Stories

Meet John Eads, the Director of Youth Services at Light of the City, a front-line, hands-on ministry run by VOA Southeast to reach out to at-risk youth in Baldwin County, AL, through free, year-round after school enrichment and Bible study programs. Since 2008, the program has filled a crucial gap in the county’s lower-income communities, providing tutoring, enrichment, and an array of other services to children and families through a year-round after-school program and an annual seven-week summer camp.

Meet Faith, a 20-year-old from Mobile, AL and recent graduate of Project SEARCH, a one-year transitional program for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program pairs recent high school grads with job coaches for professional development so they can find a job after they’re finished with school.

Meet Jessica, a mother at one of VOA Southeast’s residential SUD treatment centers, who beat addiction and regained custody of her daughter, showing her amazing journey to getting her life back on track.

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.

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.

Last year’s Season of Caring 10 Caring Gifts initiative was nothing short of remarkable, thanks to your unwavering support. Through the 10 Caring Gifts campaign, we were able to provide assistance to those in need in ways that brought warmth, comfort, and joy to thousands of individuals and families including at-risk youth, foster care children, homeless veterans, low-income seniors, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and community members across our region by way of over thirty partner organizations and churches.

Explore the transformative journey of three veterans at Eagle’s Landing, delving into their compelling stories of resilience and redemption. Through their experiences, gain insight into the comprehensive array of services provided by Eagle’s Landing, ranging from counseling and vocational training to financial management education and access to healthcare.

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.