Volunteers of America’s network of volunteers make life-changing work possible

Volunteers of America Mid-States' work to create positive change would not be possible without the support of our dedicated network of nearly 2,000 volunteers who help us fulfill our mission each year. Individuals and groups consistently return to our programs again and again to donate their time, energy and talents to the children, families and individuals we serve and help us provide life-changing services every day.

We are so grateful for volunteers like Bright Horizons, Louisville Family Housing Services playroom volunteers, Middle Tennessee Advisory Council member Jenny Harris and Bluegrass Advisory Council Member Brandon Adams.

Bright Horizons, a child-care, pre-school and early education center in Louisville, KY, has generously supported the children and families we serve at Louisville Family Housing Services for several years. From volunteering at our annual Hope for the Holidays party to sponsoring a redesign of our Study Buddies room at Louisville Family Housing Services, Bright Horizons has given so much to children we support as their parents work toward self-sufficiency and stable housing.

Louisville Family Housing Services playroom volunteers: The playroom at Louisville Family Housing Services provides a much needed support service for parents who are working to overcome homelessness by building stability and self-sufficiency for their family while they stay with us. Our regular playroom volunteers who return week after week allow parents to attend PNC Financial Literacy classes, work in the evenings and spend time focusing on moving towards a new future for their family.

Over the years, we have had the pleasure of working with many regular playroom volunteers like Keith Lucks, a Galen College of Nursing Student; Cooper, an 8th grade student; Jhana Waddell, University of Louisville student; Tanya Hawk, of the Morales Group; Samantha Hupman, a Louisville attorney and Jessica Land. These volunteers graciously donate their time every single week to visit and play with the children staying with us, and their ongoing commitment helps Volunteers of America create lasting change for families who are overcoming homelessness.

Jenny Harris, Middle Tennessee Advisory Council member and volunteer:

Jenny Harris and her husband, Terry, of Mt. Juliet, TN, have been dedicated supporters of Volunteers of America since the early 2000s, devoting their time, talents and resources to our developmental disability support programs in Middle Tennessee. As a Middle Tennessee Advisory Council member and a Positive Change Society donor, Harris and her family directly contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of Volunteers of America's programs.

The Harris family also gives back each year as they "adopt" two of the homes where residents we support live. The Harris family visit and celebrate holidays and birthdays with residents to ensure that they enjoy the holiday season and other special occasions.

"Volunteers of America will always be a part of my family's service. I hope my children and grandchildren will continue for years to come," Harris said of her commitment to Volunteers of America and our mission.

Brandon Adams, Bluegrass Advisory Council member and volunteer:

As a volunteer and member of Volunteers of America's Bluegrass Advisory Council, Brandon Adams serves as an advocate for the veterans we serve in the Lexington and Central and Eastern Kentucky area. Adams first became involved with Volunteers of America about four years ago when WoodmenLife, another group through which Brandon gives back, wanted to get involved with an organization who serves veterans and volunteered as part of Volunteers of America's annual holiday party in Lexington.

After learning about Volunteers of America's programs and connecting with some of the families we serve, Brandon knew he wanted to do more, and joined our Bluegrass Advisory Council last summer.

"In my nearly one year with the council, I have come to be very attached to the programs and work Volunteers of America does. The fulfillment of working with such a great team doing such incredible things for people who are making real strides in their life is one of the most rewarding experiences I could ask for," Adams shared. "I look forward to many more years of involvement with Volunteers of America and the lives it touches."

If you would like to learn more about Volunteers of America's volunteer opportunities, visit voamid.org/volunteer or contact Community Engagement Manager Michelle West at MichelleW@voamid.org or (502) 636-0771.