Stories

Heaven and Solomon lived at our family shelter on the Upper West Side. Now, they have found permanent housing and Heaven is able have her own space to study and make art.

Edwin and Derek are friends and graduates of Battle Buddy Bridge®, our innovative program that trains veterans to be peer counselors.

Lisa was diagnosed with HIV at 19 and struggled with addiction. With the constant support of our staff, she has been sober for nearly a year.

Nina came to us when she left her abusive relationship. She kept coming back because she found safety and family at VOA-GNY.

Rick, a Marine Corps veteran and three-time Purple Heart recipient, has struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress since leaving the service in 1972. Through support from his peers, and vice versa, he's starting to feel the weight lifting off of his shoulders.

Since coming to VOA, Jacob has gotten a job, traveled across the country, and is working on getting his drivers license, all while learning how to manage both an intellectual disability and a mental illness.

Michele Savino, Director of Residential Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities on Staten Island provides insight on the importance of Burt and Barbara's Gifts of the Heart for her residents.

About to be discharged from a homeless shelter in Queens, Peter was afraid he would not survive a cold winter on the streets. He credits Volunteers of America-Greater New York's East 12th Street with saving his life and giving him purpose.

Sasha found stability and direction with the help of Volunteers of America. Learn how she turned her life around.

Dan's life has been touched by addiction multiple times, but thanks to one of our programs he was able to get a fresh start.