VOA was a Beacon!
“I almost got kicked out of the program, but I decided to go back, set goals, and get a job.” Tara Perkins will tell you first hand that, had she not made that decision, there is no telling where she would be. Tara is a 2017 graduate of Project Search, a Volunteers of America Southeast (VOASE) supportive employment program that works with high school teens with disabilities.
Tara was our 3rd annual Beacon on the Bay guest speaker. “Her story showcased the value of this program, so we decided to share it with our friends” said Anthony Lewis, VOASE coordinator of supportive employment. Job coaches work one-on-one with each intern to ensure a positive learning environment that will set the pace for a successful future. With partners such as Mobile Infirmary and Providence Hospital, the students get to intern in the hospitals while being mentored. The goal is that, once the internship is complete, the individual is placed in the community with a job and goals are set to get them started in their careers.
Beacon on the Bay not only featured Tara’s story, but Dr. Wallace Davis, President and CEO of VOASE, gave a brief overview of the work the organization is doing. Eagle’s Landing, our transitional housing program for veterans, is thriving with 38 veterans who are getting the skills, benefits, and training they need to live on their own. Our Community Enrichment Centers serve hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities, giving them the tools they need to be as independent as possible. Our addiction recovery program allows a mother and her children to find comfort while going through the process of getting healthy and strong. These are just a few of the things that we are able to do with your support.
This year, Beacon on the Bay raised nearly $25,000 for our direct services. The money will benefit those we serve in various ways, such as healthcare, food, transportation, and daily necessities.
Volunteers of America Southeast appreciates our sponsors and donors. Thank you for believing in our mission and work!
Operation Backpack
This summer marks the 8th year we have coordinated Operation Backpack. This program distributes backpacks and school supplies to children in need. We partner with the Department of Human Resources in various counties as well as church partners and schools to identify the children. Over the past 7 years we have helped over 5,000 children with the supplies necessary to help them begin the new school year.
Donations can be dropped off at Volunteers of America Southeast, 1204 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695. For more information contact Janet Hyde at jhyde@voase.org.
Give back. Fill a pack.
Ministry Boot Camp
4 Days – June 25-28
3 Sites
2 Nonprofits – Volunteers of America Southeast (VOASE) & Light of the Village (LOV)
1 Mission – Create an effective ministry
Volunteers of America Southeast in partnership with Light of the Village is offering a 4 day workshop lead by experts that will cover topics such as Exploring the Vision, Starting Small, Financial Structures, and Recruiting and Training the Team.
Participants will get both hands on and classroom training as well as personal follow up consulting.
Volunteers of America is giving away scholarships for 3 groups (up to 5 people per group) to attend.
VOASE steps forward to help the most vulnerable. For over 35 years, VOASE has taken on the most difficult tasks to help the most underserved.
LOV is a 16-year old organization operating in the heart of on of the most impoverished, crime-ridden neighborhoods in our region, offering the faith, hope, and love of Christ to all whom they encounter.
Get in the trenches and get your ministry started! Contact Paul McLendon for more information. Paulm@voase.org or (251) 338-1570.
