Steve Dooley’s life took many twists and turns before he arrived at Volunteers of America. He went from “zero to hero”, rising up from a tough background to being a social worker with two master’s degrees and as Steve jokes, “a theoretical Ph.D from the streets”. But a couple years ago the harsh economy took… Read More
Roosevelt Finds Faith
Roosevelt grew up in a religious family in St. James, Louisiana, but his life took a dark turn before he returned to his faith many years later. Roosevelt joined the military right out of high school. He worked as part of the Airborne infantry, parachuting out of planes and providing defense from the skies. He… Read More
The Home Depot Foundation Announces $105,000 Grant to Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans to Help Homeless Veterans
New Orleans, LA (October 4, 2011) – As part of its “Celebration of Service” initiative to honor U.S. military veterans, The Home Depot® Foundation today announced a $105,000 grant to New Orleans based Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans to address the critical housing needs of U.S. military veterans. This grant is part of almost… Read More
Jeff’s Story – Learning, Progressing, Moving Forward
Jeff is a native of Slidell who has recently reentered the work force after a year living in our Veterans Transitional Housing facility. This facility and program helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services and more. Prior to coming to Volunteers of America Jeff served in the army as… Read More
Quiet Heroes with Sally-Ann Roberts on WWL
“Quiet Hero” David Garic is a retired U.S. Army major who has generously offered his time and talent to support veterans at Volunteers of America’s Veterans Transitional Housing Program. Veterans make up 1/5th of the homeless population in the US and there are 1,200 to 2,800 homeless veterans living in New Orleans. Our Veterans Transitional… Read More
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… Read More
Hollywood’s Story
Ronald, known as “Hollywood” to his friends, is a Gentilly native and Army veteran with a big smile and exuberant spirit. Ronald led a happy life before Hurricane Katrina. A proud homeowner in St. Bernard Parish, he had a good job with Shell, managing the company’s largest oil rig in the Gulf. He was also… Read More
Veterans Honored
On Monday, October 11, two residents of our Veteran’s Transitional Housing, Mssrs. Mark Ford and Larry Noble (pictured), 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… Read More
