You can help underserved youth like Julio overcome mental health challenges |
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Julio Bolanos Guerra is a 17-year-old high school student who loves to laugh and is passionate about music. If you met Julio today, you would have never thought that he had struggled with severe depression and substance use.
“I kind of had a lot of suicidal thoughts, tendencies. I would act out, harm myself. I ended up in the hospital, went to the psych ward.” – Julio
After spending time in the hospital in early 2022, Julio was referred to the VOA Hope Center in Greenbelt, MD to continue his recovery journey. Thanks to givers of hope like you, Julio was paired with one of our crisis stabilization specialists, Leelah Suah. Over the past six months, Leelah has helped Julio rediscover the beauty of who he is and feel hopeful about life and his promising future.
"Since I met [Leelah], things have been going pretty well. . . There's been a lot she has helped me with – a lot of my troubles – like school things or relationships – stuff like that." – Julio
In addition to crisis management, Julio engages in therapy and receives assistance securing the medication he needs to be well. Today, Julio is happier and more hopeful than he has ever been. And his transformation wouldn't have been possible without YOU.
While many of the low-income youth served through the VOA Hope Center have Medicaid insurance, there are many like Julio who come through our doors without any health insurance at all. Amazing donors like you help to fund the cost for immediate services and support for these youth, while we help them and their families enroll into Medicaid.
To watch Julio’s story, visit www.voachesapeake.org/julios-story or click the video icon below.
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For just $200 a month, you can help youth like Julio experiencing a mental health crisis get the immediate support they need whether they have insurance or not. To change a life today, click the button below or visit www.voachesapeake.org/health4all.
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Since 1998, adults living with intellectual/developmental disabilities like David Williams have received the housing, care and support they need to thrive and feel a part of their communities through Volunteers of America. In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we hope you enjoy David's story.
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David first came to Volunteers of America two years ago looking for a way to live more independently. Living with an intellectual disability, David spent most of his adult life relying on relatives for housing and support.
As time passed and his parents grew older, it became harder for David to depend on family for the same level of support and he knew he would need to make a change.
That's when David found Volunteers of America.
Through VOACC's Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Program in Washington, DC, David was provided his own room, education in
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David Williams, current resident of VOACC's Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Program in DC. |
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self-care, training in managing a personal budget, and opportunities to participate in recreational activities that help him feel more a part of his community.
"I love it here. It's beautiful. It's a good community, good people. When you do the right thing, you can go a long way. I really appreciate everything VOA has done for me." – David
At Volunteers of America, we believe everyone has talents and potential waiting to be revealed. For David, that
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David Williams' DJ turntables and equipment |
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talent is DJing. Since making his big move to the program, David has had the time and resources to invest in learning to DJ and hopes to one day be able to perform for the public.
"It's always been in my head 'I wanna be a DJ.' I went to a guitar center and purchased myself some equipment – turntables – and became a DJ. I like Donnie Simpson. That's my role model. I would like to see him again. I've seen him before. I would like to get another autograph from him." – David
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Join us for the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Youth Mental Health Expo 2023 presented by Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, the Prince George’s County Health Department, the Bowie State University Graduate Student Association, and Step Forward. This second annual expo is the only one of its kind dedicated to youth mental health in Prince George's County.
Bowie State University
Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex
14000 Jericho Park Rd | Bowie, MD 20715
Saturday | April 29
9:30AM – 3:30PM
The G.O.A.T. Expo will showcase all aspects of health and wellness through systems of care, offer workshops, and provide linkages to providers and resources to help transition-aged youth and their caregivers reach their health and wellness goals. Last year’s expo welcomed over 300 youth and families.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Exhibitors
- Workshops
- Live Entertainment
- Interactive Activities
- Open Mic
- Dance Contest
- & More
To learn more, register, become a sponsors, or become an exhibitor visit thegoatexpo.com or click the button below:
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Make a difference, donate your vehicle! |
Your old vehicle may not mean very much to you anymore, but to us it's a goldmine! It means we can continue to serve more than 10,000 individuals and families every year, ensuring they live in safety with social/emotional wellbeing, spiritual fulfillment, justice and hope.
Don't your vehicle donate by visiting https://voa.careasy.org/home or clicking the button below.
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Volunteers of America Chesapeake
& Carolinas
Maryland, DC & Virginia
7901 Annapolis Road
Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 459-2020
North & South Carolina
207 Commons Blvd
Durham, NC 27704
(800) 646-2828
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©2023 Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas- All Rights Reserved. We are designated tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law
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