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FORT WORTH — When Ruth relocated from New York to Texas, she hoped to start a new chapter in her life. But without a network of support and full-time employment, she quickly found herself homeless and uncertain of what the future would hold. “I did receive some short-term help,” Ruth said, “but the lack of contacts and job opportunities made it impossible to stay afloat. I ended up homeless and living at Union Gospel Mission.” Despite her circumstances, Ruth’s spirit remained unshaken. She began volunteering at the day resource center for the homeless, offering help to others even while seeking…

CONROE — In the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives across the country, Brandon Campbell was facing another crisis of his own—chronic homelessness and unmanaged diabetes. Navigating the process to obtain identification, verify a qualifying disability, and document long-term homelessness can be overwhelming. But in Brandon’s case, the path to stability unfolded quickly. Volunteers of America Texas first connected with Brandon on April 14, 2020. His intake into the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program took place the very next day—and just one day later, on April 16, he moved into housing. In just three days, Brandon went…

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…

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. 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…

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…

HOME SWEET HOME After surviving domestic violence and other life-altering events, Tammy became homeless. For more than five years, she relied on resources from the Salvation Army and a local women’s center, while living without shelter between the streets and tents. It wasn’t until Tammy was connected with Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas) in Conroe that she began to gain back the hope that she had lost. Through VOA Texas, Tammy was able to get connected with The Way Home’s Permanent Supportive Housing resources and begin the process of finding a home of her own. Tammy recently moved into her…