Are you looking for help?
We offer a variety of services to support your path to safety, sobriety, and wellness.
Support our work
Your support of Volunteers of America Oregon will help transform lives.
Our mission
To enhance lives by promoting self-determination, building strong communities, and standing for social justice.
Services offered by Volunteers of America Oregon
- CourtCare (childcare at the Multnomah County Courthouse)
- Family Relief Nursery (child abuse prevention)
- Community & Electronic Monitoring (justice-involved youth)
- Portland Public Schools Teen Access Line (teen violence prevention)
- Home Free (advocacy services for survivors of domestic & sexual violence)
Our story
Volunteers of America is among the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 1.5 million people a year.
Here at Volunteers of America Oregon, we specialize in family safety, substance use treatment & recovery, behavioral health, and reentry from the criminal justice system. For 130 years and counting, we have been empowering individuals, families, and communities in Oregon including young people, men and women returning from prison, people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, and those recovering from substance use disorder and other addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.
Our name, “Volunteers”
When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, “volunteer” referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a commitment to a mission. Today, we are still staffed by mission-driven professionals working to empower individuals and build thriving communities.
Our history
Volunteers of America was founded by social reform activists Ballington and Maud Booth in 1896. They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” This declaration has guided Volunteers of America’s outreach efforts ever since.
Captain Thompson led the efforts for Volunteers of America in Oregon, beginning his work in the late 1800’s. As the Oregon affiliate began establishing its headquarters, the focus of work was providing spiritual services, holiday season programming, and relief departments which provided clothing and support to those in need.
In the early 1900s, Captain Jessie Starks took command of the Oregon Post and continued to grow the services provided to the community. In our early years, we focused on helping women and children through the Young Women’s House, our first-day nursery, and Mothers’ and Children’s Home. These sites provided housing for low-wage and unemployed workers, vocational and industrial classes, and childcare for working, single mothers.
At this time, Maud Booth started the Prison League, which offered support to prison inmates through spiritual and emotional aid, acting as parole advisors, and assisting recently released prisoners.
By the mid-1900 Volunteers of America, Oregon (VOA Oregon) had added several new services and expanded sites for women and children. We began serving senior citizens, providing health clinics, drop-in centers, and a community for the populations we served to receive support. We also offered treatment services and opened the first VOA Oregon Thrift Store.
In 1999, Kay Toran became the new President of VOA Oregon and guided the organization into the 21st century. As the first Black woman to serve as CEO in the organization’s history, Kay’s impact extended far beyond her leadership role. Her advocacy for underserved populations, particularly through her work in addiction treatment and support for women in crisis, will continue to influence the organization’s future work. In late 2024, Kay Toran retired after 25 years of distinguished service to our organization and the Portland community. In March 2025, Maree Wacker joined VOA Oregon as President and CEO. In a short period of time, Maree has transformed and modernized our organization, while continuing to cultivate a culture of caring and growth.
Today, our services still center around that same calling that the Booths pledged in 1896. Our work has been and continues to be focused on supporting individuals and families by meeting them where they are. VOA Oregon commits to creating vibrant, diverse, and compassionate communities where every member is valued, every home is safe, and every life is self-determined.
Celebrating 130 Years
Watch to learn more about our history and how we continue to serve our community today.