Established in 1896, Volunteers of America Mid-States is one of the region’s oldest, largest and most diverse not-for-profit organizations. When we were founded, the common understanding of “volunteer” was someone who dedicated their life to helping others. That’s what we did in 1896, and that’s what we do today.
But a few things have changed. Today, our team of nearly 600 paid and trained professionals operates nearly fifty distinct human service programs in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana.
Our programs are diverse and address the urgent needs of our communities. We provide housing for families, veterans and low-income seniors. We provide substance use disorder recovery services for men and women. Our Freedom House program is a national model for pregnant and parenting women overcoming substance use disorder. We provide care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. We provide healing and accountability that brings people together with restorative justice. We provide free, convenient and confidential HIV testing and education.
VOA is also expanding rapidly. We hope to open three more Freedom House locations by the end of 2024. We are managing the innovative and timely Recovery Ready Communities program for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, designing a program that empowers communities to provide effective recovery services. We are partnering with the Kentucky Department for Community Based services to provide early intervention services for at-risk families. At a time our services have never been needed more, VOA is answering the call.
Volunteers of America Mid-States is a local affiliate of Volunteers of America, which is based in Alexandria, Virginia. We operate under a national charter and provide services that address local community needs.
Volunteers of America Mid-States is governed by a voluntary 30-member Board of Directors, President & CEO Jennifer Hancock, and twelve executive team members. In addition to employing nearly 600 staff members we also engage approximately 1,400 volunteers each year.
Working in partnership with government agencies and leaders, businesses, individuals, local faith organizations and other non-profits— and supported by thousands of individual donors and volunteers — we address the most pressing needs in the communities we serve.
Programs are supported through diverse funding streams, including federal, state, and local grants and contracts. We work closely with private foundations and receive significant contributions from individual donors. We are transparent in our finances and invest approximately 84 cents of every dollar on direct services.
AS YOU THINK ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, I HOPE YOU’LL REALIZE THAT THE SMALLEST THINGS CAN MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE. SOMEONE WHO CARES, SOMEONE WHO HELPS, SOMEONE WHO GIVES YOU A SECOND CHANCE.
-Jason Brown, Volunteers of America graduate
Our History
Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth. They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” people in need. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” That declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America’s outreach efforts today, even as we deliver services by our trained, professional staff.
Volunteers of America opened its first location in Kentucky in 1896 — the same year Ballington and Maud Booth founded the national organization — bringing food and medicine to people not served by other charities.