Joe Found His Joy Again

You helped Joe get back on his feet and smile again.

Joe struggled his entire life with anxiety and depression, but your support helped him overcome his mental health struggles.

“Volunteers of America really helped me,” Joe says. “They were able to listen to me talk about things that were going on to get it off my chest. That was important, and Volunteers of America connected me with the resources that I needed. Without Volunteers of America, I don’t know where I would be today.”

Joe lived and cared for his parents until they passed away. Then, Hurricane Ida washed away his family home. Joe found shelter and support with another family member, but when that family member passed away, he became homeless.

It was the most challenging time of his life. Homeless at age 65, Joe’s depression and anxiety intensified. He found his way to a transitional living facility on the Northshore, and that’s when Volunteers of America’s Behavioral Health Services program stepped up.

Joe and his case manager started to meet weekly to work on ways to improve his life. Joe found the support system he needed. He would talk freely about his depression and anxiety and began to work on ways to cope. One simple thing that helped was singing.

Joe loves to sing, and each week, he would take a break, go to the park and sing his heart out. It was something so simple that helped calm him and allowed him to focus on getting better.

Joe has since moved into permanent housing, but he still helps out around the facility. He volunteers daily as a janitor. Joe loves to help people, and because of your support, he is back on his feet and smiling again.

“Volunteers of America went the extra mile to put me in a better place,” Joe says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Volunteers of America. I’m just thankful to be back on the right path with a roof over my head.” of to

32.5% of adults in Louisiana reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 31.6% of adults in the U.S.

Jeffrey’s Art Speaks For Him

You enable Jeffery to live a full and creative life.

Artist Jeffery, 60, uses pencils, crayons, and chalk to create colorful, expressive work. His drawings have been exhibited in museums, and his work has placed in statewide art shows.

Jeffery, resident of Volunteers of America’s Supported Living Services program, has developmental delays and some issues communicating with others. Yet Jeffrey, who has never had formal art instruction, has something to express, and he does it well. One of his recent pieces was highlighted on Volunteers of America’s Christmas card.

Those who work with Jeffrey at Volunteers of America noticed and nurtured his natural artistic talents. “We all have helped him focus and looked for ways to encourage him and develop his abilities,” says Jeffrey’s Direct Support

Professional facilitator, who helps him live independently, with 24-hour support, in his own apartment. “We set out to get his work shown at art shows and other places.”

Volunteers of America helps persons with disabilities by focusing on their abilities. This philosophy is the foundation of the Supported Living program, which works with more than 100 people like Jeffrey. “What we do, in particular with Jeffery, is give individualized care,” his facilitator says. “People with disabilities don’t need a cookie-cutter approach.”

Previously, Jeffrey lived in a Volunteers of America community home with others with disabilities. But when he was ready for independent living, our program was there to help. Now, with support, he enjoys his apartment, goes daily to a day program and pursues his interests.

Jeffrey doesn’t say much, but, as his facilitator points out, “He tells us he appreciates us. He says he trusts us and that means a lot.” Supported Living gives Jeffrey, and all persons with disabilities served, independence, confidence, and the ability to lead lives that are their own. And that makes for a full life.