Here’s how people experiencing homelessness can earn $75, free lunch to pick up trash in Camden County

CAMDEN COUNTY, Nj – People experiencing homelessness have an opportunity to work and earn some cash and a free lunch in Camden County. The Work Now program is a partnership between Camden County and Volunteers of America (VOA) Delaware Valley. Five days a week ten people experiencing homelessness can sign up to pick up trash for the day and earn $75 and a free lunch. David Williams, 36, started working for the program over a month ago and, with the VOA’s support, now has a full-time job. “They don’t downplay us because some of us are homeless, don’t have jobs or whatever….

Staff Spotlight: Tamika Levels-Hood, VP of Homeless Services

When Tamika Levels-Hood, Vice President of Homeless Services, started college she was not entirely sure what she wanted to do. She only knew that she wanted to help others. At first, she thought she wanted to be an attorney focusing on social justice. Instead, her college experience guided her toward a career with more hands-on social services work. “I had, without my parents knowing, changed my major from English to Sociology, and I took a minor in Criminal Justice,” said Ms. Levels-Hood. “And I definitely waited awhile to tell them.” Ms. Levels-Hood began her career at Volunteers of America Delaware…

Client Success Story: Jamil Pollard

Every single day at VOADV, across our 40 programs, our clients are working towards their personal goals and a second chance at life – and our incredible staff are there to support and guide them every step of the way. Jamil Pollard is the perfect example of that. Through his own hard work, and the assistance of staff at Aletha R. Wright and our Camden Navigational Resource Center, Mr. Pollard recently accepted a job and moved to Brooklyn, NY to continue his journey. Hear his story in the words of his case manager: “Mr. Pollard was displaced from his home…

Kim Love, Director of Specialized Offender Services, Staff Spotlight

Meet Kim Love, Director of Specialized Offender Services at VOADV. With 15 years of experience at the organization, Kim’s dedication and passion for her work are evident. She oversees two of VOADV’s most unique, but impactful programs that she describes as “small but mighty” – the Community Resource Center (CRC), the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP), as well as parole transient housing. When an individual is released on parole, they can be going back to an entirely different world than the one they left – technology and transportation routes have changed, necessary employment skills have advanced, family may have relocated and so much more….

New Jersey Reentry Council Launch

We recently announced the launch of the New Jersey Reentry Council at the New Jersey County Jail Wardens Association Conference in Atlantic City. Funded by Pew Charitable Trusts, the Council is designed to bring together reentry stakeholders across disciplines throughout the state to share best practices, resources and overcome barriers. With the unique expertise offered by each member, the New Jersey Reentry Council will be a resource for stakeholders to ensure those we serve are afforded every opportunity for short and long term stabilization pre and post release. We are hopeful that combined efforts through the Council will enhance an…

Leaving A Legacy

“I hope to keep doing the work that positively changes the lives of people while making sure the organization I’m working for has the greatest impact.” – Stephen A. Shultz, May 2017 This quote defines Steve’s valued service to Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, and will now serve as a reminder to everyone who enters our Collingswood office. On September 20, 2022 the VOADV team was honored to dedicate the building to former staff member, Stephen A. Shultz, in honor of his invaluable contributions to the organization. Over 11 years, Steve served as Chief of Staff, Senior Vice President for…

#ShiptBusTour & Operation Backpack®

According to Deloitte’s 2022 back-to-school survey, parents plan to spend an average of $661 per child on back-to-school shopping so their student is prepared for a year of educational success. In fact, according to Deloitte, back-to-school shopping is the second largest annual expense for families after the holidays. There is no question that having the required supplies is important for a student – being prepared to take on another year of school with the right tools in hand can be a game changer. However, when a family is living paycheck to paycheck, children learn to make do with what they have…

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