Stories

At VOA Northern Rockies, our programs do more than offer treatment—they build vital bridges to hope, healing, and cultural identity. For many of our clients from Native American communities, reconnecting with their tribal traditions is an essential part of recovery. Through culturally grounded approaches, tailored support, and respect for heritage, VOA Northern Rockies honors the profound role that culture plays in healing. For Buddy, a proud member of the Crow Nation, this integration of culture and care has been transformative—allowing him not only to reclaim his life but to rediscover the strength embedded in his roots. 

For years, Buddy battled addiction—overcoming methamphetamine and alcohol dependency while facing the painful fractures it caused in his relationships. The toll was heavy: estranged from his children and grandchildren and haunted by the weight of missed moments and broken promises. 

Yet, amid the darkness, a spark remained. Buddy’s fierce love for his family, especially his grandchildren, became a source of motivation to seek change. “I’ve got to do my part to get them back,” he says, acknowledging the pain of absence but holding hope for reunion. 

His path to healing led him to VOA Northern Rockies, where he was welcomed with respect, dignity, and support in a transformative space. Here, Buddy found more than treatment; he found community. He discovered a culture that honored his Crow heritage, incorporating traditions and teachings that deeply resonated and reconnected him to his identity. “I translate everything in Crow. If I want it bad enough, I find direction. I seek help,” he said. “My culture, that’s what it’s all about.”   

Through culturally grounded White Bison Certified programs and structured by the Wellbriety, Buddy discovered a new way forward. Wellbriety is rooted in Indigenous wisdom and 12-step recovery principles, which gave him tools to understand his powerlessness and embrace honesty—the foundational steps to rebuilding his life. He found that translating these teachings into his Crow language helped reconnect him with his identity in a meaningful, authentic way. 

Through immersive programs and peer support, Buddy embraced tools like “mind mapping,” blending Native wisdom and recovery principles to better understand powerlessness and honesty in his journey. “It’s about honesty… I’m having a hard time trying to mind map that, but it’s getting there,” he said. “I’m digging deeper.”  

What makes Buddy’s story uniquely inspiring is the way he channels his recovery into service for others. He has become a mentor, teacher, and role model—not just within VOA Northern Rockies but in his community. Buddy adopted a young man from the program, giving him a Crow name and embracing him as family. He teaches youth how to rope and fish, passing down cultural knowledge and providing stability many had never known. 

His commitment extends beyond his own healing—it’s a commitment to healing his community. He understands the tragic consequences when people lack safe, supportive environments, and he advocates for treatment centers that honor both culture and recovery. “Here, I’m learning how to be whole, to find myself, so that when I go back home, I can deal with it there,” he said. “I want to live a long time and do this—help my people—and share what I’ve learned   

Buddy’s journey also embodies the profound impact of faith and gratitude. “This place has helped me believe in myself and my culture again,” he said. ” it’s reconnecting with who I am—my roots, my language, my clan system.”  He credits his spiritual growth and the power of prayer as pillars in his transformation. Equipped now with humility, honesty, and renewed purpose, he is determined to live fully—to be a strong father, husband, grandfather, and community leader. 

“I’ve learned how to take care of my health, my body, and to be thankful and humble,” he said. “Every day is too short not to use what I’ve been given.” His resilience is a testament to the power of second chances, the strength found in culture and community, and the healing that radical hospitality brings. 

At VOA Northern Rockies, we are honored to walk alongside individuals like Buddy, whose stories inspire us all to lead with open hearts and serve with unwavering purpose. Through his courage and commitment, Buddy not only reclaims his own life but lights a path of hope for others ready to embrace transformation. 

In the heart of the Black Hills community, a story of resilience and hope unfolded — one that epitomizes the vital work of VOA Northern Rockies. Meet Amelia, a devoted mother whose life took an unexpected turn following the tragic loss of her children’s father. Overwhelmed by grief and the sudden instability that followed, Amelia found herself and her two daughters facing homelessness as their world spiraled into uncertainty.

When Amelia first walked through the doors of VOA, she was seeking emergency shelter and assistance. The pressures of maintaining a safe space for her daughters became insurmountable. 

Being homeless, especially with children, is a heartbreaking experience — a reality that no family should endure. VOA staff understood the urgency of her situation and acted swiftly to connect Amelia with services.

As part of our comprehensive support, we provided emergency shelter and access to our food pantry and essential family supplies, including diapers, wipes, and formula. 

Our goal is clear: to help families like Amelia’s from crisis to long-term stability by providing temporary assistance and the guidance to build a better life. Our approach encompasses not just a roof over their heads but also a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and independence through financial resources, case management, and mental health support.

Amelia exemplified determination from the start. Described lovingly by her case manager as a “go-getter,” she quickly took action. Within just a month of being placed in temporary housing, Amelia successfully secured a permanent home for her family, marking a new beginning for her and her daughters.

However, life threw an unexpected challenge at Amelia just a few months later. She called VOA to say, “My house caught on fire.” Stunned, our team leapt into action, coordinating immediate assistance through the Red Cross for clothing and personal items, alongside Mommy’s Closet to provide crucial hygiene supplies and food.

Throughout these challenges, VOA’s broad network of services and resources meant that Amelia and her girls had the help they needed. 

Amelia’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience that can emerge when people are empowered with the right resources.

What truly defines Amelia’s story is not just her struggles, but her unwavering dedication to her daughters and their future. As she faced each hurdle, we supported her belief that this was just a season — one she would overcome to focus on building a stable life, pursuing education, and a fulfilling career.

Many who encounter Amelia in everyday life might never guess the nights spent sleeping in her car, or the uncertainty that lurked around every corner. 

Yet her story is not unique. At VOA, we recognize that countless families are hovering near the brink of homelessness, grappling with challenges like eviction, missed utility payments, and unforeseen life circumstances.

VOA’s mission extends beyond merely addressing immediate needs, we are committed to helping balance the mind, body, and spirit of those who come to us for assistance in their time of need. 

VOA stands as a beacon of hope, providing care that empowers individuals, re-shapes families futures, and harnesses hope across communities.

We are grateful for your support. It is your generosity that cared for Amelia and her daughters when life seemed hopeless. Because of you, 10,065 of your neighbors were able to harness hope and re-shape their future. 

And so, in Amelia’s words, “Thank you – you changed my life and the lives of my two daughters, we are forever grateful.” 

Eric, a Veteran who served three deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, faced challenges many cannot imagine. His journey with VOA began through a simple conversation at the local Veterans hall, where organizations gather to connect and support those who have served. A friend introduced him to a VOA Moral Injury Specialist, and from there, Eric’s life started to shift in a meaningful way.

Eric was living sparsely in a small, apartment that barely felt like a home. The walls echoed the solitude that defined Eric’s life. His space reflected a struggle with underhousing, where basic comforts were sacrificed for survival. Despite the challenges he faced, there was a quiet resilience in Eric, hinting at hopes for a future that transcended the confines of his current existence. 

Eric, a Veteran who served three deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, faced challenges many cannot imagine. His journey with VOA began through a simple conversation at the local Veterans hall, where organizations gather to connect and support those who have served. A friend introduced him to a VOA Moral Injury Specialist, and from there, Eric’s life started to shift in a meaningful way.

Eric was living sparsely in a small, apartment that barely felt like a home. The walls echoed the solitude that defined Eric’s life. His space reflected a struggle with underhousing, where basic comforts were sacrificed for survival. Despite the challenges he faced, there was a quiet resilience in Eric, hinting at hopes for a future that transcended the confines of his current existence. 

He underwent training to become an instructor and began facilitating groups in Lander, Wyoming. While that first  group faced challenges, Eric gained valuable insights. “What I learned is that often, when we want to quit and simply isolate … I think we really need to do the work and push through – because there is hope on the other side,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability in creating meaningful support systems.

Eric’s involvement with VOA has had a profound impact on his own life. “Before the retreat, I often felt the need to isolate,” he admitted. Through the retreat and his role as an instructor, he’s seen positive changes in himself, including a greater willingness to connect with others.

When asked what he would say to other Veterans hesitant to seek help, Eric highlighted the supportive and inclusive nature of VOA. He recalled attending a town hall-style forum, where he shared his experiences and answered questions from the community. “That was really beneficial—explaining the program but also sharing firsthand experience,” he said.

Eric appreciates the genuine care and compassion he’s encountered through VOA. “The people are very friendly; they truly care,” he said. Eric noted that VOA’s Christian-based approach is never forceful. As someone who identifies as more spiritual than religious, this inclusive attitude resonated deeply with him.

Eric’s journey with VOA demonstrates the power of community, understanding, and a willingness to take the first step toward healing. 

His story is a testament to the incredible resilience of Veterans and the life-changing impact of VOA’s Moral Injury Program. 

By opening up, helping others, and embracing the support around him, Eric has not only found his own path to healing but has also become a guiding light for others. 

A former member of the United States Coast Guard from 1988 to 1992, John had a distinguished service career, primarily in communications for drug interdiction missions. Following his military service, he embarked on a civilian life, successfully running a construction company for 33 years. Despite this professional success, John battled severe PTSD, alcoholism, and the devastating grief of losing loved ones, which eventually led him to homelessness.

The intervention of VOA marked a significant turning point in John’s life. This assistance was transformative, providing not just aid, but a framework for recovery and self-improvement. VOA set and maintained goals with John, which played a pivotal role in rebuilding his life. Today, John looks at his life with renewed confidence and a positive outlook. He attributes his sobriety and his rejuvenated perspective on life to the consistent and structured support provided by VOA.

John firmly believes that without the help of VOA, his circumstances might have remained dire. The program’s focus on building self-confidence and fostering a sense of belonging and future prospects was critical in his recovery process.

John’s journey is a profound narrative of personal resilience and strength. It underscores the essential role that organizations like VOA play in aiding individuals in their most vulnerable moments. His story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about the power of structured support and guidance in enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and look forward to a future filled with possibilities.

As John’s story vividly illustrates, the journey from hardship to stability is challenging yet achievable with the right support. HVRP offered by VOA plays a crucial role in this transformation. If you know a veteran who is struggling with job issues, homelessness, or similar challenges, we urge you to reach out to us. Our program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of veterans, providing them with the necessary resources, support, and guidance to navigate their way back to a stable and fulfilling life. By contacting HVRP, veterans can access a wide range of services tailored to their individual circumstances, helping them regain their footing in society. Let’s join hands in ensuring that our veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Contact us today to make a difference in the life of a veteran in need.

Before discovering Volunteers of America (VOA), James had navigated a challenging path, mixed with regrettable decisions and a profound moral struggle. Reflecting on his past, he admitted, “I realized how much I had lost due to the many poor choices I made. How low I had sunk morally and in my values.” James’ military service had transitioned into a career in law enforcement, initially a source of purpose and pride. However, it was cut short after 23 years, leaving him brokenhearted and disillusioned. He confided, “I had planned to do 30 years but left after 23… brokenhearted.” In search of hope, James had been looking in all the wrong places, but his story was far from over.

Amidst the storm that had engulfed him, a glimmer of hope emerged through a close friend who recognized the potential for transformation within the VOA community. This friend introduced James to VOA’s Homeless & Veteran Services.

Overwhelmed by the support and care he received, James shared, “I am honestly floored by VOA’s incredible support system and staff.” Guided by the compassionate staff at Volunteers of America, James embarked on a journey of self-discovery and redemption while finding stable and secure housing. He revealed, “With excellent guidance from truly caring folks, I’ve re-established some degree of my self-respect and the ability to move on.”

Today, James is a testament to the transformative power of VOA’s programs. Even after transitioning out of Veteran housing, he remains active in a VOA Moral Injury class, continuing his journey of healing and self-improvement. 

Deeply touched by the support he received, James has made VOA one of his primary priorities for a donation this Holiday Season. He explained his decision:

“Now that things are looking up, I’ve made VOA one of my donation priorities because I know how needed it is and personally know the difference it makes in many lives.”

James’ story beautifully embodies the theme of “Giving Hope” through VOA’s Services. It serves as a reminder of the incredible potential for renewal and redemption that lies within us all. Together with you, VOA continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need, offering a lifeline to individuals seeking to charge, like a buffalo, into the storm that life brings determined to emerge on the other side stronger than ever.

Alcohol initially seemed like the antidote to her isolation, giving her the illusion of camaraderie and temporary relief from her internal turmoil. Jesse felt a semblance of happiness in this new lifestyle fleeting distractions from her inner struggles and a newfound confidence she had longed for.

This was the beginning of Jesse’s journey through addiction. Soon after embracing alcohol, she began experimenting with marijuana and cocaine during her high school years. She confided, “Cocaine gave me the confidence that I craved my whole life, so I found it to be what truly started my addiction.”

A 4.0 student with a passion for learning, Jesse embarked on her college journey, brimming with excitement. However, her addiction, introduced a new vice – pain pills. This marked the pivotal turning point when her addiction commandeered every facet of her life.

Jesse recollects, “It happened so quickly. Pain pills led to drinking more and no longer just partying but using [drugs] to get through the day. I remember the day it happened. I was asked, ‘Hey do you want to try this?’ It was meth. I knew that any kind of drug would make me feel better and happier at this time, so I did it.”

Gradually, Jesse’s life became consumed by her substance use. She bartended while indulging in alcohol during work hours, and meth became her companion for sleepless nights spent studying. She tragically flunked out of college, as her addiction flourished, overshadowing her passion for education and life. All that mattered was getting high.

Residing in a destitute trailer without basic amenities, Jesse sold meth to make ends meet while maintaining the facade of a “functioning” addict. It was here that she hit rock bottom.

At this critical moment, Jesse realized it was time to change, yet she questioned her capacity to do it on her own. To her surprise, she found herself in a jail cell instead.

“I remember riding in the back of a cop car on the way to jail and thinking ‘How did someone that had so much charisma and desire for life end up here?’ It didn’t seem real to me,” Jesse recounted.

A year inside those confining jail walls compelled Jesse to confront her own choices and accept responsibility for her predicament. She longed for a life free from the shackles of addiction, but the path forward remained uncertain.

During her time in jail, Jesse requested a list of treatment centers and reached out to every one of them. Volunteers of America (VOA) promptly responded, offering her the first steps toward recovery.

“Walking into treatment was the scariest thing I have ever done. It was the most terrifying day of my life but turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made,”Jesse affirmed.

During her time in treatment, Jesse regained her lost confidence, the very quality she had sought during the start of her addiction many years ago. VOA provided her with the foundation for sobriety and taught her that she could thrive in life, rather than being broken and enslaved by her addiction.

“VOA acted as a guardrail for me when I was headed around the steep curve of my addiction,” she gratefully acknowledged.

During Jesse’s sentencing, a pivotal moment unfolded when the judge remarked, “You strike me as someone who will one day be speaking to men and women about addiction and why not to do drugs.” Little did she know that this was the precise path her life would travel down. A year after completing her treatment, Jesse assumed the role of a Recovery Health Technician for VOA.

Jesse shared, “Working for VOA offered me the platform to help others and utilize my experience through addiction as a positive light for others, instead of being ashamed of what I had been through.”

Volunteers of America equipped Jesse with the tools she needed to forge a successful, sober, and joyful existence. She discovered how to nourish her soul in a healthy way during her time in treatment and has continued to do so as a dedicated employee. She grasped the significance of self-care and prioritizing her well-being. Jesse is now a dedicated trail runner and weightlifter, tools she adopted during her time in treatment.

Jesse extends her profound gratitude to everyone who played a role in her recovery journey and her career at VOA. That includes every single donor, volunteer, and employee. Without the unwavering support she received, she believes she might not be here today.

Today, Jesse has earned a degree in psychology and also serves as a Recruiter for VOA. She married the love of her life, and continues to prioritize her sobriety and well-being.

Brenda was desperate for help – not just for herself but for her three young daughters. It was then that she discovered a lifeline at Volunteers of America (VOA).

Brenda’s story began when she had her first child at the age of 19. She married her high school sweetheart, hoping to provide a stable environment for their daughter. However, the pressures of motherhood (having two more daughters) and the weight of post-partum depression led her to seek solace in alcohol and occasional drug use. At that point, Brenda didn’t see her substance use as a significant issue; it was just the lifestyle she and her husband had known for years.

Two decades into their marriage, Brenda and her husband separated, leaving her feeling utterly lost. She had never been alone before and struggled to cope with the newfound loneliness. What started as occasional drug use quickly escalated into a full-blown addiction, with cocaine, Adderall, and methamphetamines becoming her refuge from life’s hardships.

Reflecting on her situation, Brenda recalled, “My marriage had failed, I wasn’t reliable for work, and, most of all, I wasn’t there for my children. I felt dead inside.” The turning point came when she realized that her four-year-old daughter had never known her sober. Brenda knew it was time for a change.

Entering treatment at VOA was a daunting step for Brenda. It meant temporarily leaving her daughters behind in the hopes of becoming a better mother through sobriety. She said, “I had a lot of guilt being at treatment, away from my kids. But I promised myself that if I was going to be away from them, I was going to give it my all. I wanted to learn everything I could to live a sober life and be the best mom I could be.”  

Through the 12-step program at VOA, Brenda achieved just that.

While in treatment, Brenda was diagnosed with ADHD and depression, but she learned healthy coping mechanisms for her mental health issues without resorting to substance use. She found the White Bison Certified Wellbriety Program particularly fitting with her recovery process, which emphasized the importance of spirituality through Native American practices, including being a good person, making the right choices, and connecting with a higher power.

Since completing treatment, Brenda has rebuilt her relationship with her daughters, proving to them that she can lead a happy, sober life. 

She shared, “Many of the recovery values that I learned in treatment are things that I am implementing in raising my children now. I try to slow life down a lot more. We take a lot of time for prayer and simply enjoying each other. I am much more empathetic with them, and emotionally there for them. I would not have been able to do this in active addiction.”

Today, Brenda actively participates in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and dedicates her life to her sobriety and her children. She’s embarked on a new path, pursuing an education in social work with a focus on addiction treatment. Her heartfelt desire is to help others transform their lives, just as VOA transformed hers. Brenda expressed, “I’m so grateful and blessed to have gone through treatment at VOA. It truly saved my life.” Brenda’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of recovery and resilience.

Mindy raced home from middle school eager to tell her parents the good news: she had been elected president of her class! However, when Mindy arrived at her house, she saw a moving truck in the driveway. With no prior notice or opportunity for goodbyes, Mindy and her mother left West Virginia and moved to Wyoming. Her parents told her they were divorcing. 14-year-old Mindy was torn from the life she’d always known, and she felt broken and alone.

Lost and overwhelmed, Mindy responded with rebellion. Her new friends introduced her to the party scene, which started her 15-year journey with addiction. She flew under the radar, getting straight As in school while hiding her drug and alcohol use.

Her home life grew more difficult, and Mindy wanted to escape. Mindy moved out and got her own place at the age of 16. She was still in school, working full-time, and paying her own rent. She felt happier living on her own, but continued using drugs and alcohol to numb her trauma and fit in with her “friends”.

She graduated high school and had her first daughter. When her daughter was four, they moved to Laramie, Wyoming and Mindy started college, hoping to build a more promising future for her and her daughter. She was going to school, raising her daughter on her own, and working as a bartender.

She felt as though she was doing everything right… but she was still actively using drugs and alcohol. Mindy was able to camouflage her addiction with her job as a bartender – drinking often, doing cocaine on the weekends, and smoking marijuana before class.

“I was getting into messy situations because of my lust for cocaine”, Mindy stated.

Amidst her addiction and being a single mother, Mindy worked hard to complete her undergraduate degree and begin law school. After successfully graduating law school, she landed a job as a lawyer and dove headfirst into a promising career.

She felt like nothing could stop her, until it did. Her drug use escalated to regularly using meth. She explained, “Meth was a better high for a cheaper price, so cocaine and marijuana were no longer necessary for me.”

Mindy’s life crumbled – her license to practice law was suspended, she obtained criminal charges, lost custody of her youngest child, and her home was foreclosed.

“I felt like I lost everything that mattered to me” she stated, “and I knew it was because of my addiction.”

In hopes of putting the pieces of her life back together, Mindy occasionally attended AA meetings, but with no accountability. She even attempted treatment, hoping that something would ignite her recovery, but nothing was working.

One day, Mindy and her eldest daughter got into a physical altercation with one another, and this is when she knew she needed help. She prayed to God for guidance. The very next day her daughter drove her to treatment at Volunteers of America.

During the first few weeks of treatment, Mindy struggled to take accountability for her actions and questioned if she could continue. Mindy was mad at God and hesitant to start the Christian Enhancement Program, until one night she had an awakening during a conversation with one of her Group Leaders. In this moment, she prayed to God for forgiveness and guidance. This is when she decided to begin her journey in the Christian Enhancement Program.

“This is truly when my life began. I started working the program like my life depended on it – because it did”, she stated.

During her time in the program, Mindy attended Bible studies, absorbed information from daily classes, and wrote in her journal. She finally felt connected to God again, and was ready to take on her life clean and sober through the tools she learned during her time in the Christian Enhancement Program.

“I saw myself changing. I felt it in my heart for the first time since my addiction started” she explained, “I hadn’t liked myself in a long time, and I was finally starting to.”

Mindy let God back into her heart and took her sobriety seriously. Her walk with Christ during her time at VOA transformed her life. She felt like she was finally becoming the woman that God wanted her to be.

She stated, “I’m not running the show anymore, I’m letting God run the show.”

She successfully graduated from treatment and celebrates five years of sobriety this month, April 2023. Mindy is now the President of Recover Wyoming in Cheyenne, helping guide others on their path to clean and sober living.

She is also working as a lawyer again, which she questioned if she would ever be able to do. In fact, she is working alongside the very attorney that prosecuted her while she was using drugs and alcohol. She explains, “God has guided me in every step of my recovery, and He led me to the opportunity to practice law again.”

Her life has truly come full circle because of the support and guidance that she received at VOA.

“I felt lost for so many years. Now I am empowered. The world has opened its doors to me, it’s so full of opportunities” Mindy expressed, “VOA will always have such a special place in my heart because it forced me to take a look at myself and helped me find my way back to God.”

Dr. Kathryn Hopfensperger, a psychiatrist with Volunteers of America, says that the stigma surrounding mental health stops people from getting the help they need. “Fear, misunderstanding, and shame are huge barriers for people to seek treatment,” she explains

Barbie certainly felt that barrier when she needed help. “People think it’s bad to say ‘I have mental health problems,’” she says. “I thought it meant that I was less-than, or weak. But it’s the same as if I broke my arm or my leg and it needed a cast. My mind and my heart needed a cast to heal from everything that was going on.”

Like many, Barbie’s mental health problems were exacerbated by a tragedy in her life. After her young granddaughter was murdered, she could not see a future for herself. “I’ve been depressed all my life,” Barbie says. “But I was angry. I could no longer think, I couldn’t do anything. It was paralyzing.”

Convinced that there was no other way out of her pain, Barbie attempted to take her own life. She spent five days in the ICU and was connected with the mental health resources available at Volunteers of America. She has discovered what it feels like to take care of her mental health and to work on healing from the trauma of her past.

At Volunteers of America, a team of people including peer specialists, therapists, case managers, nurses, and others work together to help each client along their unique mental health journey. This team approach allows for a broader range of expertise in each case and ensures that the client feels heard and empowered as they undergo the tough task of working on their mental wellness.

We encourage you to remember the importance of mental health. Check-in with those around you and, more importantly, check in with yourself. Evaluate how your mental health is impacting your life, for better or worse, and be sure you know the resources that are available to help should a mental health crisis arise.

Barbie found hope at Volunteers of America. She learned the importance of taking care of her mental health and got the support she needed to work through the struggles she was facing. More importantly, she learned that there is no shame in asking for help. We hope that we can work together to create a culture that values mental health care and encourages people to seek help when they need it with no shame attached.

When Dakota first came to the Independent Living program at Volunteers of America in April of 2021, he was struggling to live on his own. He had turned 18 in December, and was excited to finally be out of the custody of the Department of Family Services.

But life on his own was not everything he had dreamed it to be. He completed a Job Corps program in warehousing, but soon came to realize that he would need help learning how to live independently and become a sustainable adult. He did not know how to find a job, open a bank account, or even how to buy groceries. The only food he could prepare for himself was microwaveable and of low nutritious value. He did not know how to use public transportation and could not afford any other way of getting around.

When he came to Volunteers of America for help, his case manager immediately set to work. Together, they created a plan that would help Dakota gain the necessary skills and set him up for success.

The first step was for Dakota to voluntarily sign himself back into Department of Family Services custody, qualifying him for more services and funding. He took this opportunity very seriously, and committed to a plan that would help him transition successfully into adulthood.

Then, they got him placed in one of our transitional apartments for youth in his situation. Rent at these apartments is determined by income and includes intensive case management, making them a perfect fit for youth who, like Dakota, reach the age of legal adulthood without the skills required to be an adult.

Two short months later, Dakota had his own checking and savings account. He had a job that lined up perfectly with the Job Corps training he had received. He was confident using public transportation and going to the grocery store on his own. He even worked with his case manager to find a new recipe each week, which they would cook together so he could learn to prepare nutritious meals for himself.

With these basics covered, Dakota set a big goal for himself; to save enough money to buy a car.

In January of 2022, just nine months after coming to the Independent Living program and a little over a year since the 18th birthday that found him so underprepared for adulthood, Dakota made his dream a reality.

Most of the money came from his hard-earned savings and, with a little financial support from VOA and encouragement from his case manager, Dakota purchased himself a car.

Dakota has come a long way from the person who first walked through our doors. He now has a job and a bank account, can purchase and prepare nutritious meals for himself, and is the proud owner of his first car. More importantly, he has learned how to set goals and work towards them with tenacity.

Together with his case manager, Dakota has set his next big goal; to move out of the transitional apartment and into a place of his own. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring and determined young man. With the life skills he needs to be a successful adult, we have no doubt that he will create a life he is proud of.

As a Veteran living with PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression, Ronnie was having a hard time when he came to our Veteran Outreach Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Just meeting with our case manager Jennifer Wallace was a huge step for him, but he left that meeting determined to find stable housing.

Thanks to a grant from The Home Depot Foundation, we were able to pay his rental arrears and late charges that had been stacking up and stopping Ronnie from finding a stable place to start over. Ronnie paid the cleaning and damage charges from his last rental and was ready for a fresh start.

Despite his mental health struggles, family troubles, and a broken-down car – which stopped Ronnie from making money through grocery delivery – he remained determined to find a home for himself.

Before long, Ronnie did just that. Through our community partnerships, we found a landlord who was willing to work with Ronnie’s rental history and got him into safe housing.

Thanks to our faithful supporters, Ronnie’s deposit and first month’s rent will be covered while he focuses on other stability goals. It is a privilege to walk alongside clients like Ronnie, offering support as they step into lives of security.

During the holiday season, many of the kids in our programs here at Volunteers of America are reminded that they have no one to fill their stockings, and a time that should be filled with joy weighs heavy on their hearts.

They are the children who did not have someone there every Christmas to remind them that they are loved. They are the children of abuse, neglect, and instability.

They are the children who need Christmas joy the most.

This year, our generous donors went above and beyond to fill a stocking for each of the young people in our programs.

For our Independent Living clients, this was particularly impactful. They are youth aged 14-21 who have experienced incarceration, treatment, homelessness, or a lack of family support. They are legally adults and are expected to behave like adults, but they never had anyone to teach them the necessary skills or, perhaps more importantly, to care for them as they transitioned out of childhood.

Having someone who cared enough to fill their stocking was a new experience for many, and they wanted to thank the donors who went out of their way to make Christmas special for someone they didn’t even know. Pictured above are some of the notes written by Independent Living clients, a powerful reminder that young people need more than life skills to be successful; they need the support of a community and a caring soul to let them know that they are loved.

The Independent Living program is funded entirely by exactly that – our community and the caring souls within it. Thank you for making Christmas special for the youth who need it most.

Fortunately, Veterans like Stacey are the people our Veterans Services programs are designed to help. A VOA case manager worked with Stacey to help him apply for rentals on his smartphone and encouraged him to keep trying when he felt overwhelmed and defeated by rejections.

With the help of his case manager, Stacey was finally able to find an apartment that would work for him. Although his credit score would typically disqualify him from this apartment, the landlord graciously agreed to meet with Stacey and see if he would be a good fit.

Stacey was understandably nervous about the meeting. Our case manager helped him to download Zoom and taught him how to use it. When the time came for the meeting Stacey was calm, thoughtful, and honest. The landlord appreciated these traits and agreed to rent the apartment to this Veteran in need of support as he continued working on himself.

Stacey is now living happily in his new home and is looking forward to what life has in store for him.

Mark was a Veteran who had traveled from Virginia to Wyoming in search of a better life. The journey had taken nearly everything he had, and the disability payments he was receiving for his service were still being sent to his old address in Virginia. He had nothing left but Deacon.

Thankfully, Mark was able to get connected with our amazing staff here at Volunteers of America. After securing shelter and food, they set to work helping Mark achieve his other goals.

“He’s a real go-getter,” says his case manager, who has been meeting with him regularly. “He really stuck to his goals.”

They worked together to open a bank account, set up direct deposit, and get the checks that had been sent to the wrong address re-issued. With his income re-established, Mark bought a truck and got his driver’s license.

Though he and Deacon have a roof over their heads and know where their next meal will come from, Mark still comes in almost daily to visit the team.

“We became his family,” says his case manager. “That’s how it is with a lot of these Veterans—you develop a relationship and they keep coming back to visit even after they’ve gotten help and have stability.”

Today, Maud’s commitment to assisting incarcerated individuals with the transition back into society remains a top priority at Volunteers of America. Here in Wyoming, we operate Booth Hall, which continues the work of Hope Hall in helping individuals convicted of crime re-enter their communities.

One such individual is Robert, a resident of Booth Hall. Before coming to our program, Robert recalls “I was a number. I was nobody.” Since his first day at Volunteers of America, he has slowly relearned what it’s like to be more than just an inmate.

Robert says that Booth Hall staff treat him with respect and empathy. They greet him by his first name and check in on how he’s doing. He explains, “It’s helped me feel human like I’m important. Like I exist. And I didn’t for a year and a half. I’m really thankful that I got the chance to come here because I can’t imagine going from being just a number straight to the streets.”

This sense of humanity is crucial as individuals transfer from prison to society. In fact, for Robert, it’s the most important piece of his re-entry experience. He explains, “I’ve found a job, I was able to buy a car, I have health insurance. I’m going to have a solid bedrock when I’m released. But I don’t think any of that is more important than the way I’ve been treated here.”

The belief that our residents should be treated with respect can be traced to the very beginning of our program. Maud Ballington Booth wrote in her book After Prison ­– What?: “Amid these whom many would give up as beyond reach and unworthy of effort, I have found generosity, unselfishness, sympathy, patience and cheerfulness that would often teach people in happier circumstances a striking lesson.” Maud’s commitment to treating everyone like a human being, regardless of their past, has not wavered in over a century as we continue to provide the re-entry services she dedicated her life to.

Robert has experienced this commitment firsthand. He says, “If for some reason I don’t get paroled, I’ll be here longer, and I would be okay with that too. This place has been good to me, and I’ll only be better prepared to leave if I don’t get out on parole. I know that when I do leave, I will go home and be the best dad to my kids that I can be.”

“It was terribly lonely,” shared Ruth. One of her fondest memories of her time on the road is of coming upon a group of campers who were circled up and enjoying each other’s company. They welcomed her in, and she spent the evening talking and laughing, a luxury she hadn’t realized she missed so much.

Her car became less reliable, and she eventually befriended a landowner in Sheridan who helped her find a better tent and let her set up camp on their land. When Ruth’s car finally gave up, she found herself stranded and relying on her new friend.

Before long, Ruth was ready to be on her own again, and she came to VOA to see if we knew of anywhere safe where she could set up camp. Instead, our Outreach Service Coordinator set to work on finding her a home. Knowing she would need more permanent housing with autumn on its way, he reached out to our low-income senior housing program. In less than a week, Ruth was set up with an apartment of her own. Ruth also began to work with a case manager on benefits, food, clothing, and all the other necessities that would make her new home a safe and happy place to be.

Ruth’s delight upon arriving at her new apartment is why we do what we do. Rather than spending another night in a tent, she had a bed, a kitchen, and, perhaps most importantly, a community of people to talk and laugh with every day.

We have many different programs, and it is truly a blessing that they can come together to serve people like Ruth.

Amid the restrictions, a 10-year tenant of Aspen Grove became a spot of entertainment for other residents as she brought a series of statues to life. The series, called “Wildlife of Yellowstone,” continues to grow as Paulette, at a table near a lobby window, paints tiny details and adds dimensional elements to statues of all kinds of Yellowstone creatures.

Paulette, a member of the Made in Montana Organization, has been painting such statues for over 15 years. Her projects adorn the Aspen Grove lobby, and her artistry has become a center of the community as residents check in on her progress and look forward to seeing what animal will join the line-up which already includes a bear, a bobcat, an eagle, a big-horn ram, and various other local creatures, as well as a gunman resting on a cliff.

Looking around the property, it was clear that the group had their work cut out for them. There were several dead plants, leaky drip lines, and planters and fences that badly needed staining. With direction from Aspen Grove maintenance staff, the Phillips 66 volunteers set to work. By the end of the day, the property was completely changed. 

The fence went from looking grey and weathered to a beautiful mahogany. Landscaping beds that were once filled with dirt and exposed plastic were gleaming with beautiful rock beds. Planters were not just stained but filled with plants, resulting in a beautiful display in the front of the facility. 

Thanks to this generous group of volunteers, the landscaping at Aspen Grove was completely transformed, much to the delight of our residents.

Today, she is still serving up delicious home-cooked meals, often sharing with the other residents and even the staff at her home in Bell Park Tower.

Florence likes to cook from scratch, and her specialties include many German dishes—among her favorites to make are noodles, butterballs, dumplings, garlic sausage, coffee cake, and German desserts.

She says she “can’t get used to cooking for just one,” and is always happy to share her delicious cuisine with others in the community. Gracious neighbors like Florence make Bell Park Tower a great place to be.

Kevin came to our ministry to share messages of hope through chapel services on the Sheridan Campus. He soon found his way into the Faith Coach Program, which provides 1-on-1 spiritual care to patients in the Christian Enhancement Program.

Faith Coaches are people who understand the needs of those who are broken yet depend on Christ for guidance in their own lives. Faith Coaches model Christian faith and practice spiritual disciplines including worship, study of scripture and prayer on a consistent basis. Above all, they offer Christ’s love and encouragement in weekly meetings with patients. In Kevin’s experience, these times of being present, listening and praying are some of the greatest ways we can support a person’s recovery journey.

Kevin has a passion for seeing others grow in their trust relationship with God the Father and loves to study, teach, and share about Christ. Part of his service with VOA has been to educate and encourage those who come alongside those in need. He has provided several trainings to teach VOA staff, ministers, and ministry volunteers practical ways of offering soul care.  

As Kevin has worked with VOA, local pastors and Nick Angeloff, our Senior Director of Ministry, deeper friendships have developed as well. Kevin has hosted fellowship opportunities for pastors and faith leaders who share the Ministry Vision of “seeing broken people physically, emotionally and spiritually healed, thriving in their faith community as beloved citizens in Christ’s Kingdom.” Constituent membership means more than gaining ministry knowledge and experience; it means developing meaningful relationships that make the work feel lighter.

Ultimately, constituent membership with the Volunteers of America ministry means making a difference. “More often than not, change comes through meaningful interactions with others that challenge, uplift, and encourage us to see the transforming work God is doing in all of our lives.” says Kevin. “VOA’s mentoring program provides the opportunity to build a relationship with someone who is hungry to see his or her life changed. The Gospel has the unique power to bring this change. VOA pairs the power of the gospel with the need in our communities and as a result is bringing change throughout this region of the country. It’s  a privilege to share in the work here that is making such a powerful impact in people’s lives.”