Volunteers of America- Illinois

Volunteers of America of Illinois are dedicated to supporting and empowering people of all ages to create positive and lasting change in their lives.

There are no limits to caring … these words represent an enduring philosophy of service that spans three centuries. With its founding in 1896 by two spirited social activists, Volunteers of America has honorably secured its place in history as a true American institution. The founders, Maud and Ballington Booth, envisioned a ministry of service dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. Their pledge to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand” still guides the organization’s growth and development efforts more than 100 years later. The name, Volunteers of America, was selected by the founders to signify that the organization was comprised of people who were voluntarily choosing to help and serve others in need.

Also founded in 1896, Volunteers of America of Illinois is one of the organization’s oldest affiliates. For over 110 years, Volunteers of America of Illinois has met the critical needs of children and families throughout the state with a variety of strength-based, child-centered and family-focused services designed to strengthen families, promote healthy development and ensure safety, permanency and well-being for children. Each year, Volunteers of America of Illinois serves approximately 500 children and families through a broad continuum of child welfare services including foster care, specialized foster care, kinship care, family reunification and adoption.

Volunteers of America of Illinois is also committed to reaching families and individuals at-risk for homelessness through a variety of permanent supportive housing initiatives. In 2006, the organization began serving seniors and disabled adults through several supportive but independent living facilities located in the southern part of Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri.