CONROE — For Samantha, a career in healthcare isn’t just a job—it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. But pursuing that dream came with challenges, including the financial burden of training and certification. With Volunteers of America Texas, Samantha found the support she needed to stay focused and move forward. She recently completed her phlebotomy certification, made possible by funding through the program and consistent guidance from her VOA Texas coach. “My coach provided exceptional support throughout my training,” Samantha said. “The mentorship and guidance helped me navigate the complexities of the program and ensured…

HOUSTON — Ari always dreamed of becoming an electrician, but the road ahead wasn’t easy. With limited resources and mounting challenges, her goal seemed just out of reach—until she found a lifeline through Volunteers of America Texas. Through the Financial Opportunity Center, VOA Texas helped Ari flip the switch on her future. She was accepted into Lone Star Community College’s Electrical Technology program and received assistance with tuition, uniforms, tools and supplies—removing key barriers that had once dimmed her ambitions. Beyond the classroom, Ari participated in financial literacy workshops that gave her the skills to budget and save. She landed…

Tim Lloyd was just 11 years old when his childhood was abruptly torn apart. After his parents’ divorce, his mother remarried—and the man she chose became Lloyd’s abuser. “For years, I lived in fear,” said Lloyd, now 62. “From the time I was 11 until I was 18, I was physically and mentally abused by my stepfather.” Despite the chaos, Lloyd found a glimmer of hope when a friend’s family took him in during his senior year of high school. He graduated, started to rebuild, but the trauma lingered. Finding Belonging in the Wrong Places “I got caught up in…

Each morning, Marlena begins her day with gratitude. “First, I thank God for waking me up and giving me another chance,” she said. It’s a routine she never imagined she’d have just a few years ago, when survival meant searching for food in trash cans and spending every dollar on drugs. Marlena’s life took a downward spiral in 2019 after returning home to care for her aging parents. When they passed away, grief pulled her back into addiction. Crack cocaine consumed her days, and as her resources dwindled, so did her stability. She lost her home, enduring years of homelessness—sleeping…

EULESS, TX – Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Little as Chief Operating Officer beginning Monday, March 3. Little, a longtime leader in the affordable housing industry, brings significant experience in operations, finance, and risk management to her new role. As one of the nation’s largest providers of affordable housing, VOA will greatly benefit from Lori’s wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field. “We are thrilled to welcome Lori to the VOA Texas leadership team,” said Angela King, President & CEO of VOA Texas. “She has served as a VOA Texas board…

On any given day, Lyndon, 38, can be found doing what he loves most—talking about sports. Whether reminiscing about his time as an assistant coach at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, TX, celebrating his Hall of Fame induction for weightlifting, or competing with his Special Olympics bowling team, his passion is unmistakable. But Lyndon’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with down syndrome, arrhythmia, hypothyroidism, and a history of blood clots and gout, he has faced significant health hurdles. Additionally, the passing of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic left an emotional void that has been difficult to…

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…

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:…

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…

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…