About Us

Board Leadership

Volunteers of America North Louisiana Board of Directors is a diverse group of professionally recognized leaders across different disciplines and areas of expertise, all contributing freely of their time and talent to the governance of our organization.

Carolyn Hammond

President and CEO

Melissa Flores

Chair

John Frierson, Jr.

Vice Chair

Jonathan Reynolds

Treasurer

Ruby C. Scroggins

Secretary

David Alexander
Krystle Beauchamp
Liz Buhler
Patrick Caraway
Jessica Green Davis
Katherine Douthitt
Hilary Elberson
Steven Galbraith
Jeanette G. Garrett
Jay Hanna
Stuart Harris
Katherine Hebert
Taylor Jamison

Tonya Katz
Wesley Lazarus
Jay Manno
Jordan McCart
Robin McCoy
Terry Moore
Paul Pratt
Art Schuldt, Jr.
Elizabeth Lindley Wadhwa
Steve Watkins
Angie White
Anna Whittenbarger

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” the American people. 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. When Maud and Ballington Booth thought of names for their movement 125 years ago, one word remained prominent: “volunteer.” In those days, a volunteer was anyone who was committed to a mission or cause. Since its earliest days, when Volunteers of America brought food, medicine and comfort to people not served by other charities, volunteering has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization’s ministry of service.For more information on our history and national organization please click the button below.

Volunteers of America North Louisiana began in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1935 with the opening of a shelter on Texas Avenue for women and children. The mission of Volunteers of America was, and remains, to reach and uplift all people and bring them to the knowledge and service of God.

Our Ministry

Serving God by Serving Others. This is the heartbeat of our work. All that we do to help others in need is guided by our faith and desire to live out that faith through service.

In addition to being one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, Volunteers of America, Inc. is an interdenominational church — a church with a distinctive ministry of service.

Our ministry of service, known as a church without walls thanks to our dear friend Dr. Don Webb, transforms lives by reaching and uplifting the most vulnerable. Led by chaplain, Dr. John Henson, our organization’s ministers are committed to extending grace and mercy to others in need.

You are invited to join our two annual worship services which feature our Vision of Hope choir (as pictured).

1896

Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth in New York City. Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth in New York City.

1989

Volunteers of America North Louisiana began serving children and families in the LightHouse, our quality after-school and summer program.

2019

First licensed national partnership with Communities In Schools, the nation's largest and most effective dropout prevention organization.

1935

Volunteers of America found its way to North Louisiana with the opening of a temporary shelter for women and children in Shreveport, Louisiana.

2010

Volunteers of America North Louisiana began serving homeless veterans with the opening of our Transitional Living Facility in the Highland Neighborhood.

Our Mission

Volunteers of America North Louisiana is a faith-based ministry of service providing opportunity, promoting dignity, and inspiring change in all who find their way to us.

Our Vision

Volunteers of America North Louisiana will create a community where all people have opportunities for success by:

Identifying needs in our region.
Providing holistic, quality services for each person.
Engaging volunteers and professionals in service.
Measuring outcomes for continuous improvement.

Meet The People We Serve

Watch these short stories to learn more about why we do what we do.

Executive Leadership

Our Executive Leadership team is a group of seasoned leaders from diverse fields who guide strategy, steward resources, and drive our mission forward.

Back row, left to right: Yolanda Thomas, Executive Vice President of Programs; Keidra Buggs, Human Resources Director; Kenneth Beatty, Chief Administrative Officer

Front row, left to right: Tricia Jowell, Vice President of Public Relations & Development; Carolyn Hammond, President & CEO; Jennifer Trowbridge, Chief Financial Officer

What is Volunteers of America North Louisiana?

Volunteers of America North Louisiana is a faith-based nonprofit organization and ministry of service dedicated to reaching and uplifting every person in need. Operating as a church without walls, our team of dedicated professionals provides quality supportive services across more than 40 programs, helping children and families, veterans, senior adults, and individuals living with disabilities throughout Northwest Louisiana.

How long has VOA North Louisiana been serving the community?

Volunteers of America North Louisiana has been serving the community since 1935, when we opened our first shelter on Texas Avenue in Shreveport for women and children. Our national organization, Volunteers of America, was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth. For nearly 90 years, we have remained committed to our mission of providing opportunity, promoting dignity, and inspiring change.

What makes VOA different from other nonprofits?

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to service. As both a nonprofit organization and a ministry, we address the mind, body, heart, and spirit of those we serve. Our more than 40 programs work together to provide comprehensive support, and our dedicated team of professionals brings both deep compassion and expertise to every interaction. We measure outcomes for continuous improvement and are committed to quality care at every level.

Is Volunteers of America a religious organization?

Yes, Volunteers of America is an interdenominational church with a distinctive ministry of service. Often referred to as a church without walls, our faith guides everything we do, but our services are available to all people regardless of their religious beliefs. Our chaplain and ministers are committed to extending grace and mercy to all who come to us for help.

How can I get involved with VOA North Louisiana?

There are many ways to get involved! You can volunteer your time at one of our many program sites, become a donor or pledge ongoing support through our Cherish the Children of God Society, attend our annual breakfast fundraiser, or spread the word about our mission on social media. Visit our Get Connected page or call our office at (318) 221-2669 to learn how you can make a difference.