SUMMER 2016
You Helped Travis When He Needed It
Can you imagine having no one to love you, to kept people from getting take care of you? Doubtful. close because he didn’t There’s a glimmer believe he deserved to be That’s how Travis, age 19, felt when he walked cared for by anyone. of hope in his eyes through the doors at Volunteers of America a little over a year ago. He had been beaten, screamed Over the past year, Travis now. He’s starting at and literally kicked out of his house. His has begun to heal the to trust others. unemployed, alcoholic father dumped Travis at a bruises inside and outside. teen shelter. The abuse didn’t stop. It doesn’t when you feel like you don’t deserve other people’s love Because of your support, Travis now has and support. The other teenagers at the shelter something he never had before—love, kindness, continued the battering and bullying Travis knew at safety, stability and structure. At first, he punched home. Broken and bruised, on the inside and the walls, cussed out his housemates and staff. One outside he was finally admitted night, the police had to be called to help calm to a mental hospital. him down. Through it all, though, we continued to love him. Travis has finally learned to manage At the hospital his emotions, do his chores, and practice personal he learned of his hygiene—simple tasks like showering and teeth mild intellectual brushing. Tasks no one had ever taught him before. disabilities and was introduced to our You can get a glimpse of how alone young Travis community living was from his comment to staff: “I can’t believe homes here at that this is all for me and you don’t even know Volunteers of me.” There’s a glimmer of hope in his eyes now. America. When He’s starting to trust others. He is beginning to Travis arrived it’s believe it’s possible to achieve his dream of not surprising he working in a kitchen and maybe even one day was bitter, angry, didn’t becoming a chef. trust anyone and was generally You help us care for people where they are—and unpleasant to love them where they are. Having a place to live be around. and someone to provide help and love when it is His actions needed most is what really matters. Services like counseling, housing and resource connections are what your dollars create when you support Volunteers of America’s mission.
Without You Who Knows Where He’d Be Right Now Thanks Donors for All the Lives You’ve Touched
Seasons are changing. A new school year begins, and the Saints kick off a new season with high hopes. Here at Volunteers of America, we are starting our new fiscal year as well. Looking back and looking ahead, I am filled with gratitude for you, our wonderful community of supporters. Over the last year, you uplifted many people in need, opened doors to new opportunities and started promising new programs. Many faces and stories come to mind from 2015-16. You enabled us to open our third veterans’ facility, the Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center, which offers a place to live and a wide spectrum of transformative services to 20 veterans.
The hundreds of supporters who attended the Reach for the Stars Breakfast help us improve the lives of vulnerable people in our community through our many programs. President/CEO Sponsors, volunteers and participants in this year’s GolfStar Classic enable us to Message continue to unite children with forever families. Look at the smiling faces of Abigail, James M. LeBlanc Connor, Cole, Caleb and Gracie on page 7; they found their forever families through us over the years. In this issue you also will read about Travis, Claudette, Donald, Carol, Clay, Ronald, Floyd and Brandon. Your gifts touch each of them, allowing them to live to their potential. Because you opened your hearts, Volunteers of America starts our new year ready to build on these accomplishments and transform more lives. We are dreaming big for the year to come, with a $2.9 million funding gap at the July 1 start of our fiscal year. When you help us close this gap using your resources, you make it possible for more vulnerable people to receive the services they need, to get the care they deserve, to have hope.
The work we’ve done for more than a century in southeast Louisiana is more critical than ever. Thank you for all you do to support the people served by Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in this new year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MISSION Wayne M. Baquet, Jr., Chair Volunteers of America is a movement organized to Geoffrey C. Artigues, Chair-Elect reach and uplift all people and bring them to the Paul Graff, Secretary knowledge and active service of God. Volunteers of Tod Smith, Treasurer America, illustrating the presence of God through Robert C. Rhoden, Jr., Immediate Past Chair all that we do, serves people and communities M. Isabel Barrios; Christy M. Howley Connois; Terrence in need and creates opportunities for people to C.Forstall; David Konur; Chanel Lagarde; Fred H. Myers; experience the joy of serving others. Volunteers of Leonard D. Simmons, Jr. and Lynn Swanson America measures its success in positive change in James M. LeBlanc, President/CEO the lives of individuals and communities we serve.
2 New Board Members Honored to Give Back to Community
David Konur and Lynn Swanson are the newest board Volunteers Thanked for More members of Volunteers of America Than $1 Million in Time, Service Greater New Orleans.
This spring, senior volunteers in Volunteers of America David Konur “Serving on the board Greater New Orleans RSVP program celebrated more of an organization that than 43,000 hours of community service in 2015 routinely demonstrates valued at more than $1 million. its commitment to the most underserved in This select group of volunteers 55 years of age and our community is older use their time, skills and life experiences to help truly an honor,” said meet critical needs across St. Tammany Parish. Without Konur. “The services them, many local nonprofits and healthcare facilities that Volunteers of would not be able to provide many of their services. Lynn Swanson America provides are St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister addressed the instrumental to maintaining the health volunteers, “The value of your service is truly priceless. and wellness of more than 55,000 people Thank you for giving your valuable time to other in our community, and I look forward to residents in St. Tammany Parish that can benefit from helping expand its reach, especially in the your help.” Houma-Thibodaux area where I live and work.” Konur comes to the Volunteers While the special guests in attendance were the senior of America Greater New Orleans board volunteers, also joining in the celebration were RSVP having served more than 17 years as the Program Coordinator Dee Wild, Corporation for CEO of the Cardiovascular Institute of National and Community Service (CNCS) State the South in Houma. Program Officer Jillian Winters, Peoples Health North Lake Market Executive Director Rick Littell and Senator “My husband and I adopted our Bill Cassidy’s Southeast Region Director Rachel Perez. phenomenal children through the Volunteers of America Adoption Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans President Program, so we know firsthand the and CEO Jim LeBlanc thanked the volunteers in amazing impact the organization has,” attendance for the invaluable community service they said Swanson. “I’m thrilled and honored do. He also expressed his appreciation to Peoples to be able to support the work the Health and Lakeview Regional Medical Center for organization is doing by means of my sponsoring the Appreciation Luncheon held in new role on its board of directors.” Mandeville, LA. Swanson is the managing director of Jones, Swanson, Huddell & Garrison, Above, senior volunteers Jean Schultz, Dianna King, Karen Callaway and June Selzer are honored for their community service through LLC, a boutique law firm with offices Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans RSVP Program. in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
3 Some of the Lives You Are Changing
“What makes me feel good is that I know Guests also heard from Blair Monroe how his Volunteers of America at this very moment, as brother Clay’s life has been enriched because of we sit in this room, is providing help to people his experience with our Supportive Living in need.” Services Program. “I don’t know what Clay’s life would be like today if it weren’t for Volunteers Chuck Viator, Reach for the Stars Committee of America. I don’t even want to think about it. With the love Co-Chairman and Society Member, spoke and support of Clay had so much potential and Volunteers of his family— these words in his opening remarks to the America made sure he reached his fullest including his more than 400 people attending our Reach for potential. That’s what they do,” said Monroe. Volunteers of the Stars Breakfast in May. Held annually, the America event brings together individuals from The messages and stories shared during the family—Clay is throughout the Greater New Orleans region breakfast truly reached the hearts of those in able to use his strengths to live who believe in our mission, want to learn more the room. An overwhelming number pledged independently, about our work and, most importantly, want their support, including 42 becoming new maintain to know what more can be done to help us Reach for the Stars Society Members and 15 employment, serve our area’s most vulnerable individuals. becoming new Evergreen Society Members. achieve success and be active in the community. Meet some other people whose lives—like Clay’s—you are changing with your generosity . . .
More Forever Families Possible Thanks to You
Whatever your contribution to Volunteers of America’s 24th annual GolfStar Classic on March 15 at TPC Louisiana, you personally helped unite more children with adoptive parents. Because of you,
Volunteers of America continues its legacy as an adoption leader and advocate in our communities.
This means not only uniting children with adoptive parents, but also conducting home studies for prosp ective adoptive parents and counseling birth parents. On behalf of all the birth parents and forever
families we serve, thank you! Your generosity helped the GolfStar Classic , the Adoption Program’s only
major fund-raising event, remain vital and strong. Many of the 132 golfers have deep commitments to ado ption. Everywhere participants turned, they could see children and parents united by the program.
“This is far more than an enjoyable charitable event,” says President and CEO James LeBlanc.
“Participants and contributors can see up-close-and-personal what their gifts make possible.”
More than 150 individuals and companies donated to the auction and dinner. The exciting live auction included an NCIS-New Orleans package, with a visit to the TV T show’s set. Acme Oyster House and Texas Roadhouse were among the wonderful
restaurants and beverage suppliers contributing. Leading the drive to unite more forever
families was 2016 GolfStar Classic Presenting Sponsor Jay Trusheim, Prudential Financial Professional, offering P&C through Liberty Mutual Insurance. Applause also goes to sponsors TPC of
Louisiana; Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans; New Orleans Advocate; Fore!Kids Foundation; First NBC;
Retif Oil & Fuel; Simmons & Associates –Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; F.H. Myers Construction
Corp.; Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services; Jones, Swanson, Huddell & Garrison; Real Estate Tax Group; Entergy; Scott Mouledous Construction Company; and United Healthcare Community Plan.
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T tees off at 9 a.m. and includes many premiums for golfers, dishes f
changing lives Carol So many of the things you and I take for granted, such as friendship, independence and preparing your own meal, just weren’t possible for Carol. Since coming to our Community Living Services program, she has learned the importance of independence and caring for her needs, and she’s become more engaging and verbal in expressing her needs. Carol now thrives in her Volunteers of America home. Your generosity helps residents of our Community Living Services group homes with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead safe, healthy and meaningful lives.
Claudette Brandon You work hard all your life. Imagine going to school You raise your family. You hungry and trying to pay your bills and enjoy your concentrate on learning. friends. Life is good. Then Unfortunately, this is a reality suddenly, the place you’ve for many children in our called home is sold, the new community. Thanks to your landlord triples your rent and you’re on a fixed support, Brandon is one of 3,000 students last income. What do you do? Fortunately, Claudette school year enjoying a Fresh Food Factor healthy was able to turn to Volunteers of America and and delicious meal every day, providing him found a new home at the Terraces on Tulane with the brain fuel he needs to do well—and senior housing facility. Life is good again. Y our excel—in school. With your help, Fresh Food support assists our elders to age with options. Factor provides healthy and nutritious meals Thank you for keeping their legacy alive. and snacks to at-risk kids in our community.
George, Sarah and Floyd Think back to when you were growing up and to the caring adults in your life that positively impacted who you are today. Everyone is not as fortunate, particularly teens with an incarcerated parent. Thankfully, Floyd has George. With George’s caring support the past five years, Floyd has developed from a failing student with behavioral problems to a high school graduate—with honors. Floyd is proud of his accomplishments—George and his wife Sarah are too! Your kindness helps us match more children with a caring, supportive mentor through our Mentoring Children of Promise Program. Thank you!
5 You Provided a Home for 20 Homeless Veterans
No one wants to be homeless. Because of you, Bradley, Rocky, Frankey and Donald have a safe place to sleep and hope for the future. These men are veterans who proudly served our country, fell on hard times and are now rebuilding their lives as residents of the new Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center in New Orleans—thanks to your support. The Veterans Center opened this spring and provides transitional housing and a full continuum of rehabilitation services Joining Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Veterans Services for 20 homeless veterans in the Greater Program Director Gerald Rooks as he ceremoniously cuts the ribbon to open the Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center are, left to right, Oscar J. New Orleans area. Services available to the Tolmas Charitable Trust Trustees Lisa Romano and Vincent Giardina, veterans include substance abuse and mental Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans President and CEO health counseling, educational services, Jim LeBlanc, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Councilmember LaToya Cantrell, Southeast Louisiana Veterans comprehensive employment training and Health Care System President and CEO Fernando Rivera and National placement, permanent housing placement World War II Museum Consultant Bill Detweiler . and supportive services for veterans’ families. “Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans is literally helping to rebuild the lives of our country’s heroes. We are proud to say that the vast majority—more than 78%—of veterans served by our Transitional Housing program successfully regain their stability and self-sufficiency,” says Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans President and CEO Jim LeBlanc, adding, “We are able to provide these services because of the generosity and support of you and others who share our mission of helping our community’s most vulnerable.” Those gathering at the facility for the dedication ceremony in April heard New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu applaud the Veterans Services programs of Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans for the instrumental role our organization played in accomplishing his challenge to end veteran homelessness in the city by 2014 year-end. The addition of the Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center enables our organization to better assist the city in its efforts to maintain veteran homelessness at “functional zero”—meaning that newly discovered homeless veterans are provided with housing within just days of their discovery. “The Veterans Center is a true testament to Mr. Tolmas’ legacy and his love for our country’s servicemen,” says Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Trustee Vincent Giardina. “This facility’s namesake, Oscar J. Tolmas, was a World War II Veteran, businessman, attorney and real estate developer who, upon his death in 2013, left his entire estate to the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust so that it would benefit the mission of local charities,” adds Lisa Romano, Trustee. Volunteers of The Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center was made possible by generous contributions America Greater from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, the Home Depot Foundation, the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, New Orleans is the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, the AlMar Foundation, the Libby-Dufour Fund, literally helping the Albert N. and Hattie M. McClure Fund—and from all of you who support to rebuild the ending veteran homelessness in our community. lives of our country’s heroes. 6 SNAPSHOTS
And the Winners Are . . . Adoptive families were the big winners at the GolfStar Classic, but many participants had a lucky day. Excited winner of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 raffle is Ken Gautreau, shown left. Special thanks to everyone who participated from Connor, Cole, Abigail, Caleb and Gracie—and all of the many children over the years who have found their forever families through Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Adoption Program.
Meet Donald, a Veteran Served by Our New Center At age 19, Donald committed to serve our country. He was in the Navy, Army and reserves, and served in Iraq before retiring in 2010. A few years later, Donald, now 60, had major health issues. He became unemployed and homeless. Through a VA referral, he found a home at our Veterans Transitional Housing facility on Napoleon Avenue. In February, Donald had successful open-heart surgery in Houston. Upon his return, he was one of the first veterans to move into our new Oscar J. Tolmas Veterans Center. Donald has a room designed for veterans with medical issues. He is rebuilding his life, guided by the staff. “It’s important to get the word out that there is good emotional, medical and psychological support for veterans in New Orleans,” he says.
7 Volunteer Bonds with Seniors Every Thursday, you can find New says. “We trust each other and have wonderful Orleanian Gail Rouen at Terraces conversations.” All the while, Ronald’s apartment on Tulane, our Mid-City housing facility for is being cleared and organized. seniors. Rouen began volunteering earlier this year. “I hit it off with everyone,” she says enthusiastically. “Gail is God-sent,” Ronald exclaims. “She was sent “Their stories melt my heart. I love listening to to me right on time.” Ronald, who has lived at the them and hearing about their backgrounds.” Terraces for five years, remembers how depressed he was over his mother’s death, I know how to clean Her assignment: be a friendly helper, doing and organize, I just couldn’t do it. Gail helped me see whatever residents need, be it light housekeeping things better. She’s become a good friend and is highly or sharing a meal. She quickly discovered she and intelligent. I don’t have to Google, I just ask Gail.” the residents enjoyed their time together. The staff then asked if she would take on a special project, Rouen encourages others to volunteer. “The working with resident Ronald, known for creating rewards are so great. You feel like you’re doing art from everyday objects. His apartment was over- something worthwhile. You can work out a plan filled with his late mother’s belongings and other to give however much time you have.” Learn items. Rouen began helping him sort out what to more about volunteering opportunities that keep. “We have a wonderful relationship,” she would be right for you. Visit voagno.org.
REMEMBER THE BOOTH LEGACY IN YOUR WILL voagno.org