News and Events

One in five school children in the U.S. live below the federally defined poverty line. On average, school supplies cost families about $80-$120 per child, depending on the grade level and specific school requirements. For some parents working hard just to provide shelter and stability, that can mean making difficult choices between purchasing school supplies or groceries. With the opening of VOA’s Moving Forward Family Shelter last year, which provides temporary housing for up to 58 families a day, the demand for school supplies has grown significantly. This fall, dozens more children from our emergency shelters will be heading back…

Thanks to a generous grant from The Molina Foundation, Volunteers of America received a full pallet of books to share with the children and families we serve. The Molina Foundation is a national nonprofit organization focused on reducing disparities in access to education and health. These books will be distributed to children at our VOA Children’s Center and in our emergency family shelters, helping to grow their personal home libraries. By increasing access to age-appropriate books, we’re supporting early literacy and nurturing a love of reading. We are deeply grateful to The Molina Foundation for this meaningful donation and proud…

VOA celebrated 65 students last month as they completed their Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at our Children’s Center. Families attended moving-up ceremonies to share this milestone with their children as they embark on their next academic journey in kindergarten. VOA offers free UPK for 3 and 4-years-olds to prepare them for success in school. The curriculum is aligned with NYS Pre-Kindergarten standards and ensures continuity with elementary grades. Activities promote a child’s growth and development through play-based learning.

Community members gathered at The Little Theatre on April 30 to view the documentary “Americans with No Address” and engage in a panel discussion sharing insights into the root causes of homelessness in the Rochester region, from gaps in mental health services and affordable housing to the impacts of incarceration and poverty. The panel consisted of Dr. Junior Dillion (VOA), Tree Clemonds (Continuum of Care), Dr. Mike Hudson (Regional Health Reach), and Melanie Murphy (Delphi Rise). It was moderated by Evan Dawson (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council). They highlighted innovative efforts already underway and the critical role of collaboration in creating…

For more than 35 years, I Remember Mama has been a cherished tradition at Volunteers of America, honoring older women with a heartfelt card, flowers, and gift bag of treats on Mother’s Day to remind them they are seen, appreciated, and not alone. “Many of these women have spent their lives caring for others,” said Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York. “This is our opportunity to care for them.” VOA delivered more than 200 gift bags to residents at VOA’s Cobblestone Place Apartments and other community partner programs around Rochester. In addition to…

VOA in partnership with WXXI, invites you to a special screening of “Americans with No Address,” a compelling documentary that sheds light on the growing crisis of homelessness in the United States. Through powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts, the film explores the complex realities faced by individuals and families without stable housing, challenging misconceptions and inspiring action. Following the screening, WXXI’s Evan Dawson will moderate a panel discussion including Dr. Junior Dillion, CEO and President of Volunteers of America Upstate New York; Melanie Murphy, Psychiatric NP from Delphi Rise; Dr. Mike Hudson, CEO of Regional Health Reach; and Tree Clemonds,…

Volunteers of America hosted its 5th Annual Benefit on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Harro East Ballroom to raise critical funds to support VOA’s life-changing programs for people facing challenges. Nearly 150 guests came together to celebrate an evening filled with fun, great food, glowing specialty drinks, and live music. The event successfully raised more than $82,000, which will go directly toward the essential services VOA provides in housing, education, and health. This year’s theme, “Be the Light,” illuminated VOA’s vital work in creating brighter futures for individuals and families across our community. Guests had the opportunity to interact…

Breonna’s life came crashing down when she went from working two jobs to finding herself without a car and without a home. Facing the reality of unemployment and staying at family members’ homes, she felt like a burden to those around her. Breonna knew she had to make a drastic change and contacted Monroe County Department of Human Services, which placed her at the VOA Guest House Family Shelter. VOA provided Breonna and her children with clothing, having arrived with only the clothes on their backs. They were given their own private bedroom, support services with on-site case management, children…

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…