Overcoming Barriers: Oscar’s Story

When Oscar was told he got the job after his interview, he couldn’t contain his excitement—jumping up and down with joy. For individuals facing employment barriers, especially those with disabilities, securing a job can be a significant challenge. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is much higher than for the general population, making this moment even more meaningful. “I couldn’t believe it when they told me I got the job!” Oscar shared. “I’m so happy to have this chance to work and show what I can do.” Volunteers of America Texas’ Vocational Opportunities and Training Services (VOTS) Program is…

Bonds Beyond Bars: VOA Texas Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program

Step into a unique program helping incarcerated expectant moms in Texas. They join at seven months pregnant, learn about childbirth and parenting, and bond with their babies for three months. Then, they plan for their child’s care with trusted guardians before returning to jail. Explore their inspiring stories of love and resilience. Stephanie Flores Perez Q: Why are you incarcerated? A: I am incarcerated because I was transporting illegal people. Q: How did you learn about the VOA Texas MINT program? A: I heard about the VOA Texas MINT program after finding out I was pregnant at five months. Q:…

Bonds Beyond Bars: VOA Texas Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program

Step into a unique program helping incarcerated expectant moms in Texas. They join at seven months pregnant, learn about childbirth and parenting, and bond with their babies for three months. Then, they plan for their child’s care with trusted guardians before returning to jail. Explore their inspiring stories of love and resilience. Yesenia Garcia Q: Why are you incarcerated? A: I am incarcerated due to a poor choice I made trying to distribute drugs. Q: How did you learn about the VOA Texas MINT program? A: I was told about the VOA Texas MINT Program at the prison I was…

Bonds Beyond Bars: VOA Texas Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program

Step into a unique program helping incarcerated expectant moms in Texas. They join at seven months pregnant, learn about childbirth and parenting, and bond with their babies for three months. Then, they plan for their child’s care with trusted guardians before returning to jail. Explore their inspiring stories of love and resilience. Sheila Hiedeman Q: Why are you incarcerated? A: I was sentenced to 30 months for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute Fentanyl. Q: How did you learn about the VOA Texas MINT program? A: I heard about the MINT program during my pretrial when I was pregnant with my…

Bonds Beyond Bars: VOA Texas Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program

Step into a unique program helping incarcerated expectant moms in Texas. They join at seven months pregnant, learn about childbirth and parenting, and bond with their babies for three months. Then, they plan for their child’s care with trusted guardians before returning to jail. Explore their inspiring stories of love and resilience. Nadia Espinoza Why are you incarcerated? I was sentenced to 18 months for conspiracy to distribute and attempt to distribute cocaine. How did you learn about the VOA Texas MINT program? I learned about the MINT Program at FPC Bryan while finding out I was pregnant at 11…

Bonds Beyond Bars: VOA Texas Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program

Step into a unique program helping incarcerated expectant moms in Texas. They join at seven months pregnant, learn about childbirth and parenting, and bond with their babies for three months. Then, they plan for their child’s care with trusted guardians before returning to jail. Explore their inspiring stories of love and resilience. Angelina Rivera Why are you incarcerated? Originally, I was incarcerated for conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine. As of right now, my probation has been revoked, and I am serving a sentence of ten months. How did you learn about the VOA Texas MINT program?  When I knew…

VOA Texas Joins New Coalition Time to Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now

Urging Texas Legislature to Increase Pay for Direct Support Professionals FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN, TX – In a resolute step towards championing those who care for Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Volunteers of America Texas has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement to address the urgent issue of underfunding faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care individuals with IDD. The chronic underfunding of DSPs has not only compromised the quality of care provided to individuals with IDD but has also led to…

Living a Purposeful Life

“Today I have a purpose,” says DeAnnah Green, 48. “I’ve never had a purpose, a dream, a goal. Now I have a lot of people behind me rooting me on instead of pulling me down.” DeAnnah talks about her life from her new digs at the 24-Hour Club in Dallas. But this is hardly the kind of “club” that may come to mind. The “Two-Four”, as residents call it, offers transitional housing and all-around support for people fighting addiction and seeking a fresh start. DeAnnah, battled a substance use disorder for 20s, came to know the Two-Four after she found…

VOA Texas Announces King Foundation Grant to Help Former Federal Inmates Successfully Re-Enter the Community

DALLAS, Texas – Time served in prison is hard to overcome, especially when a former inmate begins searching for meaningful employment. At Volunteers of America Texas, however, there is a firm belief in second chances and a program that makes them possible — the VOA Texas Dallas Re-Entry Career Pathways Program. Thanks to a $25,000 grant provided by the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation for program support and financial coaching for individuals re-entering the community, the Pathways program will be given a boost over the coming year. “We appreciate the King Foundation’s support for second chances,” said Angela…

Rising from Adversity: Eddie’s Journey from Forklift Operator to Financial Stability

Unemployment, homelessness, and incarceration made starting over seemingly difficult for Eddie. As a forklift operator his hourly wage was barely enough to get by, let alone save for the future. Unsure of where to begin, Eddie sought support, recognizing the need for a fresh start. With limited confidence and skills, he embarked on a journey that would redefine his life. Eddie’s turning point came with acceptance into the forklift training program at the Volunteers of America Texas Financial Opportunity Center. Determined, he successfully completed the program, earning the esteemed Forklift Operator credential. Yet, the journey didn’t end there. Armed with…

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