William Jessup University
Corporate
years Anniversary
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
125 Years of Changing Lives
In the photo ( L-R ): Leo McFarland , Akenese Luluga with her daughter Leutu , and Nick Himphill
Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada is celebrating 125 years of service on behalf of the national organization . With dozens of programs , this regional affiliate ’ s charge is to move people from homelessness to independence with love and dignity .
“ Our programs help turn lives around by addressing addiction and homelessness , finding employment and housing , and more ,” says Leo McFarland , president and CEO . “ We assist seniors , families , veterans , the homeless , people with disabilities , mental health and addiction issues , and people emerging from incarceration . Our work is made possible with our community ’ s help and donor support .”
Nick Himphill is an excellent example of the power of VOA ’ s programs and staff . Once a VOA client , he ’ s now a successful businessman and VOA ’ s new board chair . “ My decisions 19 years ago led to my wife and I ending up homeless for three years ,” he says . “ VOA has been invaluable — with their help , I rebuilt my life , from repairing my credit and reconnecting with family to getting back into the workforce and maintaining my addiction recovery . I was able to launch a business and today can give back as the new chair of the VOA board .”
Akenese Luluga is one of the many others who have been supported by VOA after fleeing with her daughter Leutu from domestic violence . They moved through the VOA shelter and now have a stable home of their own . Akenese is working as an employee of VOA and paying it forward by serving families in similar situations .
VOA is proud to partner with public and private organizations throughout the area to strengthen the community . Their unique approach allows them to
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Our programs help turn lives around by addressing addiction and homelessness , finding employment and housing , and more .
— Leo McFarland President & CEO
“ empower and heal individuals so that they can live self-sustaining , positive lives . With people like Nick and Akenese leading the charge , VOA looks forward to continuing their partnership with the Greater Sacramento community for the next 125 years and beyond .
3434 Marconi Avenue , Sacramento , CA 95821 ( 916 ) 265-3400 www . voa-ncnn . org
60 comstocksmag . com | February 2021 SPONSORED PROFILE