News and Events

For more than 35 years, Volunteers of America has honored mothers in our community who might otherwise be forgotten on Mother’s Day. With your support, we will continue this tradition by delivering 200 gift bags filled with cards, flowers, and treats to women in senior housing this Mother’s Day weekend. For $45, you can provide a Mother’s Day gift bag to remember mama. Sponsor two women for $90 or ten for $450 to make an even greater impact. You can also donate in honor of a special woman in your life, and VOA will send her a Mother’s Day card…

Van Bortel Subaru, in partnership with Operation Warm, donated more than 200 new coats to the children at our Children’s Center this past January. Generous team members volunteered their time, witnessing the smiles on the students’ faces as they selected the perfect coat for them. A warm coat means more than protection from the cold. For parents, it’s one less financial worry and peace of mind knowing their child is ready for the winter season. For children, meeting basic needs with something as simple as a coat can build confidence, encourage resilience, and foster a sense of security for children…

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…

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 disadvantaged 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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…