VOA-GNY In the News

• March 14, 2020

  Volunteers of America-Greater New York is Responding to COVID-19

  Our everyday mission at VOA-Greater New York is to help the families and individuals we serve overcome obstacles to living safe, healthy and productive lives in the community. We are committed to doing everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our clients, staff and volunteers safe.

• February 18, 2020

  VOA-Greater New York Participates 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.

• February 17, 2020

  Crain's New York Business Features "A New York Winter's Eve"

  Crain's New York Business includes photos of guests at "A New York Winter's Eve," including Master of Ceremonies Willie Geist, in its Snaps feature.

• February 1, 2020

  VOA-Greater New York Receives $200,000 Grant from The New York Community Trust

  We are delighted to announce that Volunteers of America-Greater New York has received a $200,000 grant from The New York Community Trust to fund our outcomes evaluation work.

• January 17, 2020

  New York Social Diary Shares Recap and Photos of "A New York Winter's Eve"

  New York Social Diary shares a recap and photos of "A New York Winter's Eve," VOA-Greater New York's 24th annual fundraising gala.

• December 19, 2019

  "A New York Winter's Eve" Featured on Broadway World

  Broadway World features a recap of "A New York Winter's Eve" with photos of guests Patrick Page and Paige Davis.

• December 10, 2019

  Volunteers of America-Greater New York Honors Cushman & Wakefield at Its 24th Annual Fundraising Gala

  Volunteers of America-Greater New York honored Cushman & Wakefield at its 24th annual fundraising gala at The Plaza on Monday, presenting them with the 2019 Spirit of the Founders Award.

• December 4, 2019

  Wendy Williams and Snax-Sational Brands Support Operation Backpack® With Giving Tuesday Event

  Wendy Williams and Snax-Sational Brands hosted an event on Giving Tuesday in support of Operation Backpack®.

• December 1, 2019

  Holiday Gifts of the Heart featured on PIX11

  Every holiday season, Volunteers of America-Greater New York holds several drives to make the holidays special for the people we serve. PIX11 covers this year's Holiday Gifts of the Heart "Sort Week."

• October 22, 2019

  VOA-GNY Board Chairman Gerard Cunningham is Recognized as an NACD Board Leadership Fellow

  Volunteers of America-Greater New York announced today that its Board Chairman, Gerard Cunningham, has been recognized as a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Board Leadership Fellow.

• September 18, 2019

  "Topping Out" Our New Supportive Housing Residence for Older Adults, East Clarke Place

  Construction of East Clarke Place Senior Residence has reached the halfway point, marked by a "topping out" ceremony on September 18, 2019.

• September 10, 2019

  VOA Announces Commitment to Moral Injury Research and Care with Times Square Event

  Volunteers of America announced its commitment to moral injury research and care on September 10, 2019 by unveiling a new campaign titled "The War Inside" in New York’s Times Square, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.

• August 29, 2019

  Operation Backpack® Volunteers Pack 2019 Campaign's Final 500 Backpacks on TODAY Show

  Volunteers of America-Greater New York and Operation Backpack® were featured on the TODAY Show on Thursday, August 29, as key partners and hosts from the show helped pack the final 500 backpacks needed to fulfill this year's requests.

• August 28, 2019

  VOA-GNY Rings the NYSE Closing Bell to Mark the 16th Operation Backpack® Campaign

  VOA-GNY rings the NYSE Closing Bell to mark the 16th year of Operation Backpack®, together with Board of Directors members and key partners, including Jeff Bruneteau, Regional Vice President at Walgreens/Duane Reade.

• August 23, 2019

  Insider Lists Operation Backpack® as Way to Give Back During Back-to-School Season

  Operation Backpack® was included on a list of "6 ways to give back during back-to-school season (and all year long)" published by Insider.

• August 21, 2019

  "AM New York" Profiles Operation Backpack®

  "AM New York" explains how Operation Backpack® provides 20,000 full, high-quality backpacks to students experiencing homelessness across New York City with the help of community donations and volunteers.

• August 9, 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on CityLimits.org

  CityLimits.org featured the story of Operation Backpack® 2019. This year 20,000 students experiencing homelessness will receive backpacks thanks to the generosity of the community.

• August 9, 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on NY1

  NY1 reports on Operation Backpack® 2019 featuring an interview with Steven Banks, Commissioner of NYC's Department of Social Services. Joslyn Carter, Administrator of NYC's Department of Homeless Services, was also in attendance.

• August 9, 2019

  WPIX Reports on Operation Backpack® 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 was featured on PIX11 with an interview from Tere Pettitt, VOA-GNY President & CEO.

• August 9, 2019

  FOX5 Features Operation Backpack® on New York Minute

  Operation Backpack® 2019 was profiled on the FOX5 News New York Minute featuring an interview with Rachel Weinstein.

• August 9, 2019

  Operation Backpack® Featured on WWOR's Chasing News

  Operation Backpack® 2019 was featured on WWOR's Chasing News. Over 20,000 students experiencing homelessness in NYC will receive backpacks and supplies this coming school year.

• August 8, 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on WCBS

  CBS2 reports on Operation Backpack® 2019 featuring interviews with Rachel Weinstein, VOA-GNY's VP of Communications and External Relations and founder of Operation Backpack®, Paige Davis, VOA-GNY Board Member, and Erika Henningsen, Mean Girls Broadway cast member.

• August 8, 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 Profiled on "NYC Patch"

  "New York City Patch" featured Operation Backpack® 2019 on its website, including the story of how it started sixteen years ago.

• August 8, 2019

  "New York Post" Profiles Operation Backpack® 2019

  Operation Backpack® 2019 is featured in the New York Post. The story shares how the initiative was started sixteen years ago and its impact on students like Bakary Diallo.

• July 25, 2019

  NYPD Transit Bureau Partners with VOA to Help Ensure Success of Operation Backpack®

  In support of Operation Backpack® 2019, our partners at the NYPD Transit Bureau are accepting new, full backpacks as well as empty backpacks and school supplies from the public at various locations and dates.

• 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