Newsletter

Spirit - Volunteers of America Upstate New York

Volunteers of America releases three newsletters annually, providing you with updates on the many accomplishments throughout the year. In our “Spirit” Newsletter, we like to recognize success stories from our program participants, donors for their support and dedication to VOA, and how poverty is being alleviated in our community through our work.

Recent News

Farm Program Manager inspects crops growing in the hydroponic container at VOA.

Growing the next generation of food leaders

The Farm at Volunteers of America is a hydroponic urban garden growing fresh produce from a repurposed shipping container, and offering a range of programs from a veteran-focused agriculture therapy initiative to food pantry distribution and workforce development. Since joining VOA, Farm Program Manager…

227-cherry-st-building


Expanding services to Tompkins County

Volunteers of America has been selected by Tompkins County to design and operate an emergency shelter in Ithaca. The details of the new shelter are still in development, but it is anticipated VOA will serve up to 100 people, providing them with safe shelter, supportive services, three daily meals, and include space for co-located service…

Young kid reaches for a backpack in a pile of backpacks.

Helping Kids Start the School Year Strong

For families working hard to regain stability, the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming. Your support of Operation Backpack® lifted that burden and reminded parents that their community cares. With support from community partners, grants, and generous individual donors, backpacks were distributed to children staying at VOA’s…

Billy

Billy’s Story

Stuck in a cycle of instability, Billy once faced homelessness without a strong support network behind him. He found both home and community within the walls of VOA’s Foundation House, where the welcoming staff helped him get back on his feet. With a permanent apartment, Billy was able to focus on improving his mental and…

Three men sit in barber chairs getting their hair cut.

Hair cuts in Binghamton provides renewed confidence

VOA partnered with the Broome-Tioga BOCES Barbering Program to provide free haircuts for residents at our Permanent Supportive Housing program in Binghamton. The effort was coordinated by BOCES instructor Michael Scott and VOA staff. When facing housing instability or economic hardship, it can be challenging to maintain.…

Golf Tournament recap: A day of giving on the green

Golfers took to the course at Locust Hill Country Club on September 8 for the 23rd Annual Volunteers of America Golf Tournament raising $75,000 to support VOA programs. The housing, education, and health services VOA provides can change the trajectory of someone’s life, results that extend far beyond individual success and build thriving…

Dr. Junior Dillion and Senator Cooney pose holding a large presentation check on stage.

VOA awarded ROC Grant

In August, Senator Jeremy Cooney announced that, amid federal funding threats, he would support local nonprofits through “Reinvesting in Organizations that Care” (ROC) Grants. Volunteers of America received $54,000 to install a handicapped-accessible bathroom at our Ward Street shelter. With this barrier removed…


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