1. The sound of bagpipes greeted 160 golfers this
St. Patrick’s Day at the 2015 GolfStar Classic. March
17wasabeautiful,sunnydayoffunatTPCLouisiana
with great food, a fabulous silent auction and the
drawing for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250—all
to support creating forever adoptive families.
Presenting Sponsor Jay Trusheim, Prudential
Financial Professional, offering P&C through
Liberty Mutual Insurance, got the morning rolling
with a $15,000 donation to the Adoption Program.
SPRING 2015
Visions
ADDRESSSERVICEREQUESTED
Non-ProfitOrg.
U.S.Postage
PAID
PermitNo.1716
NewOrleans,LA
4152CanalStreet
NewOrleans,LA70119
(504)482-2130|(504)482-1922fax
www.voagno.org
REMEMBER THE BOOTH LEGACY IN YOUR WILL voagno.org
VariousVolunteersofAmericaofGreaterNewOrleansservicesareaccreditedbyCARF,theRehabilitationAccreditationCommissionandACA,theAmerican
CorrectionalAssociation.VolunteersofAmericaisanonprofit501(c)(3)corporation.Contributionsaretax-deductibletothefullextentprovidedbythelaw.
Golfers Hit The Greens
On St. Patrick’s Day
To Support Adoption
First Lady praises
city for being first
to end veteran
homelessness.
See more on
page 5.
“We would like to thank our presenting sponsor of
the 23rd annual GolfStar Classic, JayTrusheim, for
his support. It is through the efforts of our sponsors,
golfers, donors and volunteers that we are able to
continue to create forever families,” shares Jim
LeBlanc, President/CEO. “There is really no better
feeling than the moment we help unite an adoptive
family with the child they have so desperately
longed for, and this tournament makes moments
like that possible.”
Additional corporate sponsorship of the day was
provided by Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans, Retif
Oil & Fuel, Simmons & Associates–Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc., The Grainger Foundation,
The Wendy’s Company, COX Communications,
DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc, F.H. Myers
Construction Corporation, Scott Mouledous
Construction Company, Wells Fargo Advisors,
LLC and The New Orleans Advocate. These
sponsors and more than 200 businesses and
continued on page 3
Deadline To Become Founding Member Approaches
Become a Founding Member of our Booth Legacy, a planned philanthropy
campaign to help sustain the exceptional quality of Volunteers
of America programs and serve those in need in
perpetuity. Those who participate in a
planned gift to Volunteers of America
before June 30 will forever be
memorialized and listed as a Founding
Member of the Booth Legacy.
Presenting Sponsor Jay Trusheim, presents Volunteers of
America with a $15,000 gift to promote adoption. From left are
Volunteers of America Board Member and GolfStar Classic
committee co-chair Christy M. Howley Connois, Presenting
Sponsor JayTrusheim, Board Member and committee co-chair
Paul Graff and Board Chair Robert Rhoden.
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2. Supportive Service for Veterans Families
Program Racks Up Accolades
DaVaughn Phillips, a case manager with our Supportive Services for Veterans
Families program, was recently named Case Manager of the Year for New
Orleans. This honor was bestowed by Unity of Greater New Orleans in
recognition of exemplary services in providing housing to homeless veterans.
This is not the first time that DaVaughn has been in the spotlight. At the
end of 2014, Mayor Mitch Landrieu praised DaVaughn and his co-workers for their contributions at a
press conference announcing the end of veteran homelessness in New Orleans.
Since 1997, Volunteers of America has been a leader in addressing the needs of homeless veterans through
multiple programs. The Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program was instrumental in
accomplishing Mayor Landrieu’s challenge to end veteran homelessness. This program offers assistance
to any honorably discharged veteran, homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. In 2014, this program
housed or prevented homelessness for 310 veterans in the Greater New Orleans community.
When asked what led him to choose a career in social work, DaVaughn responds that he did not choose
this path—it chose him. This is obviously God’s plan for DaVaughn—you would know why if you met
him. His easy-going smile, acceptance of others, knowledge and eagerness to help endear him to you
the very first time you meet. No wonder he has such success working with our veterans in need. Like
so many of our professional staff at Volunteers of America, DaVaughn not only does great work during
the work day, he has also pursued a graduate degree after hours. This May, DaVaughn will receive his
Master of Social Work degree from Southern University of New Orleans.
Volunteers of America is proud of DaVaughn’s accomplishments, and so pleased that he is a member of
our team.
7
Ochsner Donates Volunteers And Support
Volunteers of America is thankful for the many corporate strategic partners who contribute in different
ways to help fulfill our mission. Some provide consulting in their area of expertise, and others provide
volunteers to help programs meet the demand for services or with beautification and improvement
projects. Partners such as Ochsner Health System touch our agency in many ways. Ochsner provides
health screening for our employees, sponsors our annual Reach for the Stars Breakfast and volunteers
through their Operation Outreach. We appreciate Ochsner and other partners that help us transform
the lives of our community’s most vulnerable.
No Small Feat! Ochsner’s Operation Outreach
volunteers revitalize the exterior of the Canal
Street SRO, which serves persons recovering
from substance abuse.
2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert C. Rhoden, Jr., Chair
Wayne M. Baquet, Jr., Chair-Elect
Christy M. Howley Connois, Secretary
Geoffrey C. Artiques, Treasurer
Thomas J. Grace, Immediate Past Chair
Joseph Hyland Authement; M. Isabel Barrios; Terrence C. Forstall;
Matthew S. French, MD, FACS; Paul Graff; Nathan J. Junius; Chanel
Lagarde; Michelle Kehoe Ogden; Leonard D. Simmons, Jr. and
Tod Smith
James M. LeBlanc, President/CEO
MISSION
Volunteers of America is a movement organized to
reach and uplift all people and bring them to the
knowledge and active service of God. Volunteers of
America, illustrating the presence of God through
all that we do, serves people and communities
in need and creates opportunities for people to
experience the joy of serving others. Volunteers of
America measures its success in positive change in
the lives of individuals and communities we serve.
Board Chair Shares Heartfelt Thanks
It's been an exciting, rewarding spring for Volunteers of America.
I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with players and sponsors at this year's
GolfStar Classic on March 17. This committed group came together to promote an
all-important goal—uniting every child with a forever family.
In early April, I also had the opportunity to celebrate with the participants of our
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Their dedication to improving the lives of
the citizens of St. Tammany Parish is inspiring.
And I was extremely proud of Volunteers of America on April 20 when First Lady
Michelle Obama came to town to applaud the work this community has done to
house homeless veterans. Volunteers of America has led, and continues to lead,
efforts to help our veterans in crisis.
My years as a board member have afforded me the opportunity to participate in the
many programs of Volunteers of America. It is truly a life-changing experience to
see first hand the difference that our efforts make—how Volunteers of America
transforms lives. I encourage you to get involved with one of the many Volunteers
of America programs. There are multiple opportunities for you to touch lives—
mentor at-risk youth, read to elementary students in the Lighthouse Program, employ
a veteran or donate resources to our community home residential living program.
As my term as Board Chair ends, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to my fellow
board members, the Volunteers of America management team and staff, our many
friends and supporters and especially to the individuals we serve who have made my
term as Board Chair an experience that I will always fondly remember.
Board Chairman
Message
Robert C. Rhoden, Jr.
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3. Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans
Retif Oil & Fuel
Simmons & Associates–Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc.
The Grainger Foundation
The New Orleans Advocate
The Wendy’s Company
COX Communications
DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc.
F.H. Myers Construction Corporation
Scott Mouledous Construction Company
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
P R E S E N T I N G S P O N S O R
S P O N S O R S
4 5
Thanks To GolfStar Supporters
On behalf of our Adoption Program and all
of the families we serve, our sincere thanks
to our generous sponsors for their support!
SNAPSHOTS
First Lady Congratulates Our Veterans Program
On Monday, April 20, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and
First Lady of New Orleans Cheryl Landrieu hosted First Lady
Michelle Obama to celebrate the city's progress on the Mayors
Challenge to End Veterans
Homelessness. Volunteers
of America was among the
honored guests that Obama
congratulated for helping
house more than 200
veterans last year as part of the initiative in New Orleans.
RSVP Donates $953,437 In Volunteer Hours
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 12–18, Volunteers
of America’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
gathered for an annual luncheon. St. Tammany Parish President
Pat Brister thanked volunteers for their dedication and was
presented with a mock check of $953,437 representing the value
of the volunteers’ 42,000+ hours of service to the citizens of St.
Tammany. The RSVP program provides a wide range of volunteer
opportunities. Learn how you can become involved at ourVolunteer
Recruitment Fair on Friday, May 15 , 9 to 11 am at the Community
Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood Boulevard, Covington, LA.
For more information, contact Dee Wild at (985) 674-0488 or
dwild@voagno.org.
From left are RSVP Program Director Dee Wild, President/CEO James LeBlanc,
St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister, Volunteers of America Board Chair
Robert Rhoden and Director of North Shore Services Ty Bartel.
GolfStar Winners
1st PLACE FOURSOME
The Entergy team received a round of golf for
four at TPC: Herman King, Brian Washington,
Alex Dunn and Mark Bowen
2nd PLACE FOURSOME
Team Kushner LaGraize, LLC, received a round of
golf for four at Beau Chene Country Club: Brian
Bitner, James Griffin (who also hit an eagle on
18th hole), Al Leaber and Craig Fabacher
3rd PLACE FOURSOME
Action Industries, Inc., received a round of golf for
four at Audubon Park Golf Course: Frank Rusich,
Michael Rosenzweig, Aris Cox and Maurice Pilie
CLOSEST TO THE HOLE
Winners received putters provided by presenting
sponsor Jay Trusheim and Liberty Mutual. Winners
included Mike Hymel, Andy Pellet and Fr. Richard
Sudlik, who sank a HOLE IN ONE on hole 17.
LONGEST DRIVE
This competition was won by Justin Ranger, who
received a $35 gift card to the TPC Pro Shop.
Top:Entergyfoursomeisthetopwinner.Left:Bagpipes
played by Bob Grubb with The Kilts of Many Colours/
Pipes and Drums of New Orleans start a glorious day.
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4. 3
North Shore Support Program
Helps Resident Facing Health Crises
When Shelly first
came to our North
Shore office, she was
newly diagnosed with
HIV and hepatitis C.
She was very sick
and tired, as she had
been acting as the
sole caregiver for her
ex-husband. He was experiencing the final stages
of AIDS, with kidney failure, dialysis three times
per week and serious problems with mobility and
activities of daily living.
Shelly, with a master's degree in social work, found
herself in need of support from others. She reached
out to the Health Services Support program of
Volunteers of America, seeking assistance with
medical care. She was assigned a case manager who
helped her get an appointment for her HIV and
hepatitis C. The next step was to help Shelly come
to terms with her illness. While her family was
aware of her ex-husband’s diagnosis, she did not
want to burden her family with her own.
Shelly’s case manager became her only support
through several medical procedures and treatments.
To fill in the gaps in her circumstances, she was also
referred to a psychiatrist for anxiety and depression
and a local HIV-support group. Shelly says these
monthly group meetings were key to providing
the additional support she needed.
Recently, her ex-husband passed away, and Shelly
feels like she can now concentrate on her own
well-being. Through her own efforts and the
support of her doctors and the Health Services
Support case management staff, she is ready to get
a part-time job. Shelly now feels like she is a
productive member of society once again and is
enjoying getting out of her house and being active
within her community.
individuals contributed food, auction items and financial support to the Adoption Program’s only
annual fundraiser.
Golfers and non-golfers alike participated in a fabulous silent
auction with an Erin Go Bragh! theme that included items such as
a Terrance Osborne remarqued, limited edition silkscreened print
of Lady Mardi Gras, two-night stay at Harrah's New Orleans Hotel
and dinner at The Besh Steakhouse, lady's triple strand genuine
cultured freshwater pearl necklace with sterling silver clasp from
Boudreux’s Jewelers and a seven-day stay in Mexico at a Vida Resort.
The lucky raffle winner of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 was
pulled by JesseTauzier, winner of last year’s raffle. Congratulations
to Peter Johnston of Daphne, Alabama, who purchased his ticket
from a co-worker and Volunteers of America adoptive father!
Adoption Supporters Raise Vital Funds
continued from front cover
Despite health challenges,
Shelly is now productive and
happier.
Spring break! Time to party and shirk your
responsibilities—pretend to be someone else for
a while, right?
Well, students from Rice University, St. Mary’s
University Law School and Cornell College
decided instead to take on responsibilities, and
not to pretend to be someone else, but to put
themselves in someone else’s shoes. These
volunteers came to work with Volunteers of
America for three main reasons: to uplift others,
to be immersed in a vibrant culture and to engage
in a multi-faceted approach to human services.
Volunteers of America’s relationship with these
colleges provided the opportunity to turn the
students' passion into participation. For five days,
the students worked at our Community Living
Services group homes for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities, Fresh Food Factor
and our partner organization—Stoney Point
Farm.
While on the farm they planted onions and
peppers, organized the barn and harvested eggs.The
students worked together to complete tasks, and a
participant from St. Mary’s even taught the Cornell
students techniques he had learned from the farmer.
But the connections grew as the students worked
at Fresh Food Factor. They cited their amazement
at the volume of meals produced for at-risk youth—
over 2,000 a day—and the sheer amount of effort
necessary to pull it all off.
The students made it clear that their affinity for
volunteerism was rooted in an awareness of the
real challenges facing our communities and the
potential for growth. Heidi, a site leader from Rice,
told us that she wants to be an advocate for social
change, and to do that she knew that she had to
couple academics with real world experiences.
The students from St. Mary’s credited their school’s
culture with instilling altruistic values in the student
body. Group leader Bridget and her team from
Cornell wanted be involved with an organization that
has a broad reach and could encompass their interests
in after-school enrichment, civic engagement and
sustainable food service. Volunteers of America was
a perfect fit.
To learn about volunteer opportunities for your
group, contact Logan Ebel at (504) 486-8699
or lebel@voagno.org.
Pioneers Of Tomorrow
Grasp Realities Of Today
by Erin Duffy, AmeriCorps VISTA
6
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