“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
Nearly 90 years of commitment
Since 1934, VOAMASS has provided critical services to the residents of Massachusetts. Guided by
our mission to uplift society’s most vulnerable, we adapt to meet the needs of the times. From pioneering early residential treatment programs in the 1960s to leading today in providing diversion
services for justice-involved individuals who have a mental health diagnosis,
VOAMASS delivers integrated, compassionate, and effective care that changes lives.
Mission
VOAMASS is dedicated to serving those most in need, especially the vulnerable and those facing multiple challenges. Our work touches the mind, body, heart, and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.
Leadership
VOAMASS is led by a Board of Directors and experienced staff who are deeply committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable individuals in Massachusetts who might otherwise struggle with behavioral health and social issues, substance use disorder, homelessness, unemployment or involvement with the justice system.
“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 veterans, those at-risk of homelessness, unemployed, justice-involved, who have mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.
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.”
