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Touching Lives and Building Community

in Northwest Louisiana

In this issue:

 

As we approach Independence Day, we wanted to introduce you to some of the men who have served our country and now need our help. And thank you to all of you who have served!

 

vetsThe new face of homeless veterans

 

Steven, 28, and electrician and homeless veteran
Steven, 28, is a Navy veteran who hopes to find work as an electrician.

Less than 10 years ago, the youngest residents of the Veterans Transitional Living program were in high school.

 

Each of them saw the military as a way to a better life - college, a career, a steady income. Instead, after their service, they found themselves homeless.

 

The reasons vary. Steven, 28, takes responsibility for his mistakes, which revolved around a cycle of depression, drugs and alcohol. For Miguel, the memories of war left him unable to focus on civilian life.

 

"The military gives you such a safety net," Steven said. "A lot of guys just aren't ready."

 

Currently, seven of the 56 residents of the veterans home are under age 30. As fewer troops are needed in Afghanistan and Iraq, we expect even more of these young veterans to find their way to Volunteers of America, where they find shelter, food and support to start over.

 

"It's helping me be more motivated," said Miguel, 26. "After I left the Army, I was basically on my own."

 

Read more about their stories...

 

lighthouseLightHouse summer program needs you

LightHouse Summer
LightHouse Summer

Lazy summer days do not exist at The LightHouse.

 

But coordinators have ensured the days are fun. Students keep refreshed on their academic skills and have explored Sci-Port and the library, made salsa out of vegetables in their garden, taken swimming lessons, and attended Vacation Bible School.

They could still use some help. All the sites could use volunteers to help tutor students or offer some special presentations for them. As well, they could use small gifts (pencils, erasers, etc.) to be given as incentives or rewards for academic success.

If you can help, email Sondra Dixon at sdixon@voanorthla.org or call 429-7510. In the meantime, watch this short video to see some of the fun at the summer program!

 

dfsClients see instant transformation

 

Tracey before 
Tracey before

 Five ladies left Westgate Salon with a new confidence after makeovers Tuesday.

 

The women are part of the Going Places Network, a job readiness program of Volunteers of America Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier.

 

Some are unemployed and a few are looking for full-time work. All needed to learn about resumes, interviews and creating their own brand. The makeovers are just the finishing touch.

 

"I've never been to a salon before," said Tracey Shaver, who is planning to go back to school.

 

Tracey after
Tracey after

She was a little nervous as inches of her hair fell to the floor. By the time she was styled, she was in love with the new look and gave her stylist a huge hug.

 

That's exactly the reaction salon owner Cynthia Teddlie was hoping to see. She and another stylist donated four hours of their time to shampoo, cut, color, and style hair as well as wax a few eyebrows.

 

"I've always been about empowering women," Teddlie said. "If you look good on the outside, then you feel good on the inside and have more confidence."

 

Read more...

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Coming soon
11 a.m. July 6
  
Did you know young veterans are three times more likely to be homeless than other adults in poverty? Come see what we are doing to help.
  
The tour only lasts an hour and guests are welcome!
  
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Vote for us!
Insty Prints is running a contest with local nonprofits, and the winner receives $1,000 in free printing.
  
Go to their website (click above) and vote before June 30!
In the news
Home Depot Foundation awards grant to Veterans Transitional Living Program
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Volunteers of America welcomes Adult Day Health Care to the family


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Thank you for your support of Volunteers of America of North Louisiana.  Please know that donations  large and small make our work possible.   Contributions may be sent to Volunteers of America of North Louisiana, 360 Jordan Street, Shreveport, Louisiana  71101 or call 318-221-2669 for more information. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Diane Haag Libro
Volunteers of America of North Louisiana
360 Jordan Street
Shreveport, Louisiana  71101
318-221-2669