When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Volunteers of America of Illinois
Why Volunteers of America of Illinois is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA Illinois) is a historic and impactful nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals, families, and communities facing significant hardship. Established in 1896 as one of the oldest affiliates of the national Volunteers of America family, VOA Illinois continues a legacy of service that began with founders Ballington and Maud Booth, who envisioned a ministry dedicated to "reaching and uplifting" people in need. This enduring mission encourages volunteers and staff alike to "go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand." The organization offers a wide range of strength-based, child-centered, and family-focused services to approximately 500 children and families each year across Illinois, addressing critical needs such as foster care, kinship care, adoption, family reunification, and specialized foster care. VOA Illinois also supports veterans, seniors, and adults with disabilities through housing, wellness programs, and community integration efforts. Highlights include hands-on volunteer opportunities such as serving meals to veterans, organizing donations, and property maintenance at housing facilities, providing meaningful ways for individuals and groups to actively engage in the community. The organization fosters a compassionate environment where personal connections and empowerment are key to helping people thrive, creating not only shelter but lasting positive change in the lives of those served.
Here's what people think of Volunteers of America of Illinois
As of recent, Volunteers of America of Illinois holds a 3.5-star rating based on 24 reviews.
Volunteer and employee reviews paint a nuanced picture of Volunteers of America of Illinois. With an overall rating of approximately 3.5 out of 5 from about 24 reviews, feedback reflects both commendations and areas needing improvement. Positive reviewers emphasize the organization's clear sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a tangible difference, particularly appreciating the chance to learn new skills and achieve personal goals through volunteering or working there. Many express satisfaction with the meaningfulness of the mission and community impact, highlighting the rewarding nature of helping vulnerable populations such as children, veterans, and seniors. On the other hand, some negative feedback focuses on challenges related to job security, pay and benefits, management, and workplace culture. Specific concerns include feeling stressed, a lack of trust among colleagues, perceived unfair compensation, and a desire for stronger organizational support and advancement opportunities. Despite these issues, many recognize the organization's critical role in providing essential services. In conclusion, while Volunteers of America of Illinois is widely respected for its compassionate mission and community impact, it faces some internal challenges that are reflected in employee and volunteer experiences, suggesting opportunities for growth in organizational culture and support.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joe
HORRIBLE place, most of the staff doesn't respond and HR can't respond to ANYONE. Managment tries to spin layoffs into job security, literally just a joke of an organization. Ask the people they "help" they'll tell you they can't get ahold of most of (like literally 3 exceptions) them and when they do its more hoops. Do NOT work here or seek help from here, they do not and will not care.
Michelle LaVaughne-Feiling
As a Veteran who has just entered a homeless situation....they have gone above and beyond for me in getting me lined up for programming and housing help and other services. My Intake Specialist Mr. K Harris has been amazing ans his manager has been amazing. Thank you helping Veterans such as myself. It means alot!
Ann Johnson
The 1st person assigned to my case got my phone number wrong and tried to place me in an inappropriate location. The 2nd finished the CHA paperwork then dumped me without fixing other problems. A year later, I received a 10 day eviction for back rent that both I and CHA had paid, the person at VoA who returned my call sounded stoned and confused. I'm about to be evicted while being up-to-date on rent in 10 days. Duh. What I want is help. I have mobility problems and I may need a place to live, and moving and storage help. Pay Attention.
T
These people have the nastiest attitudes EVER! They’re supposed to be help improve people’s lives & all they do is trash them. These workers are miserable. Leave the jobs for actually good-hearted people that actually care & wanna help others.
Susan Garza
This agency treats foster children like objects to sell and make money off of them. They will lie and lie. The caseworkers are not trained and lie on their reports, such as going to children’s schools, which we have proof of, they do not listen or obey to court orders. They lie to the judges. Instead of keeping children with family, they spilt them up to be vicious. These children must feel abandoned and the trauma they suffer is from the VOA. Also, they make false DCFS reports. They now need to be investigated for what they do. The sooner the better. They ruin children’s lives one at a time.
How to reach Volunteers of America of Illinois
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Why Volunteers of America of Illinois may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Volunteers of America of Illinois with your friends?
Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA Illinois) is a meaningful and inspiring place to gather with friends because it combines a sense of purpose with community connection. Founded in 1896, this organization has a deep history of service, making it more than just a physical location—it’s a hub of compassion and positive change. Rallying here with your friends means stepping into a space that uplifts children, veterans, seniors, and families in need, giving your gathering a shared mission that extends beyond typical meetups. Whether you want to volunteer, learn about social services, or participate in community-building events, VOA Illinois provides a unique environment where friends can feel part of something bigger—making a direct difference in people’s lives while strengthening your own bonds. Choosing to meet here means supporting a well-established nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families, promoting safety, stability, and well-being for vulnerable populations across Illinois. It’s not just about coming together; it’s about rallying for a cause that enriches your community and creates lasting impact, offering a meaningful alternative to usual social venues.
What activities does Volunteers of America of Illinois offer for groups?
Volunteers of America of Illinois hosts various activities and initiatives suitable for group meetups that want to combine fellowship with community engagement. One standout activity is their regular volunteer opportunities, where groups can join to assist in child welfare services, elder care programs, or outreach for veterans in crisis. These shared experiences not only build team spirit but allow participants to gain awareness of the critical challenges faced locally and how to make a tangible difference.
Additionally, VOA Illinois offers specialized programs like cooking classes at Hope Manor II, an initiative inspired by veterans learning essential life skills. Groups can organize visits to these kinds of events to share the learning experience and support program participants, making meetups both educational and rewarding. There are also opportunities to attend awareness events or hear from inspirational stories of residents and families who have turned their lives around with the organization's assistance, fostering empathy and community spirit.
Beyond direct service, VOA Illinois provides spaces and resources for gatherings centered on reflecting and strategizing ways to contribute helpfully to their mission. This can include fundraising meetups, planning volunteer drives, or hosting informational sessions to expand impact through educated outreach. Overall, groups have flexibility whether they want to actively serve, learn, or support the cause in a meaningful group setting.
Why is Volunteers of America of Illinois a perfect place for a group meetup?
Volunteers of America of Illinois is perfect for group meetups because it offers a unique blend of purpose-driven engagement, community impact, and the chance to connect deeply with social issues beyond surface interaction. When meeting as a group here, you are investing your time and energy in a space dedicated to uplifting vulnerable populations across Illinois, including children, veterans, elderly, and disabled adults. This shared mission fosters strong camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment among attendees, enriching social ties through collective action.
The organization’s long-standing history provides credibility and structure, ensuring that any group involvement is meaningful and well-supported. Groups also enjoy access to a wide network of professionals and clients whose lived experiences can educate and inspire participants during shared activities. This setting naturally cultivates discussions about empathy, resilience, and social justice—topics that strengthen group dynamics and awareness.
Further, the diverse programs offered allow groups to tailor their visit to their interests, whether that is providing hands-on service, attending workshops, or celebrating success stories. The acts of volunteering or attending events at VOA Illinois promote teamwork and highlight each individual’s role within a larger societal framework. This nurturing environment transforms ordinary meetups into memorable experiences with real-world significance—making this nonprofit an ideal choice for friends or family aiming to combine socializing with service.
How does Volunteers of America of Illinois support the community?
Volunteers of America of Illinois supports the community through a comprehensive range of human services developed over more than a century. Their core mission is to strengthen families, promote healthy child development, and empower individuals facing poverty, homelessness, or instability. The organization’s programs serve approximately 500 children and families per year, focusing on foster care, kinship care, family reunification, and adoption to ensure children grow up in safe and permanent homes.
Beyond child welfare, VOA Illinois provides critical assistance to veterans in crisis, helping those at risk of homelessness or serious life instability by offering affordable housing, guidance, and supportive services designed to foster independence and well-being. They also serve elderly adults and individuals with disabilities, promoting quality of life improvements through affordable housing and community support.
The organization’s approach is strength-based and relationship-driven, building lasting partnerships with those they serve rather than merely providing temporary aid. This methodology leads to transformational change, where individuals and families receive tailored assistance that supports long-term stability and success. VOA Illinois’s efforts address not just immediate needs but also root causes of hardship through holistic programs that integrate housing, healthcare, education, and emotional support.
What makes volunteering or hosting events at Volunteers of America of Illinois unique?
Volunteering or hosting events at Volunteers of America of Illinois is unique because it allows participants to engage directly with a legacy of service stretching back over 125 years. This heritage reflects the founders’ vision of "going wherever needed and doing whatever comes to hand," cultivating a culture of flexible, compassionate service tailored to real community needs. Volunteers today join this historic tradition by assisting in vital programs that uplift marginalized groups throughout Illinois.
Events hosted here often integrate meaningful education about social challenges alongside opportunities for hands-on involvement, ensuring that participants gain insight as well as impact. For example, cooking classes inspired by veterans’ stories or community awareness events put volunteers and guests in touch with the people they serve, making the experience deeply human and personalized.
Moreover, VOA Illinois places emphasis on professional, well-organized programming supported by trained staff, distinguishing it from volunteer opportunities where efforts may feel scattered or uncoordinated. This ensures that group contributions are effective and appreciated. Groups can thus plan gatherings that blend social connection with purposeful action, knowing their time and energy will be productively channeled into established initiatives that change lives for the better.
In essence, meeting, volunteering, or hosting events at Volunteers of America of Illinois offers more than social interaction—it provides a platform where the spirit of giving back is woven into every activity, creating lasting memories and lasting difference together.