Dan Lombardo, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed their history, mission and services. Established by the son of the founder of the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America looks to meet and serve the vulnerable where they are. Today that includes immediate direct services such as case management and navigation, links to medical, mental and behavioral care, education, job readiness and housing. Their legal clinic helps disadvantaged clients to help establish resources and entitlements and they offer a proven reentry program that begins during incarceration to ensure a successful return to freedom.
Mr Lombardi spoke about unique programming for those experiencing chronic homelessness, looking to find life solutions that can lead to permanent housing. With the city, they also deliver services for people with traumatic brain injury and they work with people with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Volunteers of America relies on donations, money, hours and in-kind; he described the need for the basics, clothing and toiletries to allow someone to go back to work, clothing and supplies for children who are displaced. They host drives throughout the year to help families at back-to-school time and at the holidays.
For more information on how to volunteer, donate or to receive aid go to VOADV.org