Wayne's Story

Wayne (pictured) has a troubled past. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife Julie were living under a bridge. Times were indeed tough, but it was Wayne’s unwavering spirit and trust in God that saw him through - “I just believed that God would show me the way, and he did”.

With the help of a collaboration of agencies, including Volunteers of America, Wayne and his wife are now living in an apartment and are as happy as they could imagine they would ever be. Wayne has since been on an advisory board for another agency and has given testimonials in Washington on their behalf. Wayne is interested in working for Volunteers of America and is exploring his options.

Congratulations, Wayne!

Christmas at Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans

Check out our Spirit of Giving PSAs featuring President/CEO Jim LeBlanc and Charmaine Neville! These will be airing on WWL throughout the holiday season.

The Spirit of Giving is Volunteers of America’s holiday campaign to support our Adoption, Mentoring Children of Promise, Lighthouse After School, Community Homes, and Family Resource Center programs.

In addition, we are still seeking donations for our consumers for Christmas. Consider including one of our consumers in your shopping plans on Black Friday. One wrapped gift of $25 or under is a small but significant way to show someone like Larry (pictured), a resident of our Veterans Transitional Housing, you care. To give, call Dan Darbandi @ (504) 486-8695 or e-mail ddarbandi@voagno.org.

Spirit of Giving PSA

Famed New Orleans singer Charmaine Neville stirred up excitement by appearing in our Spirit of Giving commercial. The Spirit of Giving is Volunteers of America’s holiday campaign to support our Adoption, Mentoring Children of Promise, Lighthouse After School, Community Homes, and Family Resource Center programs. Pictured is Charmaine with President/CEO Jim LeBlanc and children from our programs.

Watch for Charmaine on TV spots throughout the season on WWL-TV, our sponsor.

Veterans' Transitional Housing Honors Veterans

On Veterans' Day, our Veterans' Transitional Housing program showed their support for our veterans with a celebration at our Napoleon Avenue facility. Vets were treated to a lunch and a ceremony featuring membersof the United States Marines Band. Gifts were given out to residents ofthe facility. Pictured is Veterans' Program Director Randolph Macabitas briefing WWL-TV's Jill Hezeau on the many services provided to veterans by Volunteers of America.

Our Veterans' Transitional Housing program helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more.

Adoption Services' Carousel Party

It's National Adoption Month and our Adoption Services department held its annual Carousel Party on the 6th. Check out WWL's coverage of the event to learn more about the event.

Our Adoption Services department creates loving families through adoption and serves birth parents and adoptive parents with counseling, support groups, and community education.

For more information on the program, click here.

Louisiana's Veterans' Affairs Honors Our Veterans

On Friday, October 30, four residents of our Veteran’s Transitional Housing, James Parker, Bill Bailey, Ronald LeBlanc, and William Thompson (pictured left to right in between Case Manager Christopher Randall and Veterans Program Director Randolph Macabitas), received awards at a ceremony hosted by the State of Louisiana’s Veterans’ Affairs department. In attendance at the event was Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spoke and handed out awards to veterans. Our Veterans' Transitional Housing helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more. Congratulations James, Bill, Ronald & William, and thank you for your service to our country!