NEW ORLEANS (press release) – This year, Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) celebrates 130 years of uplifting children, families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities in 16 southeast Louisiana parishes through more than 30 human services programs. From lifesaving short-term care as well as lifelong services to those in need, VOASELA supports more than 26,000 of the most underserved individuals in the community annually.
“We are humbled to celebrate 130 years of impact in the community,” said Voris Vigee, VOASELA president & CEO. “As we look ahead to our next 130 years, we remain steadfast in our promise to meet our community’s growing needs with compassion, innovation and commitment.”
As an affiliate of a leading national human service organization, VOASELA has a long history of delivering transformative care and a strong support to Louisiana’s citizens. This year marks 130 years since Volunteers of America’s (VOA) founding in 1896, when it first began serving New Orleanians during the yellow fever outbreak.
Dating as far back as the aftermath of the American Civil War, VOA has empowered and advocated for veterans, at-risk youth, and families torn apart by the day-to-day struggle to obtain basic necessities and a life with dignity. The organization has grown to become one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of quality affordable housing, as well as long-term skilled nursing care and health services.
Just last year, VOASELA served 26,282 community members across its 16-parish service area through a wide range of programs: Senior Services, Community Enhancement Services, Children & Family Services, Veterans Services, Correctional Services, Health Services, Workforce Housing, Senior Housing, Single Room Occupancy, Intellectual Disability Services, Behavioral Health Services and Residential Substance Treatment Services.
Vigee added, “As our community continues to face unique challenges, VOASELA is committed to providing services that are relevant and innovative. Helping America’s most vulnerable is our mission, and as we work to transform lives we must also expand services to meet the ever-evolving needs of families, individuals and the community for the next 130 years.”
On May 11, VOASELA hosted events across multiple parishes it serves, marking a “Day of Service” that celebrates 130 days of service in the 130th year of impact for the organization.
For more information about the services VOASELA offers, visit voasela.org
