Volunteers of America Mid-States

Volunteers of America Mid-States is a nonprofit organization established in 1896 as part of the national Volunteers of America network. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse not-for-profit organizations in its region, operating across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and parts of Indiana.

History

Volunteers of America Mid-States was founded the same year as its national parent organization, Volunteers of America, which was established by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth. Originally, the term "volunteer" referred to individuals dedicating their lives to helping others, reflecting the organization's mission to provide comprehensive services to those in need.

Services

The organization offers over 30 unique programs focused on addressing urgent community needs. These include:

• Housing: Providing homes for families, veterans, and low-income seniors.
• Substance Use Disorder Recovery: Services specifically designed for men and women overcoming addiction. The Freedom House program is a national model for pregnant and parenting women dealing with substance use disorders.
• Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Offering care and support tailored to these individuals.
• Restorative Justice: Fostering healing and accountability within communities.
• HIV Testing and Education: Free, confidential testing services.

Volunteers of America Mid-States is also involved in innovative programs such as the Recovery Ready Communities initiative for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and early intervention services for at-risk families.

Governance and Operations

The organization is governed by a voluntary 30-member Board of Directors, led by a President & CEO and supported by an executive team. It employs nearly 600 professionals and engages approximately 1,400 volunteers annually. Funding comes from federal, state, and local grants, private foundations, and individual donors, with a strong focus on transparency in financial management, investing roughly 84 cents of every dollar into direct services.

Impact

Through its diverse programs and partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofits, Volunteers of America Mid-States provides vital support to thousands of individuals across its service area. It is part of the larger Volunteers of America network, which serves nearly 1.5 million people annually nationwide.