Mental Health Services success story

The following is a story about a consumer from our Mental Health Services program, which serves people with chronic mental illness and who are homeless by helping them live independently in the community.

Mr. W came to Volunteers of America having no contact with any of his relatives. He now believes that the support he receives from our staff helps him to fill this void. With Volunteers of America's help, he successfully obtained an Automotive Technology certificate from Delgado Community College. Mr. W desired to continue his education and re-enrolled at Delgado to obtain an associate's degree. After his car broke down, Volunteers of America helped Mr. W find an apartment closer to campus - he had been commuting from the Westbank to City Park.

Recently, through a partnership between Volunteers of America, Unity for the Homeless, and the Housing Authority of New Orleans, Mr. W was able to secure a Section 8 housing voucher, which has allowed him to continue his path towards independence. This was a great accomplishment for Mr. W and a fine example of how the services Volunteers of America offers can equip individuals to make the best out of the hands they have been dealt.