News & Press Releases

Urging Texas Legislature to Increase Pay for Direct Support Professionals FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN, TX – In a resolute step towards championing those who care for Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Volunteers of America Texas has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement to address the urgent issue of underfunding faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care individuals with IDD. The chronic underfunding of DSPs has not only compromised the quality of care provided to individuals with IDD but has also led to…

DALLAS, Texas – Time served in prison is hard to overcome, especially when a former inmate begins searching for meaningful employment. At Volunteers of America Texas, however, there is a firm belief in second chances and a program that makes them possible — the VOA Texas Dallas Re-Entry Career Pathways Program. Thanks to a $25,000 grant provided by the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation for program support and financial coaching for individuals re-entering the community, the Pathways program will be given a boost over the coming year. “We appreciate the King Foundation’s support for second chances,” said Angela…

Fort Worth, TX – As temperatures remain cold in North Texas, Volunteers of America Texas, in collaboration with Subaru of America, Inc. and Operation Warm, has embarked on a mission to ensure that vulnerable children have the warmth they need to face the cold. This initiative aims to bring comfort, confidence, and hope to those in need through the generous donation of brand-new shoes, socks, and coats. On Monday, January 22, a dedicated group of volunteers convened at 2401 Scott Avenue in Fort Worth, TX, to kick off this heartwarming campaign. As families walked in they were greeted by volunteers,…

Volunteers of America Texas to Administer the Three-Year Program Dallas, Texas – U.S. Military veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless have a new resource dedicated to finding permanent housing. The new Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) is funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and will be operated by Volunteers of America Texas, the local affiliate of a nationwide nonprofit that already operates several veterans’ assistance programs and is also a leader in fighting homeless in Texas for veterans and civilians alike. VOA Texas has already received the first year’s…

Volunteers of America Texas to distribute hundreds of backpacks to students in need. FORT WORTH, TX — The start of a new school year can be exciting for a child, but for parents the rising cost of supplies could put a damper on that enthusiasm.  Volunteers of America (VOA) Texas is taking the stress out of back-to-school preparation with its Operation Backpack® school supply drive and giveaway. “With Operation Backpack®, we are leveraging the academic playing field for children in need,” Angela King, President, and CEO with VOA Texas said about the annual partnership. “We strive to create healthier communities…

JUNE 23RD, 2023 (DALLAS, TX) JUNE 23, 2023—More than two dozen senior citizens who live in the Volunteers of America Texas Prairie Creek Housing Apartment complex had a funky good time at their “Senior” Prom Thursday evening. The 70s-themed dance, sponsored by Amazon, included hit songs from the era. “The music, it was awesome. It was definitely a throwback to my youth,” said Burrel Robertson. The Prairie Creek resident of one year added, “Dancing was fun. I hadn’t danced like that in years and couldn’t stay seated. I tried, but I couldn’t. I had to get up and dance.” Of…

april 17th, 2023 Amazon Celebrates National Volunteer Week with Volunteers of America Texas  (DALLAS, TX) APRIL 17, 2023 — Seniors at the Volunteers of America (VOA) Texas Prairie Creek Apartment complex, proved they can play more than BINGO. The residents aged 62 and older took part in challenges that are popular amongst the Tik Tok generation – bottle flip, table tennis cup toss, chopstick marshmallow challenge, and the cup tower challenge. The group also enjoyed the great outdoors by playing yard games such as corn hole, ring toss, yard dice and bowling. The unconventional game day was sponsored at facilitated…

march 29th, 2023 The VOA Texas ‘Hire Up’ Program to Help 400 low-income individuals to acquire higher paying jobs. (HOUSTON, TX) April 13, 2023 — Volunteers of America Texas, a faith-driven nonprofit helping people in need, was awarded $8 M to provide vocational training, workforce development support, financial empowerment, and basic needs assistance to participants and their families. The grant is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The economic stimulus plan has been a significant help to cities like Houston that faced record revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The…

APRIL 13TH, 2023 CEO Applauds FDA’s recent approval for over-the-counter use. [FORT WORTH, TX MARCH 29, 2023]— Four individuals at the Volunteers of America Texas Residential Re-entry Center (RRC) in Fort Worth, TX were found unresponsive on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, just before 8 p.m. Staff members took immediate action by administering Narcan, an opioid antagonist used to treat overdoses in an emergency. They also performed CPR on three of the four, until emergency officials arrived. All four residents had become responsive before leaving the center by EMS. They were treated and released from a nearby hospital around 1 am….

MARCH 8TH, 2023 From homeless veterans to homeless seniors and families in need, VOA has helped. (Dallas, TX) March 8, 2023—On March 8, 1896, when social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth founded Volunteers of America (VOA), it was for the same mission that the organization maintains today—to serve the country’s most marginalized populations. Now, 127 years later, the organization celebrates its annual Founders Day on March 8, a time to reflect on the pioneering service provided over the years while also spotlighting the important work being done today to address our nation’s most pressing social needs. “When the organization sees…