Stories

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.

At the heart of VOA Southeast’s Supported Employment Program lies the inspiring journey of Jarvis, a resilient individual diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. We had the honor of sitting down with Jarvis to dive deeper into his incredible journey, discovering the challenges he faced, the triumphs he celebrated, and the profound impact he continues to make on the community.

VOA Southeast team members actively engaged in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an unduplicated count on a single night of the people in a community who are experiencing homelessness.

In this insightful Q&A session, we delve into the remarkable journey and impactful experiences of Chad Cheshire, the Director of Homelessness & Prevention Services at Volunteers of America (VOA) Southeast. From his military service to his pivotal role in shaping VOA Southeast’s Veteran Services programs, Chad shares personal stories, challenges, and triumphs.

In March 2022, Lisa, a 53-year-old Georgia woman and veteran of the armed forces, and her son were on the verge of homelessness. With our help, Lisa was able to find a stable place to live within a few months and recover her and her husband’s military retirement benefits.

Volunteers of America Southeast is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for seniors just like Joyce. Our locations across the state offer low-income seniors a chance to live in a safe and supported community with other people their own age.

Discover the inspiring 12-year journey of Patrick Wilson in VOA Southeast’s Supported Employment Program, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. As we approach his 13th work anniversary, explore Patrick’s role as a job coach, the diverse clients he serves, and the transformative process within the program.