VOA Illinois

It's the beginning of June which can only mean one thing at VOA Illinois - it's OFFICIALLY Operation Backpack® season! Operation Backpack® is an annual drive hosted by VOA Illinois to provide essential backpacks and school supplies to the children we serve. Our goal is to provide each child we serve with a brand-new backpack and everything they need to start the school year off on a positive foot.

There are many ways to get involved this year - you can shop online, shop in person, donate, sponsor, and volunteer! To learn more about all the ways to get involved visit our website or email us at [email protected].

Get involved today ⏩ https://www.voaillinois.org/operation-backpack/

We’re proud to be a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation Network. We are grateful to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark for providing a scholarship to attend the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), enhancing our ability to support Veterans and their families.

: Watch our new video highlighting the powerful journeys of those we serve—from a couple in our rapid rehousing program finding a place to call home, to a single mother and her children thriving in our housing community with the support and resources around them.

130 Years of Opening Doors and Building Hope Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

We proudly recognize a decade of dedication from Fred Redmond, an Intake Specialist, who has committed his career at VOA Illinois to serving Veterans and their families. Through compassion, leadership, and an unwavering belief in our mission, he has made a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for 10 years of impact, service, and commitment — and congratulations on this incredible milestone!

Last week we celebrated our 16th Leadership Celebration, celebrating 130 years of opening doors and building hope. It was an inspiring afternoon filled with connection, hope, and gratitude. Thank you to everyone that attended and helped make this milestone so special - we couldn’t do this work without you!

On Memorial Day, VOA Illinois pauses to remember and honor the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our country. Join us in expressing our gratitude for their sacrifices and the freedoms they protect.

Are you a Veteran?

VOA Illinois will be hosting Operation A.C.C.E.S.S (Aligning Community & Career Engagement for Service Success)!

All veterans within the Chicagoland area are warmly invited to attend this veteran resource fair dedicated to connecting veterans with local employers looking to hire, computer lab access for resume building assistance and application submissions, and obtain valuable resources within the community that supports the individual's wellbeing.

Event Details:
Date: May 20th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL

Highlights include:
Employers Actively Seeking to Hire Veterans
Community Resources (Mental Health, VACCC, Vet Center, Benefits Assistance/Information, and much more!)
Resume & Application Assistance
Computer Lab Access
On-Site Security
Free Parking
Free Admission

Registration is not required, but we appreciate letting us know that you plan on attending by using the Eventbrite link below!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-access-tickets-1987687245057

Come network, get support, and take the next step toward your future. We hope to see you tomorrow! @

VOA Illinois believes that no one should have to navigate their mental health journey alone. During Mental Health Awareness month, VOA Illinois is committed to breaking the stigma and expanding access to mental health care. Through our vital counseling and supportive services, we continue to build resilient communities.

Happy Mother's Day from VOA Illinois! Today, we celebrate the strength, care, and unconditional love of mothers and motherly figures everywhere. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

The countdown to this year's Leadership Celebration continues! We are only TWO weeks away from celebrating 130 years of Opening Doors and Building Hope.

We don't want you to run out of time! Be sure to purchase your tickets so that you can celebrate with us and learn more about the work that you have championed!

Purchase tickets today: https://www.voaillinois.org/leadership-celebration/

We hope to see you in two weeks!