Volunteers of America - Greater New York

Thousands of students living in NYC shelters might not have the essential school supplies they need to learn and thrive this fall. 🎒

You can help change that—right from your school, office, or community space.

We invite YOU to hold a backpack drive and/or packing event to provide new backpacks filled with essential supplies for students in need.

Here’s how to help:
✨ Donate new backpacks & school supplies
✨ Host a packing event
✨ Schedule a pick-up of fully equipped backpacks

Why host a drive?
Because every backpack helps a student feel confident, prepared, and supported on the first day of school—and beyond. Plus, it’s a fun, impactful way to bring people together.

Join us this summer! To get started, we’ll give you a toolkit, supply checklist, and a discounted retailer list.

📩 Email [email protected] to get involved.

We're proud to share that Eric Lee, our Director of Public Policy, was recognized in City and State NY's 2026 Who's Who in Government Relations!

Eric amplifies frontline staff voices with policymakers and recently helped pass a NYC law requiring first responders to recognize brain injuries in domestic violence survivors. Thank you, Eric, for advancing our mission. Please join us in congratulating him!

Huge congratulations to VOA-GNY’s Human Resources Team for being named one of the Top 50 HR Teams of 2025 by OnConferences in the OnCon Icon Awards!

The Icon Awards celebrate top teams and leaders around the world for their innovation, impact, and leadership in HR. To be recognized among the very best is a testament to the incredible work happening behind the scenes at VOA-GNY.

Please join us in giving a well-deserved shout-out to our HR team for this achievement and their ongoing dedication to supporting our staff and advancing our mission.

Operation Backpack® is back! Thanks to your incredible generosity, every student living in a NYC shelter walked into school last year with the supplies they needed to succeed—and this year, we’re aiming to do it again! 🎒

For the 1 in 7 NYC public school students experiencing homelessness, the school year can be incredibly challenging without the resources to focus on their education. A backpack filled with grade-specific supplies can do more than boost students’ confidence—it’s a symbol that someone believes in them and is investing in their future.

We hope you’ll join us this summer to make a lasting impact for children experiencing homelessness during back-to-school season and beyond. Learn more about the different ways to get involved: https://www.voa-gny.org/operation-backpack/

Thank you for joining us at our 29th Annual Gala last Thursday! Your generosity and energy made the evening unforgettable—we’re so grateful for your support. 💙

Because of you, we can continue providing life-changing support to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. You heard Ric’s story—after finding stability through VOA-GNY, he moved into his own apartment and continues to pursue his passion for singing and performing. At VOA-GNY, housing is just the beginning, it’s the foundation for a new start.

Whether you’ve supported us for years or were introduced to our work for the first time, we hope you’ll stay connected and continue supporting the housing, health, and wealth-building services we provide.

Didn’t get a chance to give? It’s not too late—donate now: https://voagny2026.givesmart.com/

For over a decade, Kenya has been a steady, compassionate presence at our Bronx Early Learning Center (BELC), supporting young learners and the teams around them. BELC is VOA-GNY’s preschool special education program serving children ages 2.9–5, including many on the autism spectrum.

As a Teaching Assistant, Kenya steps in wherever she’s needed—often taking on the role of Acting Teacher to ensure continuity and care. Her approach centers on patience, communication, and building trust with families and colleagues alike.

She finds the most meaning in the milestones—whether it’s a child learning to use an open cup or achieving potty training. When challenges arise, Kenya meets them with persistence and creativity, working alongside specialists to help each child succeed.

A lifelong Bronx resident, Kenya is proud to give back to her community. “All children have voices…you just have to take time to listen.”

This Autism Awareness Month, we recognize Kenya’s commitment to meeting every child where they are and helping them grow with confidence. Thank you, Kenya!

Want to use your digital skills to make a real impact? We’re hiring a Digital Communications Associate to join our communications team!

If you’re into social media, short-form video, and email marketing, and know how to turn ideas into engaging content—this could be a great fit. You’ll help grow our digital presence, tell meaningful stories, and support a mission focused on ending homelessness in the Greater New York area.

We’re looking for someone who’s creative, detail-oriented, and comfortable juggling multiple projects (and deadlines). Bonus if you love diving into analytics and figuring out what’s working.

�Sound like you? Apply here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4400452538

Congratulations to Sandra Márquez, our Assistant Vice President of Asset Management, who has been recognized by City and State NY in its 2026 Above & Beyond Women list, honoring leaders moving New York forward.

In her role at VOA-GNY, Sandra oversees asset management operations across our supportive and affordable housing portfolio—ensuring compliance, leasing, and recertification while helping residents access critical services like mental health care and senior support. Her work is deeply rooted in purpose, and she is driven by the impact it has on tenants—creating spaces where individuals and families can experience stability, pride, and a true sense of home.

“It’s really rewarding to see the other side of the tenants—not just the social services and the clinical perspective of it—but what having a home means to them and the joy and the pride that they take in coming into a space of their own,” she says.

Join us in congratulating Sandra and read more about her work and accomplishments here: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2026/03/2026-above-beyond-women/412178/ -marquez

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating YOU—our incredible volunteers who turn compassion into action. 💛

Last year, more than 1,100 volunteers helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of New Yorkers in need. From beautifying family shelters and organizing collection drives to building kits and spending time with veterans and seniors in supportive housing, your generosity helps people who have experienced homelessness feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As we look ahead to Operation Backpack®, we invite you to keep the momentum going. Get involved by becoming a sponsor or hosting a collection drive to help equip 26,000 students living in NYC shelters with the supplies they need to succeed this school year.

Thank you for the heart, dedication, and commitment you bring to VOA-GNY’s mission to end homelessness. Learn more about how to get involved with Operation Backpack® today: https://www.voa-gny.org/operation-backpack/