Stories

Martin, a Vietnam War veteran, and his wife, Gladys. After losing their home, they turned to Volunteers of America-Greater New York for support.

Three years ago, Cathy was in a dark place. Originally from Colombia, she had been living with her boyfriend and their two children, ages three and seven, in New Jersey until one day he brought another woman home and told Cathy she had to leave. Although her mother and sister lived nearby, they refused to help her because they blamed her for the break-up of the relationship. With no job and no place to live, Cathy was unable to get custody of her children. Devastated, and with nowhere else to turn, she went back to Colombia to live with her…

Three years ago, Eric’s life took a turn.  A Marine Corps veteran from East Harlem, Eric completed his service in 1992 after two deployments abroad and started a career at UPS, where he still works today.  He’d long been in a difficult marriage, with his wife’s behavior becoming increasingly aggressive. Things came to a head after Eric had a stroke. One day his wife locked him out of their shared home and refused to allow him access to his belongings—including his medication—landing Eric back in the hospital.  Unable to return home, Eric sought the help of VOA-GNY’s Supportive Services for…

All Kelvin ever wanted was to be with his children. While he was proud to serve in the military and loved the way it allowed him to see the world, as soon as he became a father, he would rush home to be with his family every chance he got. When Kelvin’s time in the service ended, he returned home to the Bronx to be with them, taking a job at a restaurant where he worked long hours for a low wage to support them. The days were tough, but he didn’t mind because it meant they could be together…

Tommy, an active and playful 4-year-old with autism, has gone from silence to song in just one year at VOAGNY’s Bronx Early Learning Center.

Bronx native Lenny, 67, experienced years of housing insecurity. VOA-GNY’s East Clarke Place Senior Residence finally provided him a home.

While living on the street, John, a U.S. Navy veteran, picked up restaurant work whenever he could. VOA-GNY provided him with permanent supportive housing and the resources to thrive and fulfill his dream of becoming a chef. Now he’s getting ready to open his own restaurant.

Tiffany “aged out” of foster care at nineteen. Not ready to live on her own, she was transferred to an independent living program. At first, she struggled to adjust in the program and clashed with other youth. But her case manager saw potential in Tiffany and helped give her a second chance.