Spirit, The Magazine of Volunteers of America

Spirit Magazine is published twice a year by Volunteers of America, a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.

Fall/Winter 2008 Issue

The Path from Homeless to Hopeful

Phonecia Carney, an Army veteran, and her son Jeremiah and daughter Valajia were helped out of homelessness by Volunteers of America of Kentucky.

Throughout the United States, Volunteers of America offers a place to call home for those without shelter, whether from long-term homelessness or personal crisis. As many as 700,000 Americans are homeless on any given night; and 200,000 of these homeless individuals are veterans.

Volunteers of America works to prevent and end homelessness for individuals and families through a range of support services. These services include: eviction prevention, emergency services, housing, transitional housing with services and permanent affordable housing. For more than a century, we have also worked to ensure that our veterans are supported as they confront homelessness, lack of employment opportunities, and mental, emotional and physical challenges.

Our primary focus in the public policy arena is our advocacy work around permanent supporitve housing and supportive services as effective tools to eradicate homelessness. But we do not do this without help - help from Volunteers of America's constituents - leaders, staff, volunteers and you.

To learn more about the issue of homelessness in America as well as read some amazing success stories of individuals that, with Volunteers of America's help, have overcome homelessness, please read our Fall/Winter 2008 Issue of Spirit.

To assist in Volunteers of America's efforts to end homelessness, learn how you can give back.

Winter 2007/08 Issue

Never Too Late: Seniors Retool with Technology

Elnora Brown, a resident of Volunteers of America's Eastland Care Center in Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates the use "It's Never 2 Late" technology.

In this issue of Spirit, technology and therapy combined to help seniors stay connected and engaged is featured. IN2L is an innovative technology solutions for elders. It makes using the computer, connecting to the internet and playing games accessible and fun - all while delivering therapies and treatment in the process. Residents at facilities in the 26 states where IN2L is currently in use can use the system to simulate bicycling, driving, flying and even painting. To see demonstrations of the system in action, click here.

To learn more about IN2L as well as how Volunteers of America is helping to meet the complex needs of veterans, please read our Winter 2007/08 Issue of Spirit. A multifaceted program in North Louisiana that offers after-school care, mentoring, counseling and leadership training and other family resources to inner-city families in Shreveport and Bossier City is also profiled.

To assist in Volunteers of America's efforts to help those in need such as seniors, inner-city families and veterans, learn how you can give back.