This month’s impact story focuses on Bryant “Bo” Laduke, a 53-year-old man who, with the help of VOA Southeast, managed to turn his life around by fighting back against his substance use disorder. All his life, Bo has struggled with addiction, just one of many types of persistent mental disorders that VOA Southeast addresses through affordable housing, personal care assistance, supported employment, and other programs aimed at providing support and community integration.

Enterprise, AL –April 10, 2024 ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers, has announced that Destiny Flowers, a direct support professional at Volunteers of America (VOA) Southeast, has been named the recipient of the ANCOR’s 2024 DSP of the Year award.

Two years ago, Hanna Parker’s independence seemed improbable. Deaf and intellectually disabled, she relied heavily on her mother. But when illness raised questions about Hanna’s future care, VOA Southeast intervened. Through personalized programs, Hanna flourished, despite initial challenges. Today, she enjoys autonomy, guided by her choices and support. Read her story here.

Read Rob Roger’s inspirational message for the month of March 2024 – The Dirty Glass

Read Rob Roger’s inspirational message for the month of February 2024 – The Starfish

Read Rob Roger’s inspirational message for the month of January 2024 – Remembering What God Has Done

In November of 2021, Bob, an Army Veteran of 38 years, found himself at a crossroads. Having tragically lost his wife to suicide in August of 2020, he was overwhelmed by grief and struggling to cope with the weight of his loss. It was during this challenging time that Bob sought assistance from the Supportive Assistance for Veteran Families program, recommended by caring staff members at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia. This marked the beginning of his journey towards healing and hope.

In an organization as vibrant and impactful as VOA Southeast, longevity often speaks volumes about its culture, values, and the meaningful work being done. We had the privilege of sitting down with Jane Webb Bendolph, Staff Development Trainer for our Intellectual and Development Disabilities program’s Mobile region and one of our valued employees, who has dedicated an impressive 40 years to serving the community through VOA Southeast. Here, she shares her journey, experiences, and reflections on her remarkable tenure.

Meet Doris McGee, Substance Abuse Counselor at Pines Family Campus in Valdosta, Georgia. Doris’ story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to helping others overcome addiction. Her path to becoming a substance abuse counselor is a testament to her determination and the guiding hand of Providence.

VOA Southeast program residents, Denise Brock and Susanna Adkins, participated in the Dade Expo Jolly Holidays Market held at Dade County High School on December 2, 2023. This was the third annual event presented by Alliance for Dade in which local artists, crafters, and businesses were able to showcase and sell their goods and services while engaging with the community.