News and Events

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,…

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…

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…

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!

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…