In The News

June 17, 2019
Now Through July 7 — Donate to Operation Backpack® at Walgreens and Duane Reade Stores

Now through July 7, you can donate to Operation Backpack® when you check out at any NYC or Long Island Walgreens or Duane Reade store.
June 12, 2019
Wendy Williams, Paige Davis are among supporters of 2019 Operation Backpack® campaign, now in its 16th year

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) held its annual Operation Backpack® Kickoff Breakfast on Wednesday, June 5 in The Oak Room at The Plaza, with nearly 80 partners in attendance – making it the most well-attended kickoff breakfast to date.
April 10, 2019
Former Student Who is Now a Teacher at the Bronx Early Learning Center Featured on NY1

Roselynn Frempong is a teacher at the Bronx Early Learning Center, the Pre-K that she attended as a child.
February 25, 2019
A Bright Space at Regent Family Residence

The Bright Horizons Foundation and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP partnered to transform two rooms into "Bright Spaces" for children at the Regent Family Residence.
January 23, 2019
Volunteers of America-Greater New York Participated in Annual Census of Unsheltered Homeless Individuals

In January, presumably on one of the coldest nights of the year, thousands of volunteers gathered to canvass the streets in every borough of New York City as part of the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate, or HOPE Count.
December 23, 2018
Hope and Hearth Holiday Food Vouchers featured in the "New York Daily News"

The "New York Daily News" profiled the Hope and Hearth Holiday Food Voucher program though the experience of one of our clients.
December 4, 2018
Volunteers of America - Greater New York Honors Wells Fargo At Its 23rd Annual Fundraising Gala

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) honored Wells Fargo with its Spirit of the Founders award at its annual fundraising gala at The Plaza in New York City.
November 19, 2018
NYPD Officers Deliver Thanksgiving Food to VOA-GNY's Bushwick Family Residence

NYPD Transit officers held a food drive for our Bushwick Family Residence and delivered in time for Thanksgiving.
November 12, 2018
Battle Buddy Bridge® Featured on amNY

amNY featured Battle Buddy Bridge in a story about how veterans give back to other veterans.
November 2, 2018
Clarke Place Featured on News 12 The Bronx

Reporters talked to Paul Kress, our VP of Strategic Initiatives, and local community members about Clarke Place.
October 24, 2018
Construction is Underway on Clarke Place, Our Newest Residence for Low-Income Seniors

Construction is underway at Clarke Place, bringing affordable housing, supportive services, and recreational activities to Bronx seniors in need.
September 24, 2018
This Former Student and His Teacher Are Now Colleagues at the BELC

News 12 The Bronx recently featured Kirby Liriano, a former BELC student who is now a teacher.
August 15, 2018
WCBS Highlights the Importance of Operation Backpack®

WCBS highlights the importance of the annual drive, and what it means to students who are homeless across New York City.
August 15, 2018
Operation Backpack® on Fox 5

Fox 5 New York profiles Operation Backpack® featuring interviews with VOA-GNY President and CEO Tere Pettitt and backpack recipient 11 year old Heaven.
August 6, 2018
Ernie Anastos Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein About 2018 Campaign

Ernie Anastos Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein About 2018 Campaign
August 5, 2018
Operation Backpack® Featured on AMNY

AMNY reports on the 2018 Operation Backpack® campaign.
August 1, 2018
1010 WINS Radio Spot Raises Awareness for Operation Backpack®

Listen to a radio spot featuring Operation Backpack® has been appearing on 1010 WINS.
July 24, 2018
Operation Backpack® Featured on New York City Patch

The 15th annual Operation Backpack® 2018 public campaign was featured on the New York City Patch website. Read more about our drive.
July 23, 2018
Montclair Operation Backpack® Drive on Baristanet

Operation Backpack® supporter Kimya Nielsen was featured on local Montclair website, Baristanet.
July 9, 2018
VOA-GNY Rings the NASDAQ Opening Bell to Launch Operation Backpack® 2018

On July 9, 2018, Volunteers of America-Greater New York rang the NASDAQ Opening Bell to publicly launch Operation Backpack® 2018.
July 8, 2018
Be Part of the #OBPFirstDay Campaign!

Starting on July 9, share a favorite “First Day of School” photo of yourself (or a child in your life) on Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook using the hashtag #OBPFirstDay, and The Weeks Lerman Group will donate $2 to Operation Backpack® for every photo shared!
June 26, 2018
VOA-GNY Joins Mayor’s New Task Force to Address Youth Homelessness

Mayor De Blasio’s administration has assembled the first-ever task force of city agencies, experts, and local nonprofit providers to address the issue of preventing and ending youth homelessness in New York City.
June 20, 2018
PromaxBDA and Caleb and Calder Sloan's Awesome Foundation Partners with Operation Backpack®

At this year's PromaxBDA conference, which took place in New York City, attendees were given the opportunity to participate in a community service project benefiting Operation Backpack®.
June 18, 2018
Now through June 30 – Donate to Operation Backpack® at Walgreens and Duane Reade

From Sunday, June 17 through Saturday, June 30, customers shopping at participating Walgreens and Duane Reade stores will be able to donate to the 2018 Operation Backpack® campaign at checkout.
June 18, 2019
Family Helped by VOA Featured in New York Daily News

The Harrell family, former residents at the Regent Family Residence, discuss their journey from homelessness to an apartment of their own.
June 14, 2018
Operation Backpack® Breakfast Featured on New York Nonprofit Media

News about the 2018 Operation Backpack® Kickoff Breakfast was briefly profiled on New York Nonprofit Media.
May 10, 2018
Schwartz Assessment Shelter Achieves Perfect Score on Callahan Inspection

Schwartz Assessment Shelter, our shelter for men on Ward’s Island, received a perfect score on its Callahan Inspection in April.
April 18, 2018
Making Birthday Wishes Come True for Children Who Are Homeless

Without the support of volunteers contributing to Brightening Birthdays™, the yearly milestones of the children in our shelters may come and go, unrecognized.
March 14, 2018
Jamaica Women’s Employment Shelter Receives Highest Possible Score on Callahan Inspection

This February, Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s Jamaica Women’s Employment Shelter received a perfect score of 100 on its annual Callahan Inspection.
March 6, 2018
The Art of a Long-Term Partnership

Long-term partner Rutgers Community Programs has “adopted” the Regent Family Residence, serving as the “go-to” sponsor for many of the Regent’s needs. Read more about this special partnership, and the creative ways they’ve brightened the lives of children living in our homeless shelters.
February 20, 2018
VOA-GNY Receives Five-Year Federal Supply Schedule Contract Extension

The General Services Administration (GSA) recently renewed its contract with VOA-GNY, and extended its Federal Supply Schedule Contract another five years until 2023.
February 1, 2018
Volunteers of America-Greater New York Moves Its Administrative Offices

The relocation will centralize key functions of our organization, providing opportunities for enhanced collaboration and efficiencies.
December 22, 2017
DeMarre Carroll Brings Holiday Cheer & Gifts to At-Risk Youth in New Jersey

Professional basketball player DeMarre Carroll pays a visit to our at-risk youth programs in northern New Jersey.
December 1, 2017
Rachel Weinstein Talks About Founding Operation Backpack®

VP of Communications & External Relations, Rachel Weinstein, discusses her career at VOA-GNY and how Operation Backpack® came to be.
November 29, 2017
Volunteers of America-Greater New York Hosts 22nd Annual Gala Honoring Deloitte

Details about this year's gala honoring Deloitte and the chairman of its board, Mike Fucci
November 28, 2017
Programs for At-Risk Youth in New Jersey Receive COA Accreditation

Our New Jersey programs for at-risk youth received a four year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA).
November 15, 2017
The Next Generation Network Has Launched!

Supporting the efforts of Volunteers of America-Greater New York, while also building the next generation of influential volunteers and philanthropists.
November 8, 2017
VOA-GNY Launches Peer-to-Peer Initiative for Veterans

Battle Buddy Bridge is a veteran peer-to-peer program that provides services and opportunities to military veterans and their families.
October 19, 2017
Creston Avenue Residence Named "Residence of the Year" by Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY)

Singled out for its innovative programming and design, the building provides a safe, affordable place to live for some of NYC’s most vulnerable citizens.
October 10, 2017
Wales Avenue Residence Receives License from New York State

Wales Avenue Residence, a permanent supportive housing facility, that provides behavioral health services received a three-year operating license from the New York State Office of Mental Health.
October 10, 2017
New Staff Team Secures License for Behavioral Health Programs in Northern New Jersey

Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s (VOA-GNY) Behavioral Health services in Northern New Jersey (NNJ) recently secured three-year licenses for each of their Adult Service programs.
October 3, 2017
The Bronx Early Learning Center Receives NAEYC Accreditation

The Bronx Early Learning Center, serving children with developmental disabilities, has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
October 2, 2017
Join Us for Our Annual Gala: A New York Winter's Eve

Learn more about this year's gala.
August 28, 2017
Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein Sits Down with Ernie Anastos of Fox 5 NY

Rachel Weinstein sat down with Ernie Anastos to talk about the impact of Operation Backpack® within the NYC area.
August 11, 2017
MSN News Features Operation Backpack®

Experience the impact of Operation Backpack® through the eyes of one of its participants.
August 6, 2017
The "New York Daily News" Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder

Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein discusses the inspiration behind the program.
August 4, 2017
VOA-GNY Rings Closing Bell on NYSE

The New York Stock Exchange recognizes Operation Backpack® by inviting us to ring the closing bell.
August 3, 2017
Operation Backpack® Profiled in "The New York Times"

"The New York Times" spoke to 11-year-old Gianna, a recipient of one of our donated backpacks with supplies.
August 2, 2017
Parenting Blog Spreads the Word About Operation Backpack®

The website "New York Parenting" shares the story of Operation Backpack®
July 23, 2017
NY1 Spreads the Word About Operation Backpack®

Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein appears on NY1 to talk about the program, how it serves the community, and what you can do.
July 22, 2017
Operation Backpack® Featured on WABC 7

WABC 7 morning news invited Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein to discuss the 2017 campaign.
July 9, 2017
Operation Backpack® 2017 is Underway!

Here's how you can participate in Operation Backpack® 2017
June 8, 2017
New York Yankees Honor Operation Backpack®

The Yankees generously hosted an evening at Yankee Stadium to highlight Operation Backpack®
January 25, 2017
VOA Partners with NYCHA Program to Support Homeless Vets

A New York City Housing Authority program is helping homeless veterans find permanent homes.
August 18, 2016
"Fiddler on the Roof" Joins Operation Backpack®

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof recently volunteered their time to Operation Backpack, a community service of Volunteers of America-Greater New York that provides homeless children living in New York City shelters with new, filled backpacks.
August 8, 2016
2016 Operation Backpack® Sort Week

Roger Clark, New York 1, covers the start of Operation Backpack® sort week
July 17, 2016
Rachel Weinstein & Paige Davis Talk Operation Backpack® on ABC7 2016

Michelle Charlesworth, ABC7, interviewed Rachel Weinstein & Paige Davis about Operation Backpack®.
July 12, 2016
Rachel Weinstein speaks with New York 1 about Operation Backpack®

Rachel Weinstein speaks with New York 1 about Operation Backpack®
August 9, 2015
Operation Backpack® 2015 on NBC Cozi TV

Actress Paige Davis discuss Operation Backpack® 2015, NYC's largest back-to-school drive for homeless students
July 15, 2015
Operation Backpack 2015 is Underway!

Operation Backpack 2015 Has Launched
June 16, 2015
Oprah is Grateful for Operation Backpack!

O Magazine features Operation Backpack in its July 2015 issue
May 7, 2015
Rutgers Presbyterian Church Collects Books for VOA Veterans Residences

Hundreds of books fill the libraries of VOA's residences for formerly homeless veterans, thanks to a book drive organized by Rutgers Presbyterian Church.
March 10, 2015
VOA-GNY Airport Outreach in Bloomberg Business News

New York's affordable housing crisis has forced some homeless to live in the airports for years.
March 3, 2015
VOA Unveils Creston Avenue Residence

The Creston Avenue Residence, located in the Fordham section of the Bronx, provides a safe, supportive environment for some of the city's most at-risk residents.
January 1, 2015
Bushwick Family Shelter Receives Renovations thanks to Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and NBC’s TODAY Show

Alongside TODAY host Willie Geist, the Foundation, with the support of Bright Horizons Family Solutions and other businesses created a Bright Space® at VOA's Bushwick Family Residence in Brooklyn, New York.
December 10, 2014
VOA's NIA Home for At-Risk Youth Receives Renovations and Holiday Cheer

Home for At-Risk Youth Receives Renovations
November 20, 2014
Willie Geist and the "TODAY Show" Makes Over Recreation Room

Willie Geist, the "TODAY Show", and the Bright Horizons Foundation make over the recreation room at our family shelter in Brooklyn.
November 14, 2014
CBS EcoMedia and Bank of America Improve VOA Vets Residences

Thanks to generous financial support from Bank of America and in partnership with CBS EcoMedia, critical repairs and upgrades to important capital features were made at two facilities operated by Volunteers of America-Greater New York.
November 1, 2014
VOA Hosts an Opening Night Screening of "Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me"

Volunteers of America-Greater New York hosted an opening night screening of "Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me," on October 24, 2014, at AMC Empire 25 Theaters on West 42nd Street.
February 4, 2014
Rutgers Presbyterian Church and Volunteers of America-Greater New York Announce Summer Field Trips for Children in New York City

Rutgers Presbyterian Church and Volunteers of America - Greater New York (VOA-GNY) to host summer field trips for at-risk children throughout New York City. The children will visit Rutgers Presbyterian Church on Fridays, create art in the Church's inspirational art studio and participate in various creative play activities.
August 1, 2013
Creston Avenue Residence Featured in Tax Credit Advisor Magazine

Tax Credit Advisor Magazine profiles the Creston Avenue Residence, a new housing project funded under an initiative to reduce New York State's Medicaid expenditures.
April 1, 2013
HSBC Bank Awards Volunteers of America $200,000 Grant in Support of Operation Backpack®

Two-year gift from HSBC will buy backpacks and school supplies for thousands of children who are homeless in three metropolitan areas.
January 25, 2013
Governor Cuomo Announces Ground-Breaking of First Project to Implement Medicaid Redesign Team Savings for Supportive Housing

$25 million Creston Avenue Residence in the Bronx will provide on-site client services and improve healthcare outcomes while reducing state medicaid costs for at-risk New Yorkers