Just eight months ago, 56-year-old Clay County resident, James Lyttle, had fallen on hard times. He spent most of his life working regularly but after he lost his job, he struggled to find other opportunities.
“I was in a slump,” James said. “I felt lost. I didn’t know what to do or where to go next.”
After months of searching for jobs and coming up short, James began to feel hopeless until a friend connected him with a new Workforce Reintegration Program through Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA).
VOA is one of the region’s oldest not-for-profit organizations. For 129 years, the organization has worked to empower and uplift communities through a variety of human services programs, including support for individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, veteran services, and more. Their newest service line, VOA Work, is dedicated to providing employment support across the Commonwealth.
The VOA Work’s team helped James with everything from developing a professional resume to interview preparation and transportation assistance.
“Every step of the way I had someone helping me – not just handing me a list of jobs but actually sitting with me, working through applications, helping me see what I could offer,” James said.
VOA Workforce Development Specialists and Career Coaches worked with James to navigate any barriers that he was facing in his job search. With their help, he was able to land an interview for a full-time cook position at AdventHealth Manchester.
“I went into that interview with confidence because I knew I wasn’t doing this alone,” he said. James got the job and now serves as a Lead Cook at AdventHealth, working full-time in a role that’s not just a job – it’s a source of pride and purpose.
“My coworkers respect me. They look up to me,” James said. “Getting this job and being supported through the process – it’s helped me believe in myself again.”
VOA kicked off the new service line in January and provides support to individuals like James in 21 counties across the Commonwealth.
If you or someone you know is unemployed and is in need of assistance, visit https://www.voamid.org/services/employment-services/ to fill out a form or stop by the Recovery Community Center located at 48 Owens Road to meet with the VOA Work team.
The Manchester Enterprise, September 10, 2025
