“Our willingness to dig deep to
get at our clients' underlying
issues helps them repair damage,
find success at work and at
home, and lead productive lives.”
Charles Gagnon, President & CEO, VOAMASS
Over 85 years of commitment
Mission
Leadership
“Go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.”
Ballington and Maud Booth, 1896
This was the pledge made by Ballington and Maud Booth when they founded Volunteers of America in 1896. Now, more than 125 years later, these words still define us as we continue our legacy of responding to the needs of at-risk youth, the elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals, veterans, and those recovering from addiction.
VOAMASS, a proud affiliate of VOA, was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1934 with footprints in community service dating back to the early 1900’s.
About our name
No, VOAMASS is not a group of volunteers – although it’s easy to understand why people often think we are until they know more about us.
Our name was selected when the national organization was founded in 1896. In those days, a volunteer was someone who was committed to a mission or a cause. The founding members of the national organization were committed to serving the most vulnerable in the community. By bringing food, medicine and comfort to those who otherwise would go without, they earned the name, “Volunteers of America.”
