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 than just a service provider; we’re a community built on compassion,” said Dillion. “We create environments where children thrive, where parents find peace of mind, and where individuals find the courage to ask for help without fear of judgment.”

Tiffany, a current staff member who previously benefited from the VOA Children’s Center as a parent, also shared her personal story highlighting the comprehensive support she received when she was struggling to find housing and employment, seeking a new start for herself and her children.

“If you had asked me 7 years ago what my plans for the future were, it most definitely wouldn’t have included a night like tonight,” Tiffany reflected. “My response might have been just to survive my day. I have been able to achieve some of the greatest accomplishments in my life thanks to people who support organizations like Volunteers of America. I went from being a WEP worker, dependent on the social services system, staying in a homeless shelter, jobless, hopeless, on the brink of giving up to working for an organization that has remained true to their mission — a hand-up, not a handout.”

We hope to see you there again next year!

Thank you to our sponsors