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…

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 As of right now, my probation has been revoked, and I am serving a sentence of ten months.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…

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…

“Today I have a purpose,” says DeAnnah, 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 herself…

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…

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…

Fort Worth, TX – As temperatures remain cold in North Texas, Volunteers of America Texas, in collaboration with Subaru of America, Inc. and Operation Warm, has embarked on a mission to ensure that vulnerable children have the warmth they need to face the cold. This initiative aims to bring comfort, confidence, and hope to those in need through the generous donation of brand-new shoes, socks, and coats. On Monday, January 22, a dedicated group of volunteers convened at 2401 Scott Avenue in Fort Worth, TX, to kick off this heartwarming campaign. As families walked in they were greeted by volunteers,…

Her former apartment was hardly ideal. Alecia Sanchez, a 70-year-old widow with hardly any family, shared her living quarters with rats—big rats—who had easy access through holes in the walls. This, however, is no longer the case. Sanchez is now safely ensconced as one of the first residents of The Oaks, the newest high-end apartment complex to grace the Dallas skyline. Located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood south of downtown, this senior living community has a unique feature. Affordability. The Oaks represents the culmination of years of planning to bring new, quality affordable housing to Dallas’s senior citizens, both those…

Volunteers of America Texas to Administer the Three-Year Program Dallas, Texas – U.S. Military veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless have a new resource dedicated to finding permanent housing. The new Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) is funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and will be operated by Volunteers of America Texas, the local affiliate of a nationwide nonprofit that already operates several veterans’ assistance programs and is also a leader in fighting homeless in Texas for veterans and civilians alike. VOA Texas has already received the first year’s…

VOA Texas Supporter, Beverly Terranova (pictured left with her daughter, Marie and husband Gerald) gives generously to VOA Texas on North Texas Giving Day. In the throes of a global pandemic, VOA Texas has been truly blessed by the outpouring of support from donors and friends in the community. Beverly Terranova, 88 of Arlington, is one of many bright stars who shined their light in a time of need. Beverly’s connection to VOA Texas is personal, as her oldest child, Marie, receives support through the Individuals with Developmental Disabilities program. She was born with brain damage and can live on…