The pledge of the Booths

CULTURE & SOCIETY

by THE OLBIOS TEAM

Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth. They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand.” That declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America’s outreach efforts today. In turn-of-the-century America, there was no shortage of work to do. The Volunteers moved into tenement districts to care for people in poverty. They organized day nurseries and summer camps, provided housing for single men and women, and established the nation’s first system of halfway houses for released prisoners. At Volunteers of America, they are still more than a nonprofit organization. They are a ministry of service that includes nearly 16.000 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through their hundreds of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America touches the lives of more than 2 million people in over 400 communities in 46 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico each year.  Since 1896, they have supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Approximately 55.000 volunteers throughout the country help their employees deliver these life-changing services. Volunteers of America_homepage Website: http://www.voa.org/

 

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