Our History

Some people can't imagine doing what we do...we can't imagine not doing it.

Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 with a promise "To go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand" in the service of God and humanity.

On these founding values our organization has grown to be one of the largest, most diversified, and most effective faith-based charities in America, particularly in the 27 Louisiana parishes we serve.

We serve Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and Winn.

In the Baton Rouge area since 1921, Volunteers of America has been a steady organization assisting people in need. Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana serves individuals in the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Alexandria areas. We are there to support abused and neglected children, youth at risk, the elderly, families, people with chronic mental illness or developmental disabilities, the homeless and many more.

We believe that meeting basic needs can be life-changing; that social programs don't have to be big, complicated, expensive or impersonal; and that human services are most effective when carried out in a spirit of kindness and caring.

We also recognize a deep human need to express faith through action — to carry out God's will that we love one another. Our mission brings people together in service in a variety of areas; as donors and volunteers and through churches, schools, businesses, service clubs, and other nonprofit organizations.

Our vision is to engage the energy and spirit of the people of South Central Louisiana, to care for our neighbors who need help today, and to build healthier, more compassionate communities for tomorrow.