Volunteers of America, Utah provides community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance.
We are a human services nonprofit organization with over 300 paid staff who serve more than 7,000 people across the state each year through programs addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. Thousands of volunteers and partners join with us to accomplish our mission to reach and lift those in greatest need.
Maud & Ballington Booth founded Volunteers of America in 1896. Primarily because of the Denver "post" initiative, the Utah affiliate was created in 1907. The services included a free medical dispensary and an inexpensive hotel for the needy. By the end of the 1920s, our services had begun to expand. These services included a free employment agency, a thrift store, a convalescent camp, and an emergency shelter. However, during the 1929 Wall Street crash and the years of the Great Depression, the program closed in Utah.
In 1986, the Utah affiliate was re-established as a locally operated 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our services began with opening the Salt Lake City detoxification center. Since 1989, Volunteers of America, Utah, has continued to grow its services and programs. These services now include programs in areas such as homelessness, substance abuse, addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and other critical service gaps in our community.
The name Volunteers of America was selected when the organization was originally founded in 1896. It signified that the organization was comprised of people voluntarily choosing to help others. In those days, a volunteer was anyone committed to a mission or cause. Since its earliest days, when Volunteers of America brought food, medicine, and comfort to people not served by other charities, volunteering has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization's ministry of service.
Volunteers of America, Utah is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to empower individuals across all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, ages, and identities to build supportive teams and serve our community with open arms. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the guiding principles on our journey to create a culture where everyone is welcome. We are against words or actions that are counter to these principles.
Careers at VOA UtahVolunteers of America, Utah envisions a community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and confident that they belong. We are dedicated to engaging in the transformative work of learning about ourselves and connecting with each other. We strive to improve the collective well-being by honoring differences and embracing diversity. By bringing passionate, committed, and diverse people together, we are building and nourishing a fair and equitable community.
