Mission

Each year, we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to spread awareness for the staggering statistics around suicide and what can be done to help those who are struggling with their mental health. At Volunteers of America, we know our nation’s veterans often face many challenges when returning from service, including unemployment, poor mental health, physical injuries, and the need for safe, secure housing. If these difficulties go unaddressed, their mental health challenges can worsen. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2019), veterans account for 13.5% of all suicide deaths…

At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we believe in a world where all people live in safety, with social, emotional, and physical well-being, spiritual fulfillment, justice, and hope. When a person walks through the doors of VOA, they are greeted with respect and open arms to help them rebuild their lives. June is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month. We sat down with one of our Clinical Supervisors, Vanessa Hogan, MS, LMHC, LCAC to learn more about PTSD and how friends and family members can best support their loved ones. In your role, how do you help people…

The men, women, and families who walk through the doors of Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana for the first time seeking help often think there is no hope left for them.  The staff who welcome these men and women to VOA programs do so with arms wide open – ready to help carry their burdens, lighten their load, and remind them that there is always hope. They are people with a passion for uplifting others to help them rebuild their lives.  Khamisi Jordan is one of those passionate people.  Khamisi is a Community Case Manager at one of our VOA Veterans Resource Centers and if you know him personally,…

Operation Backpack® is a Volunteers of America signature program that helps local kids reach their full potential and thrive as they start the school year. Community members like you rally together to donate backpacks and school supplies to give kids the confidence and tools they need to succeed and dream big.

In June, we recognize PTSD Awareness Month. People living with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, have experienced or witnessed a life-threatening or terrifying event. It’s a mental health condition that can cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Not just this month, but every month, it’s important to understand how to support and care for those living with PTSD.

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we checked in with Jennifer Martinez MSW, LISW-S, Vice President of Behavioral Health Operations (Ohio), to understand the kinds of things we should be thinking about to spread awareness and support our own mental health. She also shared how our organizational approach to helping all people at Volunteers of America is designed to support mental health, too.