Volunteers of America - Greater New York

Congratulations to Noelle Withers, our Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, was featured in City & State‘s 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazers. The list honors notable leaders across the nonprofit sector who are dedicated to serving New Yorkers.

With two decades of experience in the homeless services sector, Noelle has led our Street to Home program and the opening of our Economic Empowerment Center in the Bronx. She was also a supporter of New York City legislation to require first responders be trained to recognize and handle traumatic brain injuries that resulted from domestic violence, which passed in November.

Join us in congratulating Noelle!

Imagine a classroom of 21 students. Three are experiencing homelessness.

Now multiply that across every NYC public school classroom.

Each year, tens of thousands of city public school students experience homelessness. This reality impacts more than just housing—it impacts their ability to learn. These students face higher rates of chronic absenteeism, lower test scores, and are more likely to drop out.

But you can help change that.

With your support, we can help these students overcome at least one obstacle by giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Here’s the best part: Thanks to our bulk purchasing strategy, your donation goes further. We source high-quality supplies at a lower cost—without cutting corners.

What your support can do:�
🎒 $50 = School supplies for 1 high school student�
📚 $150 = Supplies for 5 Pre-K & Kindergarten students�
✏️ $250 = Supplies for 6 students (Grades 1-4)�
📓 $350 = Supplies for 8 students (Grades 5-8)�
📘 $1,000 = Supplies for ALL students in a small shelter�
Every dollar delivers tangible impact. Donate today: https://www.voa-gny.org/operation-backpack/?form=OBP26

For a family facing housing instability in NYC, the cost of school supplies can add up quickly. Together, we can ease that burden. �

You can help by starting a fundraising team for Operation Backpack®!🎒Gather your coworkers, friends, and family. When you do, you help us buy brand-new, grade-specific supplies for students experiencing homelessness.

Ready to make an impact? It takes just a few minutes to set up your team:
✅ Pick a name�
✅ Add a fundraising goal�
✅ Share the link

Here are 5 ways to inspire your circle:
➡️ Lead with your "why" – Share what this cause means to you.
➡️ Set a goal – A clear target rallies people fast.
➡️ Make it social – Post updates and share the link.
➡️ Get creative – Try competitions, matching gifts, or occasion-based giving.
➡️ Celebrate every win – Recognize supporters along the way.�

Visit our website to donate today or start your own fundraising team: https://www.voa-gny.org/operation-backpack/

Thousands of students living in NYC shelters might not have the essential school supplies they need to learn and thrive this fall. 🎒

You can help change that—right from your school, office, or community space.

We invite YOU to hold a backpack drive and/or packing event to provide new backpacks filled with essential supplies for students in need.

Here’s how to help:
✨ Donate new backpacks & school supplies
✨ Host a packing event
✨ Schedule a pick-up of fully equipped backpacks

Why host a drive?
Because every backpack helps a student feel confident, prepared, and supported on the first day of school—and beyond. Plus, it’s a fun, impactful way to bring people together.

Join us this summer! To get started, we’ll give you a toolkit, supply checklist, and a discounted retailer list.

📩 Email [email protected] to get involved.

We're proud to share that Eric Lee, our Director of Public Policy, was recognized in City and State NY's 2026 Who's Who in Government Relations!

Eric amplifies frontline staff voices with policymakers and recently helped pass a NYC law requiring first responders to recognize brain injuries in domestic violence survivors. Thank you, Eric, for advancing our mission. Please join us in congratulating him!

Huge congratulations to VOA-GNY’s Human Resources Team for being named one of the Top 50 HR Teams of 2025 by OnConferences in the OnCon Icon Awards!

The Icon Awards celebrate top teams and leaders around the world for their innovation, impact, and leadership in HR. To be recognized among the very best is a testament to the incredible work happening behind the scenes at VOA-GNY.

Please join us in giving a well-deserved shout-out to our HR team for this achievement and their ongoing dedication to supporting our staff and advancing our mission.

Operation Backpack® is back! Thanks to your incredible generosity, every student living in a NYC shelter walked into school last year with the supplies they needed to succeed—and this year, we’re aiming to do it again! 🎒

For the 1 in 7 NYC public school students experiencing homelessness, the school year can be incredibly challenging without the resources to focus on their education. A backpack filled with grade-specific supplies can do more than boost students’ confidence—it’s a symbol that someone believes in them and is investing in their future.

We hope you’ll join us this summer to make a lasting impact for children experiencing homelessness during back-to-school season and beyond. Learn more about the different ways to get involved: https://www.voa-gny.org/operation-backpack/

Thank you for joining us at our 29th Annual Gala last Thursday! Your generosity and energy made the evening unforgettable—we’re so grateful for your support. 💙

Because of you, we can continue providing life-changing support to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. You heard Ric’s story—after finding stability through VOA-GNY, he moved into his own apartment and continues to pursue his passion for singing and performing. At VOA-GNY, housing is just the beginning, it’s the foundation for a new start.

Whether you’ve supported us for years or were introduced to our work for the first time, we hope you’ll stay connected and continue supporting the housing, health, and wealth-building services we provide.

Didn’t get a chance to give? It’s not too late—donate now: https://voagny2026.givesmart.com/

For over a decade, Kenya has been a steady, compassionate presence at our Bronx Early Learning Center (BELC), supporting young learners and the teams around them. BELC is VOA-GNY’s preschool special education program serving children ages 2.9–5, including many on the autism spectrum.

As a Teaching Assistant, Kenya steps in wherever she’s needed—often taking on the role of Acting Teacher to ensure continuity and care. Her approach centers on patience, communication, and building trust with families and colleagues alike.

She finds the most meaning in the milestones—whether it’s a child learning to use an open cup or achieving potty training. When challenges arise, Kenya meets them with persistence and creativity, working alongside specialists to help each child succeed.

A lifelong Bronx resident, Kenya is proud to give back to her community. “All children have voices…you just have to take time to listen.”

This Autism Awareness Month, we recognize Kenya’s commitment to meeting every child where they are and helping them grow with confidence. Thank you, Kenya!