Read more about the ‘08 National Conference inside. In June, Volunteers of America representatives from throughout the country gathered in New Orleans for our organization’s National Conference. The highlight was the Day of Service, marked by 350 attendees volunteering for rebuilding projects in St. Bernard Parish. “Our organization was proud to host our annual gathering,” says Chief Executive Officer Jim LeBlanc. “Coming to New Orleans this year was a sign of our organization’s continued commitment to the recovery of the Gulf Coast. We were especially pleased that those

attending brought the people in St. Bernard a step closer to re-establishing what Hurricane Katrina took away.” Volunteers of America rebuilt recreational facilities at Hannan High School in Meraux, restored basketball courts and landscaped a park in Violet and helped rebuild Arabi’s City of Hope Church. Our national organization also donated $30,000 in materials to these projects. As part of the day, volunteers also held two block parties in St. Bernard, providing food, music and children’s activities to neighborhoods still bouncing back. “Our mission for more than a century has been to

serve people and communities in vulnerable situations,” says National Volunteers of America President Chuck Gould. “In our line of work, it is important for us to go out into the community, get our hands dirty and connect personally with the people we serve.”

s u m m e r 2 0 0 8

National Conference Comes To New Orleans—And Serves

More Grants For More Housing Visit www.voagno.org for more details on our housing initiatives Volunteers of America’s post-Katrina Coming Back Home housing initiative for working families has received a major boost through $2 million in grants that ultimately seek to create as many as 1,000 new homes and apartments. The City of New Orleans awarded a $1 million grant to our Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (RNDC), a collaboration formed by our organization and Volunteers of America National Services to create housing. A second $1 million grant from the Community Revitalization Fund, administered by Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), is helping establish RNDC through provision of operating support as well as capital funds to develop apartments in Gentilly and the Lower Garden District. The grant money from the city will go toward new single family housing in Gentilly. “RNDC has targeted 25 sites near Dillard University,” says Victor Smeltz, Executive Vice President of Housing Development. “We’ll be constructing new housing. The homes will be available for sale to families earning up to 80 percent of our area’s median income. Workforce housing for working families is our overall goal.” This housing program is modeled on Volunteers of America’s successful development of affordable housing in Gretna, begun before Katrina and completed afterwards. RNDC has already acquired a Katrina-damaged apartment complex called Chateau Carre,

This issue unveils a new design, part of Volunteers of America’s new national identity. While our familiar red, white and blue remains, the new style represents our purpose and activities in today’s world. We’re also offering monthly Visions updates via email. To receive our latest news, visit our website, www.voagno.org and sign up on our Home Page.

new look

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OF GreATer New OrleANS

in THiS iSSue:

n Lighthouse Kids Go To Camp page 3

n SRO Success Story page 5

n We Need Your Gas Guzzler back cover

www.voagno.org

Service was an important part of Volunteers of America’s National Conference. Among the projects attendees pursued was rebuilding this playground in St. Bernard.

scontinued inside middle panel

Ministry: The Heart Of All We Do

It’s been a rewarding summer at Volunteers of America—and it’s not

over yet.

We started this eventful season by hosting our organization’s

National Conference, marked by volunteer service to our community

and a renewing of Volunteers of America’s commitment to Gulf Coast

recovery—a promise made in the first days after Hurricane Katrina.

One aspect of our National Conference, while not as public as our

volunteers’ work on area rebuilding projects or even the speeches

or award presentations, is at the heart of this organization. It’s our

annual commission of ministers.

For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America has been both a

human services organization and a large interdenominational church.

Faith in God and ministry to others are our foundation. While we don’t

organize congregations in traditional ways, we provide opportunities

for individual and community involvement for people of all faiths.

Many staff members of Volunteers of America have felt led to become

ministers, to enhance their work and service to others. Our ministers

are encouraged to be active in other Christian churches as well for

worship, service to others and continued spiritual growth. They view

their Volunteers of America work as more than a job—they see it as a

vital ministry.

This year, eight of our valued staff members from the New Orleans

area were among the many commissioned as ministers at the National

Conference. Each of these new ministers underwent a process of

preparation and self-reflection to prepare for their commissioning. I

am immensely proud of each of them. And, I feel a great sense of

satisfaction that, through their commitments, Volunteers of America

continues to strengthen its roots of faith.

We have often said this about our work at Volunteers of America:

“Some people can’t imagine doing what we do. We can’t imagine not

doing it.” This expression is so apt because it conveys how we view

our work as a ministry rather than just a job.

M e S S A G e F r O M T H e p r e S i d e N T / C e O

J A M e S M . l e B l A N C

board of directors

Leonard D. simmons, Jr.Chair

Kurt maloneyChair-Elect

Alexis B. robinsonSecretary

robert C. rhoden, Jr.Treasurer

Alex LewisImmediate Past Chair

Pat BristerKarin Dumas

matthew s. French, mD

Frank GlavianoTom Grace

Arthur C. Harris, sr.michelle Kehoe Ogden

James m. LeBlancPresident/CEO

Mission

Volunteers of America is a

movement organized to reach

and uplift all people and

bring them to the knowledge

and active service of God.

Volunteers of America,

illustrating the presence of God

through all that we do, serves

people and communities in need

and creates opportunities for

people to experience the joy

of serving others. Volunteers of

America measures its success

in positive change in the

lives of individuals and

communities we serve.

2

lighthouse 21st Century Kids Get Summer enrichment—And Fun If you’d like to help the Lighthouse, call us at (504)482-2130 or donate online at www.voagno.org. Remember how exciting summer was when you were a child? There was nothing better than being out of school and enjoying activities such as camp. Experts now tell us that those wonderful summer experiences give kids more than a good time. Research shows that two-thirds of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income youths can be attributed to unequal access to a summer learning environment. Youngsters in Volunteers of America’s Lighthouse 21st Century program are not missing out. They are getting plenty of summer learning and fun at the program’s site, Pierre A. Capdau Charter School and Early College High School. The summer camp is an extension of the Lighthouse’s after-school program and aims to give students academic, cultural and recreational enrichment. The Lighthouse summer program got a boost from a $42,000 grant given by a coalition of organizations dedicated to area youth. The Lighthouse was one of 52 agencies presenting summer camps to receive close to $1 million from

the Unified Summer Grants Collaborative--composed of organizations such as United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. The Lighthouse’s Capdau site was proud to host the grant presentation. Lighthouse Director Terrell Haynes says, “We’re now in a position to engage in more field trips and expose these kids to things they would never have experienced.”

Letters From Lighthouse Kids Here are excerpts from messages of appreciation.

“I especially like the music program. Volunteers of America also helps us with music. They gave us instruments and tools like books. I usually play the French horn, but since we got new instruments I can play many more. I now know how to play jazz on the alto sax.”—Lawrence

“I am very fortunate to have this great organization providing hot meals, athletic instruction and games, and a great atmosphere. I feel loved and important.”—Kendol

“In addition to our new set of books, Volunteers of America provides us with teachers who tutor us.” —Claude

“My parents like knowing that I am in a safe place and in the company of those who care about us. I especially like the volleyball games that Coach Jefferson organizes for us.” —Ravin

“There were some subjects I was struggling with but after receiving tutoring I received more clarity and saw improvement in my grades and desire to learn.” —Anntoria

Youngsters in the Lighthouse summer program enjoy art activities.

Volunteers of America’s Newest MinistersThese local staff members were commissioned as ministers at the National Conference in June. We are proud of their commitment and the faith values they bring to our service to others. • SharonMaloneyCarraway• KrishelleHarrison• MarleneJupiter-Chandler• AlanKohorst• SherylLeBlanc• CarlPayton• EdwardWeary• DianaWild

3

Glaviano, entergy, Saints Honored with National Awards Several of our organization’s friends were honored with important awards during Volunteers of America’s National Conference in June. Our Board Member Frank A. Glaviano, Vice President Production Americas, Shell Exploration & Production, received the prestigious Ballington and Maud Booth Award for his leadership in helping this area recover after Hurricane Katrina. This award, Volunteers of America’s highest honor, is presented annually to a person or couple who shows the leadership and philanthropic spirit of Ballington and Maud Booth, who co-founded our organization in 1896. A native of New Orleans, Glaviano helped return Shell employees to downtown New Orleans and resume oil and gas exploration and production as soon as possible after the storm. Shell’s philanthropic Coming Home rebuilding and recovery program channeled millions of dollars to communities hit hard

by Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Shell’s return to downtown New Orleans was significant in many ways, building confidence and restoring economic activity in the region. Entergy Corp., a long-time supporter of Volunteers of America, was the recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award. For more than 10 years, Entergy has been an active force in helping our organization’s programs, including our Lighthouse youth enrichment program and an effort to supply cooling fans to seniors on fixed-incomes. At the Lighthouse, Entergy funded an information technology learning center and improvements to the athletic fields. After the hurricane, when their own infrastructure was devastated, Entergy stepped forward to help Volunteers of America rebuild our two SROs, which provide affordable housing for formerly homeless persons recovering from addiction. Entergy pledged $200,000 to our Coming Back Home initiative, which is working to create more

housing for area working families. The New Orleans Saints were the recipients of Volunteers of America’s Good Samaritan Award. In addition to their long-time support of local educational and youth programs, Saints owner Tom Benson and his family started the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. CNN received the Empathy Award in recognition of the network’s tireless coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the Gulf Coast region. Correspondent Sean Callebs, based in New Orleans and part of the team who covered the hurricane, accepted the award. The work of CNN inspired many Americans to reach out to those affected by the storm and its aftermath.

National President Chuck Gould presents our organization’s highest award for service to local Board Member Frank Glaviano.

When Volunteers of America staff members and volunteers came to New Orleans for their National Conference in June, they madehands-onservicetothecommunitypartoftheevent.Thesevolunteerseagerlyhelpwithrebuildingprojectsataschool,church and playground in st. Bernard.

Housing (continued from front page)

near the site of the Gentilly housing. Plans call for a complete renovation to provide 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The grant will also help RNDC pay for a 90,000-sq. ft. site at 1770 Tchoupitoulas St., where plans are to build up to 240 mixed-income rental units in two buildings overlooking the river. Read more on the inside right panel about Volunteers of America’s award-winning, innovative plans to develop this property.

4

Housing plan lauded with design prize Volunteers of America’s plans for a new Lower Garden District housing and commercial development won a $15,000 prize in an innovative contest pairing architectural students with local non-profit agencies. Our organization’s Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation and our partners, students from New York’s New School, placed second for the design for a project we plan to develop at 1770 Tchoupitoulas St. in the Lower Garden District overlooking the Mississippi River. The design is for a mixed-income residential-commercial development that is environmentally certified. The project will contain up to 240 housing units and 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial space to be built in two phases. The Chase Community Development Competition, in existence since 1994, was moved from New York to New Orleans to support the city’s recovery. College and graduate students studying architecture and community development finance partnered with local non-profits to create a real estate plan designed to be buildable, sustainable and meet a community need. Teams focused on one of the city’s 17 target recovery areas. The competition was designed to tap into the skills of students at universities across the nation to benefit non-profit organizations in New Orleans.

This rendering shows the award-winning design for the Volunteers of America housing complex on Tchoupitoulas Street. Thanks to Amber Seely, RNDC’s Development Finance Coordinator and an alumna of the student design program, for her contributions to this project.

Wayne Miller knows what it is like to have it all. Miller, a former three-time World Champion gymnast, used to earn a six-figure salary as a sales and marketing executive. He was a husband and father. After a downward spiral of events stemming from addiction, Miller lost it all. A year ago, when he arrived at Voluteers of America’s Duvernay Residence, where he still lives, his main goal was to stay sober and rebuild his life. The staff, as they do for each resident, gave Miller hope, nurtured him and helped him bounce back a step at a time. Today, Miller works full-time as an admissions counselor at Odyssey House. His responsibilities include community outreach to persons suffering from addiction and hardship. Miller is active in church and committed to giving back to his community, enjoys helping others, and is known for inspiring those who feel their situation is hopeless.

“After hearing Wayne’s story and hearing about some of the situations he found himself in due to his addiction, it is clear God spared him because he has an incredible testimony to share with addicts in recovery and anyone facing challenges,” says El Cabrel Lee, Duvernay Program Director. Staying clean and sober and getting his life back on track are not Miller’s only goals. Always the overachiever, he is working to start a local Education Outreach Coalition to strengthen communications among parents, teachers and students. “You can’t worry about the past or the future, you can only take care of now and the rest will take care of itself,” Miller reflects. “Treatment is for a season, but God and your recovery are for a lifetime.”

Former champion gymnast Wayne Miller has overcome addiction and is rebuliding his life at the Duvernay Residence. During the 1970s, a universal gymnastic move was named after him. The Miller is a “full in–double full out” with one twist in the first somersault, two twists in the second somersault.

Champion loses All, Finds All At duvernay residence

we Need BOOKS !—Your donation of books and games can mean the world to persons rebuilding their lives. Our two

SRO’s, which provide housing and support to formerly homeless persons in recovery, seek to expand their libraries. If you

have books, or games, SRO residents can use them. It’s easy to donate. Bring your books to our Canal Street headquarters,

4152 Canal St., during business hours and deposit them in the designated bin by the elevators.

‘‘‘‘

— C H i N e S e p r OV e r B

5

4152 Canal StreetNew Orleans, LA 70119(504)482-2130 | (504)482-1922 faxwww.voagno.org

Various Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans services are accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission and ACA, the America Correctional Association. Volunteers of America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by the law.

AddreSS SerViCe requeSTed

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

pAidPermit No. 1716New Orleans, LA

Everyone seems to be looking to

trade their SUVs and trucks. But it’s

hard to get value for these suddenly

impractical vehicles.

Volunteers of America can offer an

option. Donate your gas guzzler to

our organization. You’ll get a great

tax deduction, free pick-up and the

satisfaction of helping others in need.

All you do is make one call, and we

take care of the rest. The hassle of

selling or trading is over.

Regardless of the condition of your

vehicle or the conditions in the

marketplace, we can use cars, trucks,

RVs, motorcycles and boats. We

sell vehicles—regardless of their

condition—and use the proceeds to

support our services to persons in

need right here in the communities

we all call home.

Call us now. (504)525-2179 or toll-free

(800)427-6327. You can also donate

online at www.voagno.org. It’s the

easiest way to get rid of your vehicle

and help others at the same time.

Great Deals For Gas Guzzlers