Mission & Approach
Our mission is to help people build hope, resilience, and well-being.
Building on Human Potential
We embrace a whole-person approach that builds on human potential and promotes thriving communities. From infants to elders, our services encompass the entire human lifespan — and the whole human experience. We break down silos, so people can access whatever resources they need. As circumstances change, we’re right there with support to fill the gaps. We’re the coach in people’s corner, experts in building well-being, the stalwart ally who can always see a hopeful path forward. And we’re in it for the long haul, with 128 years of proven results.
Stepping Up to Serve
While “volunteer” often implies someone serving without pay, VOA is staffed by paid professionals who are resourceful, adaptive, and creative change-makers in health and human services. Where other organizations shy away from tough challenges, we boldly volunteer to meet them head-on. We step up to serve people and communities with innovation and commitment.
We are Volunteers of America.
How we Create Thriving Communities
125 Years of Service
Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth. They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people, pledging to “go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand.” That declaration has guided VOA’s efforts ever since.