Our Mission
WHAT? Our focus at Volunteers of America is to take on the most difficult tasks to serve those most in need. Our work centers around Children & Families, Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health.
WHO? We serve a wide array of individuals, including adults with mental illnesses, low income families, children involved in the state’s custody (DCFS), Veterans, homeless, those needing affordable housing, expectant and/or single mothers, and more.
HOW? Our approach is not a quick fix, but an ongoing support system and long-term investment in improving the lives of those we serve by helping them move to greater independence and self-sustainability.
WHY? Since 1986, we have operated under a mission that “provides opportunity, promotes dignity, and inspires change in all who find their way to us.” Our efforts revolve around our faith and the belief that we serve God by serving others.
Our History
The Beginning
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. 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.
In 1935, Volunteers of America established a maternity home for single moms in the heart of Shreveport. Today, Volunteers of America North Louisiana reaches out to over 8,000 people a year by providing affordable senior housing, residential support for individuals with intellectual, mental and physical disabilities, services for children and families, and a range of continuum services for Veterans.
In 1986 services were expanded to Alexandria to reflect the growing needs throughout Central Louisiana. It began with helping to create thousands of loving families through its Adoption & Pregnancy Crisis Center. As community needs evolved, we responded with a wide range of services including at-risk teenagers, grandparents raising grandchildren, adult literacy, low-income parenting and education, and many others.
Today, we reach out to more than 1,500 people every year in Central Louisiana alone by providing affordable housing, behavioral health and services to children and families. We are a faith-based organization that is committed to serving God by serving others.
Meet Our Teem
Karen Williams – Division Director
Agnes Monconduit – Program Coordinator
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Tonya Price – Program Director
Michelle Rankin – Program Specialist
Samantha Williams – Parent Partner
Wonda Johnson
LaKendria Hughes
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HOMELESS OUTREACH
Janika Walton – Coordinator
Olivia Butler – Assistant Coordinator
RAPID REHOUSING
Tammy Marshall
VETERAN SERVICES
Cynthia Marbs
Sandra Lewis
NEW HAVEN & PINE HAVEN
Kelley Long
Mechel Gordon
TURNING POINT REENTRY
Ursula Smith
Marlon Creecy