Volunteers of America, Southwest

For many, the holidays are a time of cheer and goodwill. But unfortunately, that feeling is not ubiquitous. There are families who don’t have a home, who can’t afford to purchase presents, and individuals who are feeling isolated. Seeing as this is the season of giving, here are some ways you can give back, helping your community and the wider world. https://www.voasw.org/blog/9-ways-to-give-back-this-season/

Real love is multifaceted, a Christmas present that can be with us from childhood through adulthood. It is the gift that keeps on giving. It starts with hope and empowers perseverance. It generates faith, goodwill, and forgiveness in grace and brings kindness, generosity and charity. Love becomes humble service which gives us joy, laughter, thanksgiving and renewal. Christmas is all about love; love to you and love through you. And we wish you all the fullness of the love that comes from God himself this Christmas Season.Blessing to you and yours this holiday season. #12DaysofChristmas

Happy Holidays from all of us here at VOASW! Please note: These photos were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let us always remember there was once a man that always complained because he had no shoes, until he met the man who had no feet. The challenges and frustration of the past 10 months associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have provided many opportunities for us to dwell on all that is not right or what could be done better. However, this holiday season is a time when we have an opportunity to appreciate and be thankful for the things that have gone right for you this year, as well as for those things that could have gone wrong in our life, but didn’t. Blessings to you and yours this holiday season. #12DaysofChristmas

If I have caused just one person to wipe away a tear from laughter, that is my life’s reward. -Victor Borge Laughter attracts joy, releases negativity, and leads to miracles. Be the miracle in someone’s life and bring the roar of laughter into the lives of those you serve, as laughter awakens the soul and soothes our pain. May your spirit know joy; may everyday hold laughter and every challenge open you to endless possibilities.Blessing to you and yours this holiday season. #12DaysofChristmas

Don’t forget to make your voice heard today. Every vote counts! #ElectionDay

Support homeless veterans and those struggling with addiction by participating in our very first virtual fantasy golf event! You’ll draft your dream PGA team and combine their scores from the upcoming Master’s Tournament with your own from a round of golf! Plus, you’ll have the chance to win prizes like clubs from Callaway Golf! Go to the Masters with Volunteers of America Southwest and register now: voasw.org/voasw-fantasy-golf-event/.

Wishing you a fun and safe #Halloween!

While every young child develops at their own pace, most children reach certain milestones at specific stages of development. These milestones indicating healthy development include physical, cognitive, social, and emotional achievements. Want to learn more about the stages of early childhood development? Here is a breakdown of what to expect at each age: voasw.org/blog/stages-of-early-childhood-development/.

We don’t get strong arms by doing bicep curls once. Our mental strength is the same. Neuroscience is discovering new, effective ways to develop our brains for enhanced mental strength and performance. What we are learning about neuroplasticity means that, at any age, through training, we can change our brains to become even more mentally strong, healthy, and fit. What do you do to keep mentally fit? #WisdomWednesday

When you participate in our Virtual Pro-Am Fantasy Golf Tournament, you'll not only help those in need - you will also have the chance to win exciting prizes! The top scorer will take home a cash prize of $1,000! Our second place winner will receive a Big Bertha Driver from Callaway Golf, and our third place winner will receive a Callaway Golf Triple Track Putter! With social distancing in place at golf facilities, this event is a safe, fun, and exciting way to support Volunteers of America and the homeless veterans we serve. Learn more and register now: voasw.org/voasw-fantasy-golf-event/.

Check out these Halloween safety tips from our charter school, Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences: San Bernardino!

The residents of our Renaissance Treatment Center are getting into the Halloween spirit! We held a door and pumpkin decorating contest and our clients loved getting creative. It was a great opportunity for them to work together and get to know each other better, and our staff got in on the bonding time, too!

Our preschoolers are all ready for the fall season! Special thanks to Ms. Renee Nunez who took all these beautiful photos and just celebrated her 10-year anniversary with Volunteers of America Southwest! Our children and family services offer a comprehensive continuum for educating young children and supporting their families. We offer early childhood development and family support, preschool learning centers, and K-6 STEAM charter schools. Learn more on our website! voasw.org/children-and-family-services/

According to a recent KFF Tracking Poll, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. You are not alone if coping with coronavirus stress and anxiety has taken over your headspace lately. The surgeon General in California explains that emotional and spiritual connection are more important than ever for physical and mental health. Learn more here: voasw-bh.org/coping-with-coronavirus-stress/.

There’s still time to register for our Virtual Fantasy Golf Pro-Am Event so you can go to the Masters with Volunteers of America Southwest! Your participation will help provide shelter and rehabilitation counseling to homeless veterans and those suffering from addiction. Here’s how it works: 1. Register and download the TDJ Golf app. 2. Draft your fantasy PGA Tour squad from Nov. 10-11 3. Play a round of golf anytime between Nov. 12-15 and enter your score, which will be comb...ined with the pros. 4. Sit back, relax and watch the LIVE Leaderboard when the Masters Tournament kicks off on Nov. 12! Register and learn more about this fantasy golf event here: voasw.org/voasw-fantasy-golf-event/.

This #WednesdayWisdom, Rev. Ev. is sharing basic ways to develop more compassion for humanity. Practice empathy: Try to imagine yourself in another’s situation. How do they feel when you treat them the way you do? Recognize commonalities: Tell yourself; Just like me, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life. Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life. Relieve suffering: Practice doing something small each day to help end the suffering of others, even in a tiny way. A smile, or a kind word, or doing an errand or chore, or just talking about a problem with another person is a step in the right direction.

Will you help us spread some Halloween cheer to our charter school students? Ballington Academy normally hosts a Trunk-or-Treat event, but this year that event is not possible due to social distancing. Instead, the school would like to host a Halloween Car Parade! Families will be invited to decorate their cars and drive through the school with their costumed kiddos, while staff (masked and gloved) hand over Halloween goodies through the window! This event will bring joy to many young children, but we need your help! Click the donate button below to help our kids have a spooktacular time!