Stories

A former member of the United States Coast Guard from 1988 to 1992, John had a distinguished service career, primarily in communications for drug interdiction missions. Following his military service, he embarked on a civilian life, successfully running a construction company for 33 years. Despite this professional success, John battled severe PTSD, alcoholism, and the devastating grief of losing loved ones, which eventually led him to homelessness. The intervention of VOA marked a significant turning point in John’s life. This assistance was transformative, providing not just aid, but a framework for recovery and self-improvement. VOA set and maintained goals with…

Before discovering Volunteers of America (VOA), James had navigated a challenging path, mixed with regrettable decisions and a profound moral struggle. Reflecting on his past, he admitted, “I realized how much I had lost due to the many poor choices I made. How low I had sunk morally and in my values.” James’ military service had transitioned into a career in law enforcement, initially a source of purpose and pride. However, it was cut short after 23 years, leaving him brokenhearted and disillusioned. He confided, “I had planned to do 30 years but left after 23… brokenhearted.” In search of…

From a young age, Jesse embarked on a quest for belonging, relief from anxiety, and a tranquil existence, yearning to escape the loneliness that enveloped her home life. In pursuit of these comforts, she ventured down a shadowed path of substance abuse. Alcohol initially seemed like the antidote to her isolation, giving her the illusion of camaraderie and temporary relief from her internal turmoil. Jesse felt a semblance of happiness in this new lifestyle fleeting distractions from her inner struggles and a newfound confidence she had longed for. This was the beginning of Jesse’s journey through addiction. Soon after embracing…

Brenda had reached a breaking point. Her life had spiraled into a relentless cycle of addiction, neglect, and despair. But when she found herself on the side of the road, sleep-deprived and malnourished, she knew something had to change. Brenda was desperate for help – not just for herself but for her three young daughters. It was then that she discovered a lifeline at Volunteers of America (VOA). Brenda’s story began when she had her first child at the age of 19. She married her high school sweetheart, hoping to provide a stable environment for their daughter. However, the pressures…

Here is a list of suggested worship songs with a link to a video for your Moral Injury Worship Service: Jesus, Lover of My Soul – This powerful hymn by Charles Wesley highlights the lament of the soul and reflects on safety and healing: Balm of Gilead –Lyrics focus on thankfulness for God being peace in the midst of storms: Up to the Mountain (Patty Griffin) – Speaks of the soul’s call to look to God in the midst of adversity: I Will Wait For You (Shane & Shane) – A Psalm of Lament sung with a deep call to…

Mindy’s journey from addiction to finding sobriety through God. For many years, Mindy lived a life of drug and alcohol addiction, which kept her far from God and prevented her from being the mother her children deserved…until she found the Christian Enhancement Program at Volunteers of America. Here is her story: Mindy raced home from middle school eager to tell her parents the good news: she had been elected president of her class! However, when Mindy arrived at her house, she saw a moving truck in the driveway. With no prior notice or opportunity for goodbyes, Mindy and her mother…

There is no shame in getting help when you need it. The stigma surrounding mental illness has decreased significantly in recent years, but it undoubtedly still exists. Many people hesitate to admit that they are struggling, scared of being judged by others, or thought of as weak. Unfortunately, ignoring mental health issues rarely makes them go away. Instead, we need to strive to create a culture where mental health is discussed openly and honestly so that anyone who needs help is not ashamed to ask for it. M Dr. Kathryn Hopfensperger, a psychiatrist with Volunteers of America, says that the…

Dakota’s impressive transition into adulthood. When Dakota first came to the Independent Living program at Volunteers of America in April of 2021, he was struggling to live on his own. He had turned 18 in December, and was excited to finally be out of the custody of the Department of Family Services. But life on his own was not everything he had dreamed it to be. He completed a Job Corps program in warehousing, but soon came to realize that he would need help learning how to live independently and become a sustainable adult. He did not know how to…

Ronnie faced many obstacles as he searched for stability, but he finally has a place to call home. As a Veteran living with PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression, Ronnie was having a hard time when he came to our Veteran Outreach Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Just meeting with our case manager Jennifer Wallace was a huge step for him, but he left that meeting determined to find stable housing. Thanks to a grant from The Home Depot Foundation, we were able to pay his rental arrears and late charges that had been stacking up and stopping Ronnie from finding a stable…

Stuffed Stockings for Struggling Kids The joy of Christmas morning is a fond childhood memory for many people. There is nothing quite like the excitement of waking up to discover that Santa had come in the night to leave presents and, of course, a full stocking. During the holiday season, many of the kids in our programs here at Volunteers of America are reminded that they have no one to fill their stockings, and a time that should be filled with joy weighs heavy on their hearts. They are the children who did not have someone there every Christmas to…