Highlights from Our Inaugural Reach for the Stars Dinner

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. Tolmas Charitable Trust into our prestigious Ballington Benefactor society. Their unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in shaping our mission and enabling us to provide essential services to those in need.

Raising Funds for Family Focused Recovery

Throughout the evening, our guests showed remarkable generosity, coming together to support our Family Focused Recovery Program. We are thrilled to announce that we raised an astounding $130,000 which will directly benefit families in our community as they embark on their journey to recovery and healing.

Inspiring Speakers

The event featured a lineup of inspiring speakers who shared their personal stories of triumph over addiction and the importance of family-focused recovery. Felicia Montiforte Kleinpeter, Co-Founder and CEO of Imagine Recovery, spoke passionately about her own journey and the critical need for comprehensive programs like Family Focused Recovery.

Nick Albares, Vice President of Strategic Development & Public Policy, highlighted the mission and vision of the Family Focused Recovery Program, emphasizing the importance of providing support to both mothers and their children as they navigate the challenges of addiction recovery. Jackie Kellett, Assistant Vice President of Integrated and Behavioral Health, impactful words shed light on the vital services offered by the Family Focused Recovery Program and the transformative impact it has on families in need.

Leia, a survivor and advocate, shared her raw and unfiltered story, underscoring the vital role that programs like Family Focused Recovery play in preserving families and offering hope to those struggling with addiction.

Chaly Downs, Alumni Program Coordinator at Volunteers of America Mid-States and a graduate of the Freedom House program, spoke eloquently about her journey to recovery and the transformative impact of having her family by her side throughout the process.

Voris Vigee, our President & CEO, delivered a powerful speech filled with gratitude and hope. She emphasized the organization’s century-long commitment to serving individuals and families facing adversity and highlighted the significant step forward represented by the Family Focused Recovery Program. Voris stressed the program’s unique ability to nourish hope, purpose, and happiness for generations to come, breaking the cycles of brokenness and despair often associated with addiction.

Ronald and Voris Vigee (President and CEO of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana)

A Commitment to Change

As we reflect on the success of the Reach for the Stars Dinner, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. Together, we are committed to empowering individuals and families to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this unforgettable evening. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and compassion.

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a brighter, healthier community for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact and provide hope and healing to those in need.

< Back To All Stories
Skip to content