Our Impact: Stories

“I was introduced to the THRIVE program through United Way. I was very excited. I thought to myself, ‘This is my second chance at nursing.’” When most of us hear the word “thrive,” we think of what it means to flourish or prosper. For Christine Taylor, however, to thrive means getting a second chance. That’s because when Christine joined VOA Texas’ THRIVE program, she found the way to make a long-ago dream come true: being involved in nursing. Christine, a single mom of a 9-year-old son living with autism, was introduced to THRIVE through the United Way of Greater Houston…

“Being here at Thomas Square Apartments is like an answer to prayer for me.” Joyce Moore, Thomas Square Apartments Resident You could call Joyce Moore the ‘Grande Dame’ of Thomas Square Apartments. At 90 years young, she has called the senior apartment complex home for 14 years, longer than any other resident. It’s also a place she says she is grateful to have found. The apartment complex is nestled in the heart of Burleson, Texas, and is owned by Volunteers of America Texas. The faith-based nonprofit provides housing to low-income seniors who might otherwise lack options for a place to…

SYLVIE WAGNONDirector, Residential Treatment What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the four years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? Coming to work and being able to provide treatment services for those in need, in an environment where I am supported by my supervisory team, working with others who are self-directed to help others as well, and being in a facility that recognizes that we could not do what we do without God’s guidance and support. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. I came into the VOA in the top position at my facility. I was given…

RODNEY WILSONManager, Facilities Services What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the four years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? The goal is to help men and women get their lives on a stable foundation in order to lead healthier and crime-free lifestyles. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. I’ve benefited from growth opportunities by being promoted from a Case Manager to a Facility Service Manager which requires a totally different frame of mind and has more responsibility and new challenges every day. What’s your favorite memory at VOA Texas? My favorite memory would be getting a…

ZELLA RICHARDSDFW Veteran’s Outreach Coordinator What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the nine years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? As a previous client, my motivation is to strengthen the vulnerable with effective strategies and tools to overcome, including connect them with viable community partners. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. VOA Texas provided a safe haven and a loving team to help me not die of my addiction. They have also provided awesome employment, leadership, and spiritual growth opportunities. For instance, I have been elevated to at least four positions, with the most current being…

“Sponsors from VOA really do give you all the tools you need to set you up for success.” Roxaine Oneykakeyah All it took was a chance meeting with a former coworker to set Roxaine Onyekakeya on a path to an independent life, one that includes opportunity, financial stability, and skills for life. Roxaine and her coworker met at a group home where Roxaine’s dedication and commitment to work was clear. She had never heard of Volunteers of America Texas but didn’t hesitate to step up and become a part of the Financial Opportunity Center in Houston where she received her…

“Stephanie helped me get anything I needed. She’s an amazing person.” Duberney Cuero Duberney Cuero can tell you exactly when he became an American citizen. And he can tell you exactly why. It was 2005 at the American embassy in Rome, Italy. He was there as a nearly lifelong resident of the United States and a career soldier who wanted nothing more than to be a full-fledged citizen. “It took three years just to submit the paperwork while I was in Iraq,” he explains. Once in Italy with yet another deployment to a war zone coming up, Duberney asked his…

What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the 16 years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? The mission of helping the vulnerable reach their full potential. We provide different programs so in my position, I get to work with all of the different programs and it is fulfilling work. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. From Program Coordinator to being promoted to Director. In being promoted I get to work with a vast array of other organizations! Sharing about our mission and encouraging them to partner with us and so far it’s been even more rewarding. What’s…

What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the 24 years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? I love working with seniors and people with disabilities and helping them to find affordable, safe, and decent housing. I love the VOA Family and how supportive they have always been to me. VOA has afforded me the opportunity to grow and advance in my field since I joined them in 1998. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. I started with VOA in the closing of the Louisiana Affiliate office and relocating the properties and positions to Texas in Grapevine. I…

PATRICIA ROLANDFederal Case Manager Supervisor, Residential Re-entry What keeps you motivated and dedicated after the five years that you’ve been with VOA Texas? I have the opportunity to let individuals know that they are enough. Many haven’t heard those words and were always told the opposite. My job allows me the opportunity to help individuals navigate a better path or journey. I get to provide them with tools and resources to rebuild and unlock new doors. Explain how you have benefited from growth opportunities at VOA Texas. I’ve been allowed to develop a relationship with resources in the community. I’ve been allowed…