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  September 2015
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Jim LeBlancDear Friends, 

Like many of you, I was mesmerized last week following the details of the visit of Pope Francis to the United States. Although my religion is Catholic, I think the presence and the message delivered by Pope Francis to the citizens of the United States applies to all of us, regardless of our individual faith journey. He said so many things that resonated with me and many others in his own spiritual way. 

Although I was impressed with his entire array of messages before Congress and the United Nations, one aspect of his speech to Congress stands out. It was that simple yet eloquent reminder by Pope Francis for all of us to follow the Golden Rule. We all remember the Golden Rule we learned as young kids: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” While we all learned it as kids, how often do we remember that in our everyday life and our daily activities? Are we treating others in the way that we would like to be treated as fellow human beings on this earth? I have to admit to some personal lapses in my recollection of the Golden Rule. Sometimes anger, jealously or competitiveness gets in the way, and perhaps I have not been as mindful of the Golden Rule as I should have been. 

I know that all of you who work here at Volunteers of America try to follow the Golden Rule every moment that you are working with the people that we are called to serve. I think that is why I so often hear that the people we serve are like family members to our staff. The passion and commitment to the people we serve is clear in everything that you do, whether you are a person who provides direct hands-on services or someone supporting our work in other administrative ways. All of us here at Volunteers of America try our mightiest to live that Golden Rule every singe moment of every single day. May you continue to do so and continue to remember this inspirational reminder from Pope Francis.

Until next time, take care and God bless. 

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Join Us for our Annual Employee Recognition Party!Employee Appreciation

When: Friday, October 30th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: **New location!** Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

What: Halloween costume contest (costumes encouraged, but not required)! Pumpkin decorating contest! Delicious food! Music & dancing! Bowling, chess, bocce, shuffleboard, darts, & foosball! Outdoor patio & dining lounge! There'll be plenty of fun activities for everyone, PLUS presentation of the Employee of the Year Award, so be sure to mark your calendars because this is an event you don't want to miss!



Carl & Stella Guideposts

Featured Program: Supported Living Services

We're proud to announce that our Supported Living Services program and our staff member, Carl Payton, are featured in the national magazine Guideposts! Guideposts is a publication dedicated to providing hope, encouragement, and inspiration to millions of people across America and the world. The article highlights Carl's dedication to his work as part of the Supported Living Services program, and the special bond he formed with his consumer, Stella, while working with her as her Direct Support Professional. Read their inspiring story:

The note arrived for Carl Payton the way Stella Delaughter’s messages always did. In a white envelope. Slipped under his door in the middle of the afternoon when nobody was home. Like they were spies communicating covertly. “Gazebo, 2 p.m. tomorrow,” the note read. Carl marked the day and time in his calendar, chuckling. Only Stella...continue reading



Voris Vigee 2015

Minister's Message by Minister Voris Vigee

Remain Faithful and Trust God

It has been realized by many that all problems in the world have a purpose. The scripture James 1:2-5, states: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Problems are sometimes small and sometimes large. But it is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that helps us to know that whatever problem we have there is a blessing and purpose as a result of it. The first chapter of James teaches us that Christians should expect problems and know that God has a purpose and controls all situations. He does not allow problems that do not have a purpose. When going through problems there are three things one should recognize:1) Rely on the joy of God; 2) Recognize that it is only a test; 3) Rehearse and exercise patience; all the while, knowing that the purpose and blessing is to follow.

Remember, the Bible teaches us that nothing is going to happen today that God and you cannot handle. As Mother Teresa has stated “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t Trust me so much.”



DSPs of the Year 2015

CLS & SLS Present Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards

Each day, our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) devote their time and talents to supporting individuals with disabilities in our community. DSPs assist consumers with daily living, enabling consumers to live more independent, meaningful lives.

Our Community Living Services and Supported Independent Living Services programs gathered recently to celebrate the life-changing contributions of our DSPs in honor of National DSP Appreciation Week. Congratulations to SLS DSP of the Year, Ty Fleming (pictured left) and CLS DSP of the Year, Alberta Lewis! Ty, Alberta, and every one of our dedicated DSPs enable Volunteers of America to continue impacting the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community for the better. Thank you, DSPs!



Gift

Christmas Wish Project Kicks Off in October

It's that time already?! That's right! The Christmas Wish Project is back and in need of generous hearts, so please help us spread the word! Employees are invited to take part in this special project, which provides gifts for many of our consumers who might otherwise go without a gift at Christmastime. You can help by providing a gift for one of our consumers, by telling others about this opportunity to give, or both! 

For more information or to sign up, contact Caitlin Scanlan at cscanlan@voagno.org.


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Corporate Compliance Hotline Our corporate compliance hotline is available to employees, or interested parties, to report suspected criminal, illegal, or unethical conduct occurring within the corporation in the event other resolution channels have been ineffective or if the caller wishes to remain anonymous. Employees are encouraged to address issues through the proper chain of command, but it is understood that anonymity is sometimes important to an employee. | Hotline #: 1-800-862-8482 

 

 

 
 

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