VOA Illinois

Thank you, The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, for your generous support of VOA Illinois' Su***de Prevention and Community Education Services (SPACES) program. This funding will help us address critical mental health and su***de prevention needs among veterans through outreach, risk screening, and direct peer support services. Thank you, IDVA, for partnering with us to support the well-being of Illinois veterans.

: When Owen first connected with VOA Illinois' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, he was facing a series of overwhelming challenges. A U.S. Army veteran, he had lost both his job and his vehicle within weeks of each other in August 2025, leaving him without stable housing and relying on family and friends for a place to sleep.

Through VOA Illinois’ support, Owen was connected to a local job fair that ultimately led him to an internship that is expected to lead to stable employment in a growing industry. At the same time, VOA Illinois helped him secure housing, and in May 2026 he moved into his own apartment, providing the stability he needed to focus on his education, career development, and future goals.

Owen credits VOA Illinois and the personalized support he received for helping him remain motivated and focused during a difficult transition. Owen said, "My life has done a complete 180-degree turn for the better. I’m not sure where I would be today if it wasn’t for the assistance of VOA Illinois."

His story demonstrates how employment and housing services work hand in hand to create lasting change. By providing immediate support, career pathways, and a stable place to call home, VOA Illinois helped Owen move from homelessness and uncertainty to independence, opportunity, and hope for the future.

Backpacks have officially started to arrive at our office for our Operation Backpack ® program!

Did you know, we distribute 2,000 backpacks every year to the kids we serve and the kids in the communities we serve?

Every backpack is age specific and filled with everything a kid needs to start the school off on the right foot. We believe that education plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty for families and having the proper materials and support allows a child to succeed in the classroom.

🚨 Our shelves need your help 🚨

With recent SNAP benefit reductions, the individuals and families we serve are relying on pantry support to put food on the table. We're asking our community to help restock our shelves through our Amazon Wishlist.

If you're able, one of the easiest ways to help is by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wishlist. Every item is shipped directly to us and goes straight to neighbors facing food insecurity.

❤️ A small purchase can make a big difference for a family in need.

Shop our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1QEDRMX48C0?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping us ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

⛳ We are officially two months away from our 9th annual Golf Outing! ⛳

Join us for a day filled with great golf, sunshine, and community - all while supporting the individuals and families served by VOA Illinois.

More details about the outing can be found on our website: https://www.voaillinois.org/come-out-swinging/

We can't wait to see you on the course!

: Volunteers from BMO U.S. donated their time, talents, and supplies and spent the day at Hope Manor II/Hope Manor Village. This group rolled up their sleeves to tackle a wide range of beautification efforts across the property. Their work included painting stairways and the security room, power washing outdoor areas, installing pavers, spreading mulch, removing weeds, and cleaning windows and doors. Through their generosity and hands-on service, they helped refresh and enhance our property, creating a more welcoming environment for residents, staff, and visitors. Their commitment to giving back has left a lasting impression, and we are sincerely grateful for their support.

This month, we celebrate 5 years of dedication and leadership from one of our outstanding leaders, Regina Ruffin, our Director of Family Support Services! For the past five years, she has been a strong and dependable leader, helping advance our mission through her loyalty, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Thank you for your leadership and for five incredible years!

Our Operation Backpack online store is officially 81% complete - but we still have 324 items left to get before the end of TODAY 🎒

That's 324 chances to make sure a child starts the school year feeling confident, prepared, and supported!

Can you help us cross the finish line?
Shop our online store and donate a backpack or school supplies in just a few clicks.

⏳ Time is running out - let's do this together!

👉 https://www.roonga.com/collection-drive/details/operationbackpack2026voaillinois

Happy 4th of July from VOA Illinois! Join us in honoring the brave individuals who fought for our freedoms and independence. We wish you a safe and happy holiday! 🎆 ❤️ 🤍 💙