Nonprofit Spotlight: Power of 1 Breakfast

By Jennifer Hancock
Volunteers of America Mid-States President/CEO

Volunteers of America Mid-States invites you to join us at the 2016 Power of 1 Breakfast on October 5 at the Galt House Hotel.  This free, one-hour fundraising event provides a unique opportunity to learn more about how you can help children, families and veterans in our community. As a guest at the Power of 1 Breakfast, you, and nearly 900 other attendees, will hear powerful testimonies about the life-changing services our programs provide for individuals and families facing some of our society’s most complex problems. 

The Power of 1 Breakfast also provides an opportunity to network with other business professionals and community leaders. You will see some familiar faces at the event, as YPAL President Chris Nation is hosting a table at the Breakfast. YPAL Advisory Council member and Volunteers of America President and CEO Jennifer Hancock, will speak as part of the program.  Additionally, Taylor Amerman, YPAL’s 2015-2016 Outstanding Young Professional of the Year and Volunteers of America board member, will also speak and reveal a special way you can get involved.

Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America is one of the regions oldest, largest and most diverse nonprofit organizations. Today, we offer more than 40 distinct, innovative human service programs in Kentucky, Tennessee, Southern Indiana, West Virginia and Southern Ohio. Our programs are focused on housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors; addiction recovery services for men and women; care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities; and HIV testing and education.

Each program, regardless of its focus, functions under our organization’s mission to create positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service. Last year, we reached more than 20,000 people through our programs.

In Louisville, we are facing an urgent need to expand our addiction recovery services due to the heroin epidemic our city and state are facing. Our Freedom House program is the only program in Louisville that allows pregnant and parenting mothers to bring their children with them while they receive our life-saving services. Currently, there are 35 women on the waiting list to receive treatment at Freedom House. These women cannot wait.

Additionally, our Louisville Family Housing Services program is facing a budget shortfall due to Housing and Urban Development funding cuts. Last year, nearly 6,500 Jefferson County students experienced homelessness. Today, there are 34 families staying with us who would be living in their cars, staying with relatives or friends or even living on the streets.  Another 47 families are on the waiting list to enter the Louisville Family Housing program.  These children cannot wait.

We aim to bridge this funding gap and address the growing need for our addiction recovery, family housing, veteran, and HIV prevention services by re-engaging or introducing individuals like you to our mission at the Power of 1 Breakfast on October 5. We would love to see you there!

Begin using your Power of 1 and reserve your seat today by RSVPing to David Beach at DBeach@voamid.org or (502) 636-4660.