Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada

Kareem Oneal has served in three VOA positions since joining the team two years ago. He started as a Support Staff member at the Nevada Cares Campus. After three weeks, he was promoted to Diversion and Intake Specialist at the Nevada Cares Campus. Now, Kareem is the supervisor for Reno Works, a workforce development program in partnership with the City of Reno that helps people experiencing homelessness secure employment and, ideally, obtain housing. Kareem has lived experience and shared, “I believe that I’m at VOA because of the past that I’ve had struggles with drugs and alcohol and my drug addiction that led me to homelessness..." To read the rest of Kareem's story, click here: https://lnkd.in/gE-Je5fj

We are #hiring! Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? Do you have a heart for service and a commitment to creating a more inclusive world? If so, we invite you to apply for the Executive Assistant position at our faith-based nonprofit organization, dedicated to ending homelessness and building a healthy community for all people.

Ready to make a meaningful impact every day? 🌟 Join our team and be part of a positive change in the lives of those who need it most. We're searching for individuals with big hearts and a passion for helping those facing homelessness on their journey to recovery and independence. Discover how you can be the difference: https://lnkd.in/gS84py5a 💙 #hiring

Josh Arnold’s passion for VOA’s mission and drive to help others is truly inspiring. Josh brings years of experience working directly with VOA’s programs and clients. He initially joined as a case manager in the veterans program, motivated by his own military background to give back to fellow veterans. Josh’s most rewarding experience was helping his first client obtain housing after being homeless. “Seeing the joy on their face really invigorated me to continue serving people in need.” One of Josh’s proudest achievements is his involvement in opening Nottoli Place. “I was very involved and passionate about opening up Nottoli Place to help seniors... to have more access for seniors in need, where they can have a safe place to go.” Josh’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one can have when driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. His journey from a client seeking assistance to a dedicated employee exemplifies VOA’s mission of instilling hope and transforming lives. Thank you, Josh!

I wrote this piece both to acknowledge the amazing work that has been done to date in our community, but also, to remind us that the work is not finished. "We have a tendency to make the Cares Campus and 4th Street scapegoats for complex societal issues, but this is deeply flawed. It’s like blaming the emergency room for heart disease. You do not close the emergency room; you invest in preventative care and additional treatment. We must do the same now in the social services arena. Housing is unaffordable for many. The opioid epidemic rages on in a fourth wave. Unhoused individuals have 3.5 times higher mortality rates than those who are housed. We need to catch people before they fall into homelessness. Together, we need to build mental health and substance abuse treatment infrastructure. We need affordable housing. The stakes are high. Doing nothing while we wring our hands for a perfect solution is not an option." https://lnkd.in/gC-SzdER

🎉 Congratulations to Paul Esch, our board member, longtime supporter, and friend, for being honored with the UCP of Sacramento and Northern California Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2024! 🎉 Paul, your unwavering dedication and compassion have truly made a significant impact on our community. This prestigious award is a testament to your selfless service and commitment to making the world a better place. Your efforts have not only inspired us but also countless others who are touched by your kindness and generosity. We are incredibly proud to have you as a part of our family, and we celebrate this well-deserved recognition with immense joy. Thank you for being a beacon of hope. Congratulations, Paul! 🌟

🎉 Congratulations to our 2024 Dare to Dream Scholarship winners! 🎓 We're thrilled to support 14 incredible scholars as they embark on their academic journeys. From San Jose State to the University of Alabama, Unitek to Sonoma State University, Los Medanos College to Santa Barbara City College, our scholars are ready to make their dreams a reality. Let's celebrate their hard work and dedication!

Meet Jessica Miller, the assistant manager at VOA’s Central Kitchen, who embodies dedication and passion in her role. Her journey began with volunteering, which quickly turned into a career fueled by her love for cooking and serving those in need. Helping manage a team that provides meals to various shelters and programs across Sacramento, Jessica’s leadership shines through collaboration and learning. “It gives me a joy to cook for people that are less fortunate and to see the smiles on their face.” With no culinary background, Jessica and her team rely on their shared passion for cooking and learning from each other. Central Kitchen’s Manager Stephen McKinney, mentors them, emphasizing continuous improvement. Her commitment extends beyond the kitchen, advocating for more resources to empower individuals to improve their lives. Jessica’s recognition highlights her team’s impact from transforming interns into full-time employees to fostering community support through donations and volunteerism. Jessica’s dedication to VOA’s mission reflects her belief in uplifting and assisting those in need, making her a valued asset to the organization. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and teamwork in creative positive change. Thank you, Jessica! #EmployeeSpotlight #LoveWhereYouWork

Having a place to call home has no age limit. At Nottoli Place, one of our affordable housing properties in Sacramento (Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada), we are serving seniors at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability. From art classes to warm meals, Nottoli Place has become a place where older adults are empowered to restart their life. The community recently celebrated its first anniversary, underscoring the dozens of seniors who have found a home at Nottoli Place. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edPGiBMT #OlderAmericansMonth #healthycommunities4all

Ready to make a meaningful impact every day? 🌟 Join our team and be part of a positive change in the lives of those who need it most. We're searching for individuals with big hearts and a passion for helping those facing homelessness on their journey to recovery and independence. Discover how you can be the difference: https://lnkd.in/gS84py5a 💙 #hiring