Stories

Robert, a former Army mechanic, served our country in the late 1970’s. His difficulties began after his mother died. He had lived with her as primary caregiver over her five-year illness. Robert was devastated, and then had to leave the family home because of conflict with his sister. He lost his driver’s license because of DUIs and had trouble getting to work. Faced with no income and no home, Robert turned to Volunteers of America. Though devastated, he was positive and determined to regain self-sufficiency. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program helped Robert find a job as a security guard, and…

38,000 Hours of Community Service Celebrated In an early celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 15-22), Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s RSVP Volunteers gathered for an annual recognition luncheon celebrating more than 38,000 hours of community service in 2018. The RSVP luncheon was held at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana RSVP Volunteers are a select group of volunteers 55 years of age and older who use their time, skills and life experiences to help meet critical needs across St. Tammany Parish. Without the RSVP Volunteers, many…

Sometimes small changes bring big results. Our Repairs on Wheels staff sees it happen every day. This Volunteers of America program, which completes home remodeling for the elderly and persons with disabilities, helps people live with greater dignity and safety. Our licensed contractor and his staff have been transforming lives in this way for the past six years. Every now and then, a person they help really touches the hearts of the crew. Mr. Guillot was one of those. At age 58 and paralyzed by an accident more than 30 years ago, Mr. Guillot lives in a small basement apartment…

Carl and Stella may seem like an unlikely pair, but these two forged a devoted, lasting friendship. Stella, a person with an intellectual disability, grew up in foster care and had no family nearby. Carl is a facilitator in our Supported Living Services program which helps people like Stella with daily tasks so they can live independently—assisting with goal setting, money and medication management, transportation and socialization. The program serves more than 100 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as well as some elderly. Sometimes, the program staff and the people they serve form…

Have you ever wondered, ‘am I living life to the fullest—overcoming obstacles, diving into the unknown, and staying grounded in my faith?’ At Volunteers of America, we know someone who is doing all those things and more—her name is Joanne and she is served by our Supported Living Services Program. At 66 years old, Joanne has been receiving services from Volunteers of America for more than 27 years, as she lives with an intellectual disability.  Her journey began at the Constance group home where she learned skills that would afford her the opportunity to live independently and eventually transition into…

Aidan, the first child of a local family, was greatly anticipated. His parents did all they could to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. But unexpected complications set in, and Aidan was born four months early, weighing one pound, three ounces. He survived, but with many disabilities. At age six, Aidan is non-verbal, unable to sit or walk on his own and has impaired vision in one eye. Aidan will always need care and support. He is fortunate to have a loving family and Volunteers of America on his side. Aidan lives at home with his family, attends school, enjoys…

In 2012, Ronnie Williams, 55, came to live at our Creekwood Community Home in Hammond. Diagnosed with mild mental retardation and schizophrenia, Williams also weighed more than 300 pounds and suffered from arthritis. The Creekwood Home, part of our Community Living Services program, helps persons with disabilities enjoy meaningful lives and fulfill their potentials. When Williams first arrived, he was far from fulfilled. Knee pain kept him from participating in recreational activities and socializing with other residents. He wasn’t able to do assigned household chores. Williams spent his leisure time watching TV or sitting outside smoking cigarettes. The home’s staff…