students Celebrated in Graduation Ceremony The VOA Children’s Center celebrated students completing their Universal Pre-K programs in June with a moving-up ceremony attended by families as our little graduates prepare to thrive at kindergarten in the fall. Openings Available Now at the Children’s Center The Children’s Center at VOA has recently opened new child care rooms to address the pressing need for child care in the Rochester area. We now have full-time spots available for infants, toddlers, and children aged 3 and 4, as well as after-school programs for children aged 5-12. According to the NYS Office of Children…

This past November, Volunteers of America launched a new program: The Farm! The Farm is a sustainable program, funded in large part by an American Rescue Plan grant from Monroe County, that helps to combat food insecurity by growing and distributing fresh produce to low-income households…

Wendy Dettmer, Volunteers of America’s Vice President of Community-Based Programs, has been recognized as one of Rochester Business Journal’s 2024 Women of Excellence Honorees. This accolade is awarded by the RBJ’s editorial staff and an independent panel of judges to recognize women for their commitment to encouraging change within their community. Wendy joined VOA in 2022, and she was promoted to VP in 2023. Her division includes VOA’s Senior Housing, Community-Based Housing, and programs within Monroe County Jail and Albion Prison. She also heads one of VOA’s newest initiatives, The Farm. Wendy attributes much of the success of these initiatives…

Dr. Nate Sheppard is VOA’s new Regional Vice President of Site-Based Housing. Dr. Sheppard is a veteran with more than 20 years working for non-profit agencies supervising facilities and operations. As Regional VP, he is responsible for VOA’s permanent supportive housing programs and the Residential Reentry Center. Jannie Hill was named our Vice President of Children & Family Services at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Hill has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, and she is responsible for the VOA Children’s Center in Rochester which includes child care programs for infants and toddlers…