Volunteers of America

Academy at Bradenton continues to grow strong community partnerships with kindred agencies.

Academy staff Vanessa Alcantara and Joanne Campbell recently visited the Volunteers of America (VOA) at their Bradenton location. VOA is an organization developed by the son of the founders of the Salvation Army. It is the vision of VOA to have a world where all people in our communities live with social, emotional, and physical well-being, spiritual fulfillment, justice, and hope. We met with Community Specialist/ILC Melissa Tuller at one of their residential complexes on a quiet tree-lined street in Bradenton, where she explained the services they offer. They provide affordable rental properties for low-income individuals. They have requirements to reside there such as each tenant must be working close to full time, be continuing their education, or doing volunteer work in the community. Melissa has visited the Academy at Glengary before and is excited that we are expanding into Bradenton. She feels many of their residents could benefit from a program such as ours. Melissa also encouraged us to make presentations periodically to the residents to share our mission and answer questions about our program. We look forward to further developing our relationship with VOA.