Message from the President
Thomas Bierbaum, Chief Executive Office
January, 2012
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on our achievements of 2011 I am enormously proud of what’s been accomplished. I also know that it would not have been possible without the support of our committed donors and volunteers. It is because of you that we are here today, fiscally sound and ideally positioned to continue making an incredible positive change in our communities in 2012.
2011 was an uncommon year of growth for Volunteers of America’s programs. There seems to be one common theme; continuing to successfully serve more people in need. Your generous support makes that possible.
This past year we launched two new programs. In collaboration with the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and the Federal Department of Justice we created the Norfolk County Corrections Re-entry Mentoring program. This program provides support for ex-offenders reentering the community through the use of volunteer mentors from the community. We began in March and since then, more than 20 ex-offenders have been paired with a mentor and given the support they need to succeed.
This past fall we started the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program (SSVF). Volunteers of America provides help to veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. A grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed us to make this service possible. SSVF focuses on preventing homelessness, increasing housing stability, and enhancing independent living skills of very low income veterans.
Since 2009 we have worked in concert with the Boston VA Medical Center to serve a growing number of veterans in recovery at our Hello House substance abuse center. Today, approximately 40% of the clients at Hello House are veterans. We are committed to serving them and honoring those who have sacrificed so much.
As we move into 2012 we continue to expand on our effort to help homeless veterans. This year we’re refurbishing and enhancing an existing building in Somerville to provide housing for twenty-nine veterans in need housing and services. This project is well underway and we anticipate opening in December of 2012.
As I look back on these accomplishments, I am mindful that without support from our donors and volunteers, all of this would not be possible. Because of you, we are able to help the neediest in our communities.
We are determined to make the very best of this momentum in the upcoming year. With a strong, motivated team working together and dedicated supporters like you, we are confident we will succeed with encouragement for that many more people.
On behalf of Volunteers of America, I wish you and your families, a happy and successful 2012.
Best Regards,
Thomas L. Bierbaum
President/CEO