News Releases

NEW ORLEANS — Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) held a grand opening ceremony on Nov. 18 for Canal Pointe, New Orleans’ only family-centered residential treatment and recovery support facility. Located at 1801 Canal St., the new center uses VOASELA’s evidence-based opioid and substance use disorder treatment model designed specifically for pregnant and parenting women and their children. The approach allows families to remain together throughout treatment — a key focus of the organization’s trauma-informed programming. “This is a monumental day for our organization,” said Voris Vigee, CEO and president of VOASELA. “The Canal Pointe facility will allow for holistic family focused recovery…

We recently volleyed into new territory by hosting our inaugural pickleball tournament, “Pickleball for Programs.” The event, designed to rally community support and awareness of our diverse array of over 30 programs, saw enthusiastic participation from both novice and seasoned players. The tournament’s structure was as strategic as a perfect drop shot. We categorized our programs into six groups, allowing teams to select the cause they wanted to play for. The categories were: With 36 teams taking to the six courts, the day was filled with dinks, lobs, and smashes as players of all skill levels competed for their chosen…

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Teams Up with 2024 ART Conference for Veterans Community Project FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Orleans, LA – April 10, 2024 – Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana is proud to announce its collaboration with the 2024 ART (Accessories Resource Team) Conference in New Orleans. The focus of this partnership will be the Napoleon Ave and Pitt Street Veterans Facilities, operated by Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to serving veterans in need within our community. The ART community service project will be held at our two Veterans facilities (Oscar J. Tholmas…

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our inaugural Reach for the Stars Dinner on April 3, 2024, at Orpheum Theater. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the transformative impact of our Family Focused Recovery Program and honoring those who have been instrumental in our community. Induction into the Ballington Benefactor Society One of the most significant moments of the evening was the induction ceremony for our esteemed Ballington Benefactors. We were honored to welcome Roy Carubba, Terry & Geneva Forstall, Chuck & Susan Viator, The Bollinger Family Foundation, J. Edgar Monroe Foundation, RosaMary Foundation, and Oscar J….

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Grateful for Support FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Orleans, LA, – March 28, 2004 – Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana extends sincere appreciation to U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) for his pivotal role in securing $4,500,000 in the annual appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024. This funding, allocated specifically for facilities and equipment, will significantly bolster Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s capacity to provide transformational and impactful community services. Senator Cassidy’s steadfast advocacy and leadership have ensured that essential resources are directed toward addressing the critical needs of Louisiana residents. His commitment to securing funding…

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) proudly spotlights its Independent Living program and the extraordinary individuals it serves. Over four years, a tight-knit group of individuals has united to revel in a beloved American pastime—bowling. Among them stand Bobby White, Dexter Washington, Joey Hammonds, and Larry Gordon, champions of the VOASELA family for over two decades. Reflecting on his journey, Joey Hammonds expresses profound gratitude, affirming, “VOA has enabled me to relish independence.” Joey’s sentiment encapsulates the ethos of VOASELA’s Independent Living program—a commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to lead enriching,…

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board member, Brittny Barnes of B Interior Design Studio. Additionally, the 2023-2024 Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Board of Directors have been announced.

National Disability Provider Association Names Denise Lee Recipient of 2023 Louisiana Direct Support Professional of the Year Award Recognition honors excellence in workforce providing long-term supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities