Visions Newsletter Summer 2023

Susan Has Hope Once Again

Opioids tried to destroy her, but your support helped. In the last 12 months, 1 in 4 adult women have received behavioral health treatment compared to 1 in 7 men.

Susan is a 32-year-old woman who has been a caretaker for as long as she can remember. It came naturally to her to care for others and always put them first. That is until she started taking opioids after being involved in a car accident.

Soon her drug use began to spiral out of control, and she could no longer take care of anyone, much less herself. She felt guilty because she was using, so she would use more to dull those feelings of shame and regret. The downward spiral continued until she hit rock bottom.

For Susan, rock bottom was going to jail, which came after she lost her home and was forced to live in her car. That was the breaking point. It was literally life or death. She knew she either had to stop using drugs or she was going to die.

She did not have a support system on her journey, but she was lucky enough to find the strength to get back on her feet, get clean, and stay clean because she met the Volunteers of America’s Opioid Mobile Response Team while incarcerated.

That was more than five years ago. Now, Sarah is helping others on their journey of recovery and sharing the good work that Volunteers of America is doing in the Florida Parishes. “It’s a blessing that

I’m still here,” Susan said. “I’m still living my journey of recovery every day, but now I’m that caretaker again. It’s a role that fits me like a glove.”

Addiction knows no boundaries. It does not matter that you are a professional with a family that depends on you or if you are poor and cannot afford treatment. With your support, we can continue to combat the opioid problem in the Florida Parishes.

BOARD CHAIR MESSAGE

Stafford “Chuck” Viator

Your Support Makes The Work Possible

I am humbled to serve as the incoming Chairperson for the Board of Directors at Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. This is an incredible honor; one I do not take lightly. I have had the pleasure to serve as a board member since 2017 and I am so proud to contribute to a team that does God’s work here on earth. I am amazed and deeply moved by the stories of resiliency of the people who Volunteers of America serves, made possible by the support of people like you.

The reason I support Volunteers of America with my time and money is because I know that they have qualified and dedicated staff to help those who are less fortunate than me. I truly wake up each morning reflecting on the consumers who were helped throughout the night. It truly puts a smile on my face knowing that I am contributing my part to help my community.

I am excited to welcome our newest board member, Brittny Barnes of B Interior Design Studio. Her talent, expertise, and energy added to our existing Board will help further our mission.

Finally, please enjoy the amazing stories of hope. Without you, Volunteers of America’s great work in our community and state would not be possible! Have a wonderful summer and thank you again for being part of the Volunteers of America family!

Stafford “Chuck” Viator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stafford “Chuck” Viator Chair

Rupa Jolly, DDS

Chair-Elect

Thomas McGoey, II, Esq.

Secretary

Louis Colin, Sr. Treasurer

Tod Smith

Immediate Past Chair

Brittny Barnes

Victoria Adams Phipps

Charique L. Richardson

Christy N. Ross

Stephen C. Schrempp

Lynn E. Swanson, Esq.

Michelle Treschwig, CPA

David P. Vicknair, Esq.

Voris R. Vigee

President & CEO

MISSION

Volunteers of America is a movement organized to reach and uplift all people and bring them to the knowledge and active service of God. Volunteers of America, illustrating the presence of God through all that we do, serves people and communities in need and creates opportunities for people to experience the joy of serving others. Volunteers of America measures its success in positive change in the lives of individuals and communities we serve.

HOUSING MANAGEMENT SERVICES

New Affordable Homes Available in South Louisiana

Over 1,000 new homes have been created.

The team at Renaissance Neighborhood Development, Corp. (RNDC), a subsidiary of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana and Volunteers of America National Services, is working hard to create safe and affordable housing options for the residents of Louisiana.

RNDC’s goal, when it was created in 2006, was to replace 1,000 apartments of affordable housing destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. With the completion of three new properties in the last six months, RNDC has surpassed its goal and isn’t stopping any time soon!

ST. JOHN VILLAGE in north Covington opened last September and features affordable 2- and 3-bedroom single family houses for rent, near our existing complex The Groves at Mile Branch apartment homes. This property made a point to incorporate surrounding greenery and provide residents with a tranquil and safe location to live close to schools, hospitals, and shopping areas.

VALENCIA PARK opened last October and features 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. It is situated in one of Baton Rouge’s oldest neighborhoods, the historic Spanish Town. Bringing 122-apartmetns of stylish and affordable housing to one of Baton Rouge’s most eclectic and historic communities. Applications are still being accepted for this beautiful property.

MOTOR CITY APARTMENTS , located in Baton Rouge, is the latest addition to the RNDC portfolio and opened its doors in late May. This expansive property, which features 110 affordable housing apartments, takes up an entire city block in Baton Rouge and incorporates the historic Motor Exchange Building into its architectural design. Residents may enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, community space, secure parcel service, and off-street parking.

Motor City was built with safety in mind and has not only achieved multi-family Fortified Gold certification, but also Hurricane Gold certification. Fortified is a voluntary construction program designed to strengthen buildings against sever weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes and even tornadoes. In addition, Motor City Apartments attained Enterprise Green Community certification, acknowledging its commitment to incorporating resiliency and eco-friendly features.

Corey Found the Answer He Needed

Serving the body and soul of the people served.

Since 2019, Corey has been a part of the Volunteers of America family as a person served in our Supported Living Services programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Though he tends to be shy when you first meet him, Corey will quickly bring you up to speed on his favorite topic: video games and fashion.

Over the years, Corey has worked with several Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Recently, Corey spoke of his regrets and mistakes that he felt he made throughout his life, and these thoughts were weighing heavy on him. He said he did not know what to do, but he remembers what someone once told him, “The only way you could be lifted up was to commit to follow Christ.”

So, with the help of his DSP Michelle, Corey began going to church with her every Sunday. Corey enjoyed the teaching of the word and started to look forward to his Sunday mornings. One Sunday morning during alter call, Corey made the decision to walk down the aisle to profess Jesus Christ as his Savior.

On May 21, 2023, he was baptized at Grace and Glory Family Worship Church International under the leadership of Eileen and Mark Johnson. Corey said that he feels like a different person, and he feels good about the decision he made. He is grateful to Michelle for seeing his need and finding a way to make him feel worthy of the Lord.

In addition to being one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, Volunteers of America is an interdenominational church—a church with a distinctive ministry of service. Faith in God and ministry to others, is at the heart of our organization. For more than 127 years, Volunteers of America has provided essential services to heal both the body and soul.

“In addition to being one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, Volunteers of America is an interdenominational church— a church with a distinctive ministry of service. ”

Jes’Zahre is Focused on Her Future

You helped forge a lasting bond with her mentor.

Jes’Zahre isn’t very different than most 14-year-old girls. She loves fashion, is very inquisitive, and hopes to someday become a traveling nurse. She also struggles with a few behavioral health issues that resulted in her being placed in an alternative school setting. Her head of school felt that Jes’Zahre would benefit from a mentoring program and recommended Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s Mentoring Children of Promise program to her mother, who agreed.

Jes’Zahre was matched with her mentor Hannah last fall and the two have been inseparable ever since! “They are like two halves that found the other side,” Jes’Zahre’s mother said.

Hannah knows firsthand the difference a caring adult mentor can make in a child’s life. Her mother’s work as a social worker with incarcerated and recently released individuals profoundly influenced Hannah’s choice to be a mentor and work with children who have been affected in this area. Although she aspired to become a social worker like her mother, she has since chosen a career as a professional photographer.

Jes’Zahre’s mother said that the two girls just clicked. She isn’t sure if it is Hannah’s age or her compassionate demeanor, but Hannah understands Jes’Zahre’s struggles and can be the sounding board she needs at this phase in her life. “Hannah is Godsent,” said her mother.

age or her compassionate

but Hannah understands Jes’Zahre’s struggles and can be the sounding board she needs at this phase in her life.”

Since the pair have been together, Jes’Zahre has calmed down tremendously and is more focused. One way Hannah has helped with this focus is by using workouts as a method to set goals and to help her understand that “sometimes you have to work your way to a reward instead of just being handed a spa trip.”

Because of generous donors like you, we can place at-risk children with trained adult mentors like Hannah. Your help is impacting lives and the community you live in.

“[Jes’Zahre’s mother] isn’t sure if it is Hannah’s

demeanor,

GiveNOLA Day 2023 was a success, thanks to the generosity of people like you! This year, Volunteers of America raised more than $3,027 from 34 donors. Those gifts will allow us to continue our mission to serve and uplift vulnerable populations and for others to experience the joy of serving. We serve over 28,000 people annually, including: children & families, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated persons and those struggling with addiction.

Each year, our Auto Donation program provides critical funding that goes directly to the general budget, which funds more than 30 social service programs to help America’s most vulnerable.

It’s as easy as calling (504) 525-2179 and setting up your vehicle donation today!

PORTRAITS of GRATITUDE —How many ways can Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana serve the community? As many ways as there are generous supporters and volunteers. Thanks to all who help make a real difference.

Recently Denise Lee was selected and honored as the 2023 Louisiana Direct Support Professional of the Year by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). For over 29 years, Denise has served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of southeast Louisiana. Denise was the first to enroll in a college program certifying Direct Support Professional Competency. With this education, Denise has trained other team members to support and advocate for others in our community. It is only fitting that she be recognized for all she has contributed and for every life she changed. Congratulations, Denise!

s As mentioned earlier, Valencia Park is one of the newest properties in housing our portfolio. We are excited to share that its been selected as a Silver Award Finalist in the Affordable Housing category of the 2023 Aurora Awards, which will be presented by Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) at its annual awards ceremony in July. Established in 1979, Aurora Awards are presented annually to outstanding builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, interior merchandisers and other housing-related professionals. We are grateful to Humphreys & Partners Architects for creating a wonderful product and our nomination for this award.

(504)482-2130

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 • TPC LOUISIANA

Various Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana services are accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditations Commission, and ACA, the American Correctional Association. Volunteers of America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by the law.