VOA Illinois

Juneteenth is an important time to honor our shared history and to reflect on the resilience of Black communities across the country. VOA Illinois remains committed to advancing freedom and dignity for all people.

Last week at , our very own LaShaunda Harrison was awarded with the award of PROPERTY MANAGER OF THE YEAR, for the work she does at our Marycrest Village Apartments! In addition, Marycrest Village Apartments was awarded the Property of the Year award! We are so grateful for everything that LaShaunda and her team have accomplished and continue to do for the residents that call Marycrest home. Congratulations LaShaunda, we are so very proud of you and thank you Volunteers of America for awarding our team with these great honors.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. VOA Illinois recognizes that PTSD can affect anyone and at any time, even our loved ones. We remain committed to providing quality care and connecting individuals to the services they need to feel at peace again.

Last week our VOA Illinois team attended our National Conference hosted by Volunteers of America! The conference brings together colleagues from across the country for networking, learning, connecting, and more. Every year our team looks forward to conference and this year did not disappoint! Thank you to the team at the National office for all their hard work and planning to make this a memorable conference. We're already looking forward to next year!

It's the beginning of June which can only mean one thing at VOA Illinois - it's OFFICIALLY Operation Backpack® season! Operation Backpack® is an annual drive hosted by VOA Illinois to provide essential backpacks and school supplies to the children we serve. Our goal is to provide each child we serve with a brand-new backpack and everything they need to start the school year off on a positive foot.

There are many ways to get involved this year - you can shop online, shop in person, donate, sponsor, and volunteer! To learn more about all the ways to get involved visit our website or email us at [email protected].

Get involved today ⏩ https://www.voaillinois.org/operation-backpack/

We’re proud to be a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation Network. We are grateful to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark for providing a scholarship to attend the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), enhancing our ability to support Veterans and their families.

: Watch our new video highlighting the powerful journeys of those we serve—from a couple in our rapid rehousing program finding a place to call home, to a single mother and her children thriving in our housing community with the support and resources around them.

130 Years of Opening Doors and Building Hope Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

We proudly recognize a decade of dedication from Fred Redmond, an Intake Specialist, who has committed his career at VOA Illinois to serving Veterans and their families. Through compassion, leadership, and an unwavering belief in our mission, he has made a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for 10 years of impact, service, and commitment — and congratulations on this incredible milestone!

Last week we celebrated our 16th Leadership Celebration, celebrating 130 years of opening doors and building hope. It was an inspiring afternoon filled with connection, hope, and gratitude. Thank you to everyone that attended and helped make this milestone so special - we couldn’t do this work without you!

On Memorial Day, VOA Illinois pauses to remember and honor the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our country. Join us in expressing our gratitude for their sacrifices and the freedoms they protect.