In January 2026, the Volunteers of America Puerto Rico Ministry of Service, Reentry, and AmeriCorps members recently joined forces at Hogar Cuna de San Cristobal Inc., demonstrating the power of collaboration, service, and mission-driven leadership with the Comisión de Voluntariado y Servicio Comunitario.

Operation Backpack® helped Camp Postcard reach even more kids in the state of Maine. VOA served an additional 500 youth by having our volunteer law enforcement volunteers distribute backpacks throughout the state. A total of 600 backpacks went to deserving 5th and 6th grade girls and boys across 16 counties, helping strengthen relationships with law enforcement officers and youth.

One of the veterans that lives at VOA Illinois' Hope Manor Joliet property finished his cancer treatment and is now officially cancer free! In celebration, the property hosted a Ring the Bell Ceremony where staff and his fellow residents could celebrate him. Everyone formed a tunnel and cheered for him as he entered the Community Room and he then rang the bell to celebrate being cancer free. Members of his family also surprised him. Everyone was encouraged to wear Bears orange and blue to root on his favorite team.

VOA Illinois operates a Girl Scout troop out of our Hope Manor II/Hope Manor Village property in Englewood. The troop is made up of over 30 girls that are children of the veterans who live at the property and girls from the community. Each year, the girls sell cookies to help cover the costs of membership, field trips, uniforms, and experiences. This year, their goal was to sell 2,100 boxes, but their story attracted media attention and the troop was able to sell 20,000 boxes.

Vets on Lacey is a 12-unit, fully furnished, low-income housing community designed specifically for veterans seeking stability and a place to call home. After 8 years in the making, we broke ground in June 2025 and celebrated our open house in January 2026, this thoughtfully developed complex now offers safe, comfortable homes in a quiet neighborhood setting.

Residents benefit not only from stable housing, but also from convenient access to parks, public transportation, on-site case management, mental health support, and essential community services. Vets on Lacey reflects our deep commitment to ensuring veterans have more than shelter; they have a foundation for healing, connection, and long-term stability.

Our staff at VOA Colorado taught several classes about the 10 warning signs of dementia, helping community members know how to get the help and support needed for seniors and their families.

VOA Illinois celebrated our 130 years of service by hosting birthday parties at our Hope Manor II and Hope Manor Joliet properties, as well as our main office in the South Loop. We encouraged staff to dress like they were 130 years old and bring a side dish or dessert. We also celebrated by applying for and receiving a proclamation from the Governor, declaring March 8, 2026 as VOA Illinois day and having the Sears Tower lit up red and blue.

VOA North Louisiana staff volunteered with Block By Block, a community-driven initiative to revitalize Shreveport. They participated in recent a clean-up event, picking up trash to help revitalize the city's communities.

In March, attendees of The Hiller Companies’ annual Leadership Summit came together for a hands-on activity with a powerful purpose: assembling Welcome Home Kits for veterans in need. VOA Southeast organized the service project and shared firsthand how their programs support veterans and families across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.

VOA's Horizons Care Center gave back to the community by taking stuffed animals and blankets to the local Pregnancy Resource Center.

At Eagle’s Landing, a transitional housing program for veterans experiencing homelessness, every day is about more than providing a place to stay—it’s about creating a pathway forward. Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs like housing and support services, but to create an environment where healing, growth, and connection can take root in meaningful and lasting ways.

One of the most powerful expressions of that approach can be found just outside the buildings: in a garden that has become a cornerstone of the Eagle’s Landing community. What began as a grant-funded initiative has grown into a thriving, seasonal garden that is planted once or twice a year. This garden has grown into a place where veterans can reconnect with themselves, contribute to something tangible, and experience the steady, rewarding process of growth.

At Crepe Myrtle Village, a senior housing community in Brewton, AL, each of the 37 residents experienced the joy of the Easter season in a meaningful way. From a beautiful balloon arch to thoughtful Easter baskets for each resident, every detail was handled with care. The property manager, Sue Travis, didn’t just plan an event, she created an opportunity for residents to feel seen, valued, and loved.

Staff from VOA's outpatient services in Cheyenne, WY attended a healthy habits night at Alta Vista Elementary School to support students at a wellness fair. They led an activity with positive affirmations, sharing the many benefits of healthy self-talk with students and parents.

One of VOA's team members in Cheyenne, WY completed their eleventh year with the vita tax preparation program with the local United Way, specializing in health care expenses. Certified with the IRS, she helps VOA clients in remote parts of the state. Volunteers complete the tax returns and e-file them for free for the community, saving clients in VOA programs a lot of money in fees.

Our independent living residents have an opportunity each year to have a pen pal from Crooked Lake Elementary School. They exchange letters throughout the school year and then get to meet them at the end of the year at an annual pen pal picnic. A local news station covered the event and one of our residents was featured.

Our team in the Twin Cities puts on their own version of the Minnesota state fair at the Homestead at Anoka, one of VOA's senior housing communities. Called "Get Together," the staff has lots of different food options, a petting zoo, bouncy house, face painting, a car show, and even an art show featuring pieces of art from our residents.

Three times a year, Wargo Nature center comes to VOA's independent living facility in Anoka Minnesota and hosts a hands-on learning experience with our residents. Most recently, they did an ecosystem study with the pond water behind the building.

Residents and staff at one of VOA's independent living centers made affirmation cards for one other to spread joy and positivity.

In December, our senior living facility held its first ever campus-wide Christmas arty. They had a table of appetizers, live music, Santa visits, and crafts for residents and their families.