Advocate
Now, in our second century of service,
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest and most
comprehensive human services organizations. By uniting government,
businesses and communities, we can lead the way to creating innovative,
compassionate and highly effective programs to uplift these Americans in
need. We have made the strategic decision to address two specific populations in need: the increasing number of elderly Americans and the many families affected by the incarceration of a parent. Learn how you can help us advocate on behalf of those who need our help the most.
Elderly Americans
By the year 2030, a projected 71.5 million people will be age 65 or older. Our current limited national system for elder care cannot support the ever-increasing number of senior Americans.
In response to this impending crisis, Volunteers of America is introducing Aging with OptionsTM, a revolutionary approach to the way older Americans receive care. Imagine a service model where the needs, wishes and choices of seniors are placed at the center of their own care. Volunteers of America believes aging should not be a fearful prospect. Older adults are a valuable resource for our nation. Our Aging with Options plan gives older Americans the opportunity to live productive and dignified lives in the setting of their choice.
Because of our history of service to these
populations, our national footprint and the passionate commitment of our
employees, Volunteers of America is uniquely positioned to serve these
populations in need. We will build on the foundation of our senior
housing, long-term care and case management services to revolutionize
the way older Americans receive care.
The legislative priorities for Aging with Options are:
- Increase appropriations for Older Americans Act programs.
- Strengthen low-income Medicare programs to ensure vulnerable seniors have access to prescription drugs and health care.
- Promote access to home and community services through an effective national long-term care financing strategy, Medicaid improvements; direct care worker reforms and family caregiver supports.
- Improve access to evidence-based chronic care community interventions in health care reform.
Families Affected by Incarceration
Reform and redemption are core values set forth by the founders of Volunteers of America. In this spirit Volunteers of America has helped prisoners successfully reunite with their families and communities after periods of incarceration since 1896. The family unit is an integral part of our society. Incarceration of a parent puts tremendous social and financial strain on families, strain that sometimes lasts for generations. The goal of Volunteers of America’s family strengthening Look Up and Hope Initiative is to end this cycle of inter-generational poverty by supporting children and their caregivers during a parent’s incarceration, helping reintegrate the parent back into the family after release, and giving families the support and skills they need to rise out of poverty.
For 116 years, we have been pioneers in the
cause of humane treatment of prisoners and we have championed efforts to
help previously incarcerated individuals successfully transition from
prison back to a productive life in the community. We cannot forget the
far-reaching impact incarceration has on families and children. These
children and their families must be supported by quality services to
ensure they not only survive, but thrive.
The priorities for our family strengthening Look Up and Hope Initiative are:
- Full funding of the Second Chance Act.
- Promoting policies that support and strengthen families to help them break the cycle of poverty.
- Expanding employment and training opportunities for low-income workers.
- Strengthening and enhancing kinship care opportunities.
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