April is here, and with it comes National Volunteer Month — a time to shine a light on the incredible individuals whose selflessness and dedication help us create a healthier community for all. From organizing fundraisers to lending a hand where it’s needed most, volunteers play an essential role in spreading kindness and creating lasting positive change.
This month, we’re excited to honor our Volunteers who go above and beyond to help veterans, individuals, and families in our community thrive. Join us in celebrating the power of volunteerism and the amazing impact these generous individuals create.
Furniture Fair
Each year, Furniture Fair dives in to support Operation Backpack, a program that gives local area children in need a new backpack and school supplies to start the school year.
“To me, being part of a community effort dedicated to creating a healthy community means showing up for each other, sharing what we can, and working together to make sure everyone feels supported, safe, and valued. After all, without our community, we are nothing… So we want to empower those around us to be the best versions of themselves!
The atmosphere amongst staff during volunteer projects with VOA is incredibly uplifting. There’s a real sense of unity and purpose. Everyone’s energized, connected, and proud to be giving back together. It’s a reminder of how much we can accomplish as a team, beyond just our day-to-day roles.”
Craig Daniels
Marketing Director, Furniture Fair
Continental – Original Equipment Solutions
Caring for veterans is something near and dear to the employees of Continental – Original Equipment Solutions. From spending time with veteran residents and hosting a Veteran’s Day cookout, to their upcoming spring 2025 landscaping project, their gift of time reminds veterans that they’re not alone.
“VOA provides an outlet to support an extremely underserved group. While Continental has many community partners around the country, VOA is near and dear to our location. A good percentage of our employees are veterans and as a site, we understand how important it is to give to those that have given to us through their service to our country. When our employees return to work after an event at VOA, they are buzzing with joy and love to share stories of their visit with other employees.”
Travis Boleyn, HR Generalist
Continental – Original Equipment Solutions
BCCLT Consulting Engineers
Lending a hand to help with local projects is a meaningful way to show love to VOA clients on their recovery journey. BCCLT Consulting Engineers lend their time to give our Fresh Start Recovery Center in Evansville, IN a fresh look.
“It is easy to forget and overlook the community around us when we are busy with our daily lives and work. Volunteer days give us a refreshed perspective. They give us a reminder to balance work, home and community. What better way to remember and understand those we serve in our community than to take time to go out in the community and serve alongside those most in need of help and service?
Working together as a team in new ways such as painting and knocking out cleaning and organizing challenges us to try out different roles that we don’t necessarily get to showcase in our daily work. These projects generally allow our younger staff to step up and showcase their leadership skills and gives our senior staff a chance to relax a bit and just enjoy the moment.”
Andrea Carter, Administrative Assistant
BCCLT Consulting Engineers
Union Home Foundation
Union Home Foundation has partnered with VOA for 7 years, providing grant funding for the Domiciliary in Cleveland, the Veteran Resource Center, Operation Backpack, and Judge Sara J. Harper Village. They also provide grassroots support, donating bookbags and school supplies for Operation Backpack and hosting an Art for Hope activity with their partners. The artwork is displayed at Judge Sara J. Harper Village!
“Our partners (employees) are overjoyed when we work on anything with VOA. Between Operation Backpack every year and partnering with Art for Hope our partners (employees) love being involved. They can feel the mission behind these activities and know they are making an impact.”
Ashley Ali,
Union Home Foundation
Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension has partnered with VOA for many years, offering support in multiple capacities. One staff member, a retired RN, provides medical education to women programs at VOA and doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. Another staff member teaches women how to cook healthy meals on a budget.
“This is a small community, and a lot of people fear substance abuse, choosing to look the other way. Our friends at Purdue Extension bring passion, energy, and heart to everything they do.” – Kimberly Hudson, VOA Staff Member
Union Chapel (Muncie, IN)
Mark and Jodi, from Union Chapel in Muncie, Indiana, have been involved with bringing church and bible study women in VOA programs. They donate their time and provide essential items like hygiene products and a Bible with encouraging scripture for women who may not have one. During holidays, they celebrate with Christmas presents and a meal for families.
“This volunteer service touches on every aspect of our mission, they restore dignity to our ladies that have lost their self-worth, their ability to feel that they are enough. They offer hope and transformation, teaching the ladies to focus on a higher power.” – Kimberly Hudson, VOA Staff Member
At VOA Ohio & Indiana, we are incredibly grateful for partners like Furniture Fair, Continental – Original Equipment Solutions, BCCLT Consulting Engineers, Union Home Foundation, Purdue Extension, Union Chapel, and so many others who generously give their time and resources to help their communities thrive. Their unwavering support plays a crucial role in strengthening local initiatives, whether through volunteering, donations, or collaborative efforts that create lasting positive change. These partnerships make a meaningful impact and help ensure that we can continue to serve and uplift the communities we’re a part of.
Interested in volunteering? Reach out to our team today to get started!