Sustain The Love – Your Gift Planning Ideas, Winter 2026
The Power of Resilience
It almost never happens overnight.
The road to recovery – from homelessness, substance abuse, trauma, disaster – is often a long, winding road. It’s never straightforward, and it’s never easy, especially when you go it alone.
With the help of VOA – and open-hearted friends like you who believe in the power of hope and resilience – Zella found the support she needed, and used it to change her life.
Rock Bottom
Zella Richards struggled with substance abuse since she was 15 years old. Arrested 3 times by the time she was 32, she found herself alone in her cell, about to lose her children, if not her life, to her addiction. She realized she wanted better for her kids…
And she wanted to live to see them grow up.
A Brighter Future Ahead
Because of compassionate friends like you, VOA Texas’s residential substance abuse program was there, to help Zella take her first steps toward recovery. Through her mentors and support team, she laid the necessary groundwork to rebuild her life, achieve sobriety and reconnect with her children.
Though the road ahead was still fraught with challenges, Zella’s resilience carried her through. Grateful for all the support she received, she now pays it forward as the Program Coordinator for VOA Texas’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
Better still, she proudly saw her daughter start college and her son earn is PhD in English.
Help Others Find their Resilience
Curious how you can help others like Zella find long-term resilience through hardship? A gift from your will, IRA or DAF can support your neighbors in need through every stage of recovery.
Contact us today to find out how you can help seniors, vets and parents like Zella build a better tomorrow.
New Tax Changes – Make Your Giving Go Further
A new year often brings fresh questions about priorities – and how you want your generosity to show up. With new tax changes taking effect in 2026, this is a timely moment to consider how your giving can continue to do good, while also being mindful of what makes sense for you. Here are some tips that may help as you plan:
If You Itemize Your Taxes
Charitable deductions are still available, but the rules have shifted. To claim a deduction in 2026, donations must exceed a small income threshold, and the total deduction is now capped slightly lower than before.
What this means: A bit of planning can help ensure your giving still works in your favor.
If You Don’t Itemize
There’s good news. The charitable deduction for non-itemizers has increased – up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples.
Note: gifts to donor-advised funds don’t qualify for this specific deduction.
What this means: Even if you take the standard deduction, your generosity may now offer added tax benefits.
No matter how you file, thoughtful planning – often with guidance from your financial or tax advisor – can help your giving reflect what matters most to you and support a legacy of kindness that lasts.
Have questions? Contact our Giving Team.
A New Year: Change that Lasts
As the year begins, many of us pause and ask: How can I help someone start fresh – and build a steadier path forward? For families, veterans and children facing real hardship across communities like yours, your compassion can open doors to their stability, dignity and independence.
Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund
If you have a donor-advised fund, a gift to Volunteers of America is a simple way to turn compassion into lasting change.
Kindness That Carries On
A new year is also a natural time to think about the people and values that matter most. As the year begins, many of us think about what we hope to leave behind. Including VOA in your will is a truly meaningful way to help families and veterans build a steadier path ahead — and let your kindness continue to touch lives.
As the year begins, your values can keep working. Explore ways to build your legacy of compassion with VOA.
