Veterans' graduation ceremony

The Veterans' Transitional Program recently held a graduation commencement which marked the end of an eight-week program of instruction and individual coaching for homeless veterans. The purpose of the program was to assist veterans with returning to the workforce. Curriculum included training in resume construction and writing, job applications, interviewing techniques and skills, and practice interviewing.

Left to right in photo:

Jim Leblanc/President/CEO Volunteers of America

Lenny Simmons, Board Member

Paul Graff, Board Member

Tom Grace, Board Member

Martha Huie, HR Consultant (volunteers for this program)

Ashley Gremillion, HR Director with Phelps Dunbar (volunteers for this program)

David Garic, Garic Consulting, Volunteer Team Leader for this program

Randolph A. Macabitas, Program Director, Veterans Services

Ms. Huie, Ms. Gremillion and Mr. Garic are dedicated volunteers to the Job Readiness program and are instrumental in its success. (Not pictured is Bob Billings, another volunteer with this project).

To view WGNO TV coverage of the event, please visit our Facebook page.

David's Story

David is a resident of our Veterans' Transitional Housing program, which helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services and more. Originally from Chicago, he moved to New Orleans in the early 80's after serving in the military.

David struggled with alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness; he was displaced to Arkansas after Katrina and moved back to Chicago, where he was beset with many problems. David returned to New Orleans and in July of 2009 began living at our veterans' facility. He's noted that Volunteers of America has "helped him tremendously" and he's now on his way to earning a degree in culinary arts at Delgado Community College. "Volunteers of America saved me and got my mind right", says David, who cites that he's now more proactive and better equipped to take care of himself since receiving services from us.

Click here to watch David's testimonial.

Mark's Story

Mark (pictured on the left, at a recent ceremony honoring veterans) is a resident of our Veterans Transitional Housing program, which helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more. He’s a New Orleans native who joined the Air Force shortly after graduating high school. While in the Air Force, he served as a K-9 dog handler with the security police and guarded Loring Air Force Base’s nuclear facility among his other duties.

It was during this time that Mark began to develop addictions. He was hospitalized in 1978 and “100% disabled”, he says. Mark gradually recovered from his addictions to pursue college degrees and was married in 1982. Upon moving back to New Orleans in 1990, however, he relapsed, and lost his marriage and family. Mark struggled throughout the 1990’s with his addictions until becoming sober for good in 2000.

Throughout the first decade of the 21^st century, Mark was the primary caregiver for his mother, father, and grandmother. He finally found a home at our Veterans’ facility through Veterans’ Affairs in January of 2010, and has since successfully pursued the personal goals he had struggled to achieve for so long. While in our program, he has built a stronger relationship with his children and wife, found stability, and grown emotionally. He’s become involved in supporting his community and environment, and recently traveled to Louisville for leadership training through the Freret Neighborhood Center. He’s also signed up to volunteer for Volunteers of America and has sought job training. His future plans include working with homeless veterans and working for group homes.

Mark speaks highly of Volunteers of America. “This is one of the better facilities for people in my situation…it’s run in such a way that one can accomplish their goals. The people I’ve met here are like family...they take a very personal approach”.

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!