Frequently Asked Questions
The following list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help you learn more about Volunteers of America. If you don't find the answers you need here, please send us an e-mail.
What is Volunteers of America?
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs, and opportunities for individual and community involvement.
Every year more than 2 million people across the nation feel the helping hand and compassion of Volunteers of America. Our services respond to individual community needs to help abused and neglected children, youth at risk, the frail elderly, people with disabilities, homeless individuals and families, and other persons who need an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Our goal is to help the whole person.
In addition, Volunteers of America is one of the nation's largest nonprofit provider of quality affordable housing for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. We are also a major provider of skilled long-term nursing care and health services. We operate nursing facilities, residential assisted living complexes, and retirement communities.
Volunteers of America strives to offer any services necessary to meet the diverse needs of people and assist them in becoming self-sufficient. Our programs are locally managed and delivered. The motivation for helping people originates from Volunteers of America's Christian heritage. We are an organization founded on Christian values, a meeting ground for people of all faiths united in service.
Why do you call yourselves "Volunteers"?
The name Volunteers of America was selected when the organization was founded more than 110 years ago. It signified that the organization was comprised of people voluntarily choosing to help others. Our services are delivered through a partnership of professional staff, volunteers, and other community supporters.
Do you engage volunteers in your work?
Volunteers are a very important part of our work. Nationally, and in every community, dedicated volunteers provide leadership by serving on our boards of directors. The boards provide direction and oversight, and hire and supervise the chief executive officers in each locale. Volunteers actively engage in many of services, delivering meals to the elderly in their homes, reading mail to residents of nursing homes, and providing other services that make a real difference in people's lives. Volunteers of America serves individuals and communities in need and creates opportunities for people to experience the joy of serving others.
If someone wants to volunteer, should they call you?
While we do use volunteers in our programs we are not a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in working within one of our programs, please contact us.
Is Volunteers of America associated with a church?
Volunteers of America is, itself, a church. We are not formally affiliated with any other church.
Is Volunteers of America a religious organization?
Yes. Volunteers of America was established by Christian social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth, who defined our mission as "to reach and uplift all people." We accomplish this goal through a comprehensive approach to ministering to the "whole person" — to an individual's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Though we are an organization founded on Christian values, our programs and employment opportunities are available to all people, without regard to religion, race, color, creed, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.