As the end of summer draws near, we can't help but look back at our annual Operation Backpack® and celebrate our most successful campaign to date.
But we also look ahead to September as we pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers on Labor Day and recognize National Self-Care Awareness Month.
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Thank You!
Those two words can't express enough how grateful we are for the support, dedication, contributions and volunteerism of those who helped to make this year's Operation Backpack® possible.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, individual donors and volunteers, we successfully raised . . .
$37,000 towards our $40,000 goal!
And with the help of countless individuals, groups, organizations and our community partners we were able to collect enough backpacks and supplies to prepare at least . . .
2,000 kids in need, to succeed!
To look back at all the wonderful events, partnerships and activities
from this year's campaign, visit us online at
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CHECK
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We are proud to announce the appointment of Ruth Pollard as our new Board of Directors Chair!
“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished leader willing to serve our faith-based nonprofit,” said Russell Snyder, President and CEO of VOACC.
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“Ruth is becoming the Chair at the ideal time for our nonprofit to lead and work with the Board of Directors and our management team on our VISION 2025 Strategic Plan initiatives, which will strengthen our organization for years to come.”
Ms. Pollard is an executive strategy and advocacy leader in Washington D.C. within the field of healthcare. Currently sharing her leadership as a consultant, Ruth most recently served as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer with Providence Hospital and as Executive Director of Advocacy and Community Affairs for Children’s National Hospital – both in Washington D.C.
“I am most looking forward to the people and the work,” said Ms. Pollard. “I’m rooting for every person that we have the opportunity to serve, every staff member that has the spirit to serve, every leader who has the courage to lead, every partner who has the faith to invest, and every Board member who voluntarily serves to advance the mission of VOACC.”
Ruth acknowledges the leadership of our immediate past Board Chair, Dr. Sharon Jones-Eversley, who helped to reposition VOACC during an important transitional period and prepared her to take the helm and accelerate growth. The pandemic has only exacerbated the growing need for more integrated and innovative solutions to address gaps in behavioral health, primary care and affordable housing for underserved communities. Over the next two years, Ruth will collaborate with VOACC staff to implement structures, processes and systems that strengthen our overall service delivery, support scaling, and foster community partnerships for new and expanding opportunities.
“I see my role as the steward of the talent, resources and strategy of the organization,” Ruth explains. “So, rest assure that I will be that person who asks lots of questions, purposely disrupts the norm, and at the same time, champion our organization to the end.”
Click here to see a list of our entire Board of Directors.
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As we celebrate Labor Day this month, we asked our HR Program Partner, Keith Williams, EdD to reflect on the holiday and what it means within VOACC. Below is an excerpt of Dr. Williams' piece. You can read his entire article by clicking here.
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On Monday, September 6, the United States will celebrate what has become known as Labor Day. It was designated a national holiday and signed into law on June 8, 1894 by President Grover Cleveland.
Labor Day as a holiday in the U.S. originally began in the early 1800’s as local celebrations by members of labor organizations to recognize the many contributions workers had made to the economic success of the areas in which they lived and worked.
As the movement began to grow and became more recognized in the U.S. and municipalities, states introduced and later passed bills to make Labor Day local law. President Cleveland eventually chose September as the official holiday. Since the Summer season was coming to a close, it seemed fitting to end it with a “holiday”.
Many who are reading this article may also recognize that the founding of Volunteers of America, including our affiliate, also occurred during this same period of time. There was great poverty and need, especially in the north. Interestingly, the original employees of VOA were all “volunteers” - those who were committed to the founders’ desire to reach and uplift all whom they came in contact with. In fact, many of the early workers had also been recipients of the work that the agency conducted in the communities in which they ministered, and those workers felt moved to “give back”. And we are now still celebrating our 125th year in operation.
While the focus of the agency’s services has always been directed to care for the most vulnerable, the agency is also growing in its recognition of the importance of caring for and rewarding those who carry out the work – its employees. To this end, the agency has purposed to make Employee Engagement & Recognition one of its chief initiatives over the next few years.
We also have ministry services and staff to assist with prayer, an employee fund to assist in times of emergency, as well as employee benefits to go along with a host of community resources, to name just a few.
More importantly, the agency also remains committed to advocating in the political sphere to influence decisions made regarding federal and state mandates governing reimbursement rates and the associated impact on wages. This is especially true in the service lines where the hardest working employees who often do the most difficult jobs are often also paid the least.
The Bible tells us that “…a workman is worthy of his hire” (1 Timothy 5:18) and as an agency I believe we fight as we can to see that this principle is honored.
So, as the country celebrates Labor Day, please know that we celebrate the employees of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas. Please know that “…your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). And even amidst the suffering that continues around the world and in our very country, we must take time to rest when we can from this labor, so that we may gain the strength to do it again when we are needed.
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So much of what VOACC does for our clients revolves around a holistic approach to healing.
So with September being recognized as National Self-Care Awareness Month, we asked our own Dr. Cherisse Collins, Senior Program Director of our Coordinated Entry, Homeless Veterans' Reintegration and Grants Per Diem programs in NC, to explain the importance of self-care.
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Spiritual Self-Care is the process of taking care of and maintaining the harmony and balance of our soul or spirit. Nowadays, people are in a constant rush. We are bombarded with stress, negative energy and negative feelings.
Self-Care is composed of three dimensions: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring and self-care management.
Some might say that self-care is an indulgence...but it is not. Self-care is a discipline. It requires tough-mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and a respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with.
Cherisse's 8 Steps to Self-Care
Cherisse uses the following 8-part self-care routine in her own life and encourages others to do the same:
Prayer – Prayer is a powerful tool to cleanse ourselves spiritually. Therefore, saying a prayer first thing in the morning will prepare you for the day. And saying a prayer before sleeping, will discharge you of all the negative energy that you gathered throughout the day.
Meditating – Meditation has numerous benefits. It quiets our mind, it helps us to maintain a certain order in our thoughts and is the best de-stressing tool. Meditating for only 20 minutes a day helps me feel happier.
Random Acts of Kindness – When we are helping others, we raise the vibration of our body. Random acts of kindness are some of the best ways to clean our soul. Helping others with no expectations is a sign of good and unconditional love.
Exercise – Breathing in nature daily is the best way to recharge your batteries. As little as a 15-minute walk in a park or in your neighborhood can connect you to the positive energy of nature. And it also cleanses your lungs. Take long and deep breaths. And enjoy the power of nature.
Mindfulness – It is very easy to achieve mindfulness if you simply focus on something beautiful around you. Mindfully observing a picture, a tree, a flower or anything beautiful brings instant relaxation. And it also brings joy and inner peace.
Volunteer – Helping others is the best way I've found to strengthen my spirit. Being a volunteer in your community is great for you and those in need.
Music – Listening to music is a great way to clean your heart and mind. But the songs that you choose are also very important. So choose positive music that inspire you.
Inspire Yourself – We all need inspiration to get through difficult situations. Try reading inspirational or spiritual quotes, texts or books that can help you get through your challenges. They are full of positive messages.
Spiritual self-care is about connecting with your deepest self and finding your sense of purpose. It is valuable, you should honor it, and be intentional in self-care practices. Focusing on your spiritual self-care helps in all aspects of life and allows you to approach situations calmer and with greater happiness. It requires a deeper dive into reaching your authentic self, which can bring a range of emotions with it.
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Save the Date
Our 12th annual Harvest for Hope campaign in support of our Virginia and DC programs is right around the corner! Learn more about what's in store and how you can make a difference as we prepare to support those in need during the Holidays.
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Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
(301) 459-2020 | 7901 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD 20706
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