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Dixie Behn Vice President of Infrastructure 425-212-2908

We can help you get connected to basic needs such as food, transportation, housing, Coordinated Entry and more in Snohomish and Skagit Counties! VOAWW Connect Coordinated Entry Basic Food Transportation Local Voices. Local Solutions. VOAWW Connect provides personalized resource navigation for Snohomish and Skagit Counties, extending beyond traditional Information & Referral services. Our Community Resource Specialists offer free, one-on-one assistance to help community members access essential resources and successfully navigate housing, food, transportation, and behavioral health systems. Call 360-VOA-HELP or toll free 1-800-223-8145 MONDAY - FRIDAY | 8:30am - 4:30pm QUESTIONS? Send us an email! Coordinated Entry Skagit & Snohomish Counties Individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can be screened for Coordinated Entry by a VOAWW Connect Community Resource Specialist. If eligible, enrollment is the first step toward accessing additional community resources, such as shelter and low-income housing options, which are subject to program eligibility requirements and availability. Basic Food Application Assistance We can help complete Basic Food/SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) applications and mid-certification reviews over the phone for individuals and families who are income-eligible. One Call Transportation Navigation Snohomish County We work one-on-one with Snohomish County residents who need assistance accessing transportation and planning trips. We help identify available options, including local shuttles, volunteer driver programs, medical transportation services, and public transit. Additionally, we support clients in navigating transit routes and developing individual trip plans. VOAWW Connect staff are not able to schedule or book transportation on a client’s behalf, but we can help connect you to the appropriate provider for scheduling.

DONATE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Steve Corsi, Psy. D. President/CEO Welcome, As we enter into recovery from the COVID pandemic, Volunteers of America Western Washington looks to our community for guidance on how to serve them in meaningful ways, for it is those who are in need that guide our mission and direct our purpose. When we paused to listen, we heard numerous times that the gap was closing. Hope was just around the corner. Stability was in sight. In response, our Hunger Prevention team responded by cutting the ribbon on a 60,000-sf food distribution center in Arlington supporting our food bank coalition partners in moving 5.4M pounds of food into homes where it’s needed most. Our Behavioral Health team responded by expanding to include tribal crisis services for our Indigenous friends and neighbors and began preparation to launch 988, a state-of-the art, one-stop, suicide prevention hotline. Our Early Childhood team, with their ECEAP low-income preschools and wraparound services, responded by opening 20 additional slots in an underserved area to guide young learners in a path of readiness for kindergarten and their parents toward self-sufficiency. The Housing Services team, long in hibernation, rapidly reassembled to respond to need and fully mobilized in July by expanding their team ten-fold to connect residents to $54M in rental assistance benefits. Our Dispute Resolution Centers responded by introducing the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP), facilitating tenant-landlord agreements to prevent evictions. Our senior programs, youth coalition, and community resource centers (CRCs) responded by providing individuals a safe place to be seen, heard, and taken care of. These are a few of the meaningful ways our VOAWW family has cared for, advocated for, and delivered services to over 315,000 people in Washington over the past year. I have personally witnessed people with tears running down their face as our team put boxes of food in their car who have told us, “I never thought I would have to go to a food bank,” or others who have said, “If VOA had not been there for us, my family would be homeless right now,” or, “I made the call and she talked me into staying alive one day at a time, and it’s been years now.” I am inspired by the way our staff and volunteers show up and respond each day, in ways big and small across eight very diverse service programs to create a foundation of hope where a life of stability is possible. Please join me in revisiting 2021, where I hope that you also find inspiration in the stories and achievements we are honored to share. In His service, Steve Corsi, Psy.D. Suzan Sturholm Board of Directors Chair IN PURSUIT OF STABILITY As the COVID-19 pandemic moves from global crisis to recovery, so does the physical, mental, and social health of the local communities we serve. Last year, rising vaccination rates literally opened doors to opportunities for employment, education, fellowship, and revitalizing a weary economy. Though moving in the right direction, progress is slow, and stability remains elusive for many. Volunteers of America Western Washington is devoted to supporting those in pursuit of healthy, independent lives. With 8 service areas, 483 employees, and 247 active volunteers, we carry on VOA founder Ballington Booth's mission to "go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand." We have continued to expand our services, pivot our response to areas of critical concern , and strengthen our foundation of providing for basic needs like food, shelter, wellness, education, and a sense of belonging. Here is a look back at how we answered the call for our most vulnerable neighbors in 2021. VOA opened a new 55,000 sf food distribution center in Arlington in October 2021. This expansion provided a more efficient way to move out 5.4M pounds of food to the communities we serve, representing 4.5M meals in homes where it is needed most. FOOD Housing Services mobilized in July and grew from a team of 8 to 84 housing navigators. Rapid Rehousing launched in 2021 to help households to quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing by supporting financial independence. HOUSING A total of 270 children were served through the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) preschool in Sultan, Monroe, and Everett. PRESCHOOL Across Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties, we fielded 32,342 calls for referrals to resources to provide assistance in a time of need. This amounts to more than 130 calls every business day. NORTHSOUND 2-1-1 In Arlington, we disbursed $4.85M in direct assistance to aid in housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare. The Lake Stevens Community Resource Center opened in January 2021 and provided 3,055 individuals with nearly $2.1M in subsidies. In Sky Valley, more than $1 million in direct assistance and 276,152 pounds of food were distributed. COMMUNITY RESOURCES East Snohomish County hosted two cold weather shelters for nights when the temperature fell to 3 4º or below. Safe haven was given to 81 individuals in Monroe and 63 in Snohomish. A total of 909 bed nights were provided during the season. Maud's House emergency shelter housed 21 mothers and 27 children. SHELTER Last year, in partnership with the City of Everett, VOA took over the operations for the Carl Gipson Center on a 14-year lease that will connect seniors and community members to social interaction and physical fitness. In Sultan, the Sky Valley Elderly Nutrition Delivery (S.E.N.D.) program provided 42 homebound seniors with 14,452 prepared meals delivered to their door, all year long. LIVING WELL Total chats received from imhurting.org, our 24-hour crisis chat support, exceeded 12,000 last year. This is in addition to the 105,24 1 calls that were made to across four staffed crisis lines. The Washington Indian Behavioral Health Hub was launched, serving as a central access point for those affiliated with the Native American and Alaskan Native Communities, from helping navigate Joel's law to providing culturally appropriate resources to overcome barriers to assistance. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH VOA operated 31 houses to provide in-home care to 92 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Direct Service Professionals spent 428,900 hours to help clients develop skills for healthy, meaningful lives. PERSONAL SUPPORT DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTERS LEAD THE WAY COVID-19 changed the way of life for so many. Suddenly, the guarantee of a job turned to uncertainty. A sense of home and safety began to crumble without access to reliable income. In 2021, the pandemic was clinging to its second year, and as eviction moratorium protections began expiring, The State of Washington recognized that gaps remained. To help families avoid homelessness and bankruptcy, state lawmakers looked to impartial mediators to help bridge the financial divide before eviction cases made their way to court and launched the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP). Volunteers of America Western Washington's Dispute Resolution Center was founded in 1982 as the Rental Housing Mediation Service. In 1986, it became the first dispute resolution center in the State of Washington. Uniquely qualified for this large-scale endeavor with more than 30 years of preparation behind us, we rolled out the ERPP program in July 2021 and became the first of its kind in the nation. And, because participation in the ERPP is voluntary, free, and confidential, it empowers renters who need support to champion their independence and take ownership of their future. Likewise, landlords experiencing ongoing challenges could also seek help, avoiding an uncertain fate. every number is a home in need of hope. 1,118 individuals directly served 97.2% tenancies sustained 716 settlements reached 30.37% living 300% or more below federal poverty level Combined with this program, Housing Navigators connected 6,566 households to $57.1M in rental assistance. Housing Services and the Dispute Resolution Centers worked together to provide a path to hope and stability in a time of critical need. From scaling up a team ten-fold to rolling out the nation's first-ever program to prevent an eviction crisis, Volunteers of America Western Washington paved a way through unpredictability for thousands who had nowhere else to turn. "Stability is peace that flows from the knowledge that tomorrow will not be desperate or trying. From early childhood to old age, VOAWW reminds people that stability is just ahead." - Aaron O., Development Team Edelia Edelia Mendoza* (not pictured) is a single mom. A college student pursuing a nursing degree. An immigrant. A survivor of domestic abuse. Edelia Mendoza is persistent. In 2020, a new job at Boeing as an electrician suddenly evaporated. “In June, there were rumors of layoffs because of COVID,” she remembers. “It was in order of seniority, and I was one of the newest employees, so they let me go.” That was in July. By September, she was falling behind on rent. Unemployment benefits were not enough to support herself and her son Mateo. “I was visiting the food banks to get meat and vegetables, so I could cook. But there’s still the car, phone, rent, insurance, and everything else that needs to be paid.” And the need was dire. Edelia faithfully made rent payments of what she could afford, but the partial amounts couldn’t prevent the balance from ballooning to more than $13,000 as the pandemic continued into its second year. Luckily, the staff at the HNN Communities property where Edelia lived were compassionate and knowledgeable about residents in similar circumstances. They helped her connect to Volunteers of America through 2-1-1. She worked closely with her housing navigator and learned she qualified for rental assistance, giving her the freedom to stay enrolled in school while being at home to care for Mateo as he attended school remotely. Edelia is now caught up on her rent. She is still in school and looks forward to a career as an RN. A career with a future, “so this doesn’t happen again.” Meanwhile, she drives for Uber part-time and was just offered her job back by Boeing. The other side of stability is in sight, and VOA was there to fill in the gaps to reach it. *All names have been changed to protect confidentiality. FINANCIAL SUMMARY View in PDF <1% Program & Other $748,686 1.7% Private Support $1,659,774 (Individuals, Corporations, Organizations & Foundations) In-Kind $11,951,264 12% 85.6% Public Support $85,407,646 (Government Contracts & Grants) Total Support & Revenue $99,767,370 >1% Fundraising $792,802 93.9% Programs & Services $93,943,685 Promoting Self-Sufficiency $79,692,850 Fostering Independence $11,410,849 Encouraging Positive Development $2,839,986 5.3% Management / General $5,308,189 Total Expenses $100,044,676 Ellie & Dixie Ellie the potato puller. Ellie the Christmas Elf. Ellie the recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the last nine years running. Ellie Behn grew up in the halls of VOA. She has volunteered with us since the age of four, when her mom, Dixie, began work here more than twelve years ago. Dixie says that without VOA, Ellie wouldn’t love service as much as she does. Ellie admits, “Asking me my favorite part of volunteering is like asking about a favorite child. But pulling potatoes was probably the most fun I’ve had.” Then, turning to her mom, “When can we do that again?” "That day was spent pulling potatoes and chasing voles,” Dixie says with a smirk. “She had a blast.” Both have spent their lives serving others, whether as a vocation or a volunteer. Dixie’s jobs in the court system, adult probation, and emergency dispatching often saw her helping the same people time and again, most of whom were struggling with chemical dependency and mental health. After ten years, her realization that these struggles “...were really a basic needs issue. Basic needs weren’t being met. I knew I had to be in a line of work that targeted the root cause of so much suffering.” After managing a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Everett for 10 years, everything suddenly changed when the facility closed. Without an income, Dixie sought help from VOA for rent and utilities. “It was about two months in when my case manager told me they were hiring for a receptionist. It was only ten dollars an hour, but it was something. And I knew I could make a difference.” She extended that belief to her children, repeating her mantra that one hour of service can change a life. With Ellie in tow, Dixie has changed positions throughout her tenure, each with progressive responsibility. Over those years, Ellie has volunteered in myriad ways from the Stuff a Bus event to the Meaningful Day Program to an annual tradition of acting as the VOA Christmas Elf. Dixie now serves as the Director of Property Management, while Ellie is entering her Senior year of high school with sights set on the University of Washington for a degree in clinical psychology, so she can return to VOA in our crisis services. Dixie says the future of VOA is full of opportunity. “With our leadership, the amount of ideas, the expansion, we are finding more ways to help and continue to grow. Too many still don’t know who we are, but I see so much possibility to reach more outlying communities and spread the mission.” For those who ask what our organization is about, she tries to offer a concise way to describe it. “I used to say, ‘We are a social services agency that assists the community through food banks, ECEAP preschool, dispute resolution, and go on to list everything we do. Now I say, ‘Wanna know what we’re about? Come volunteer with us.’” Chimes in Ellie, “We aren’t just a food bank.” Dixie and Ellie Behn have given of their time to VOA, Lake Stevens, and other Snohomish County communities to make them better places for having served. Their story was featured as part of 2021's "I am VOA" campaign. PO Box 839 Everett, WA 98206-0839 info@voaww.org 425.259.3192 Financial data in this report are preliminary and subject to change upon audit. More detailed financial reporting available upon request.

Foundational Community Supports Foundational Community Supports or FCS serves as a benefit for individuals on Medicaid (AppleHealth). This program offers two services: Supportive Housing and Supported Employment to those living in Snohomish County. Eligibility Criteria What to Expect Locations What you can expect with FCS Allow us to be a part of your journey in finding stable housing and employment with FCS! Supportive Housing Services From securing to maintaining housing, we are here to help you on your journey with support style services. This can include: Developing goals for finding housing with a specialist Researching available housing options with a specialist Receiving assistance with communicating with a potential landlord Getting help finding resources to help maintain housing, like applying for rental assistance. Supported Employment Services From creating a resume to landing the job, we offer assistance in finding employment through support style services, which includes: Developing goals for finding a job with a specialist Receiving information about available jobs in your community Receiving assistance with talking to potential employers Getting help with building your resume Eligibility Criteria Discover if you're eligible for our services by checking the criteria listed below. Supportive Housing Must be 18 or older Currently receiving Medicaid (WA AppleHealth) insurance Have a series of complex needs Be experiencing homelessness or having multiple stays in certain inpatient settings. AND Have a mental health diagnosis, substance use diagnosis, or a physical impairment. Supported Employment Must be 16 or older Currently receiving Medicaid (WA AppleHealth) insurance Have a series of complex needs Be experiencing social, physical, or economic events that cause you to struggle with finding or maintaining employment AND Have a mental health diagnosis, substance use diagnosis, or a physical impairment. FCS-Eligibility Locations Arlington Arlington CRC 103 E 3rd St (second floor) Arlington, WA 98223 Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm & 1p m-4pm 360-322-6988 Lake Stevens Lake Stevens CRC 8021 20th St SE Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm 425-405-2252 Sultan Sky Valley CRC 701 1st St Sultan, WA 98284 Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm 360-793-2400 Not in Snohomish County? Click the button below to view a list of providers in Washington state that you can look up by counties and needs. FCS Provider Map FCS-Locations

Rick Schoentrup Executive Director, Dispute Resolution Center

Rena Fitzgerald Executive Director, Behavioral Health

Volunteers of America Western Washington ministers to the needs of the community by providing food, shelter, and crisis support. Mission Statement Volunteers of America Western Washington is a Christian faith-in-action organization. Our mission is to empower people and strengthen communities in need, guided by core values of respect, integrity, stewardship and empathy. We are united in service to God and humanity with a vision to build healthy, safe communities where all people enjoy self-sufficient, fulfilled lives. The VOAWW Story Our Name In the days of our founding in 1896, a "volunteer" was anyone who was committed to a mission or cause. Our name signified that the organization was comprised of people who had chosen to spend their lives helping others. Today, our services are delivered through a partnership of professional staff, volunteers and other community supporters. Volunteers are instrumental in every aspect of our ministry of service and help us reach thousands more people than we could with staff alone. Founding The Volunteers of America movement spread to Western Washington in 1898, just two years after founders Ballington and Maud Booth proclaimed in New York that they would "go where we are needed and do whatever came to hand." Teaching people how to lead self-sufficient lives has been a cornerstone principle in this evolving organization. As the Booths were charting the organization's national history, for many years locally, Volunteers of America developed its community-based programs separately at two affiliate locations in Seattle and Everett. In 1999, these affiliates merged into what is now known as Volunteers of America Western Washington and responds to more than 316,000 requests for assistance each year. Responding to needs in Western Washington Volunteers of America was an evangelical presence in Seattle in 1898. After becoming incorporated in 1912 as Volunteers of America of Washington, the organization's work gradually evolved into a social service agency. Volunteers of America Northwest Washington began in Everett in 1915 and operated as an outpost of the Seattle-based affiliate, offering early programs that centered on the Men's Rehabilitation Center and thrift stores. By 1927, services expanded to meet the area's growing needs, and the outpost became a separate branch of National Volunteers of America. Between 1927 and 1978, this chapter grew to include several new programs including a Sunday school, youth programs, and Camp Volasuca, a summer camp in Sultan. In 1971 and 1974, through many local partnerships, new camp facilities were built including a large and small A-frame and a bathhouse. In 1985, the national office granted a charter to begin to operate as a Washington State nonprofit corporation. Our Ministry of Service Volunteers of America is a movement of faith in action, an ecumenical community of faith united in service to God and to humanity. Our Christian spiritual foundation truly sets Volunteers of America apart from most other human services organizations. Compassion, healing, and hope motivate us. These building blocks of our faith have led us to create programs and services that go to the heart of our community's needs, serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Brian Smith President/CEO 425-212-3928

See what your support made possible. Explore VOAWW’s 2025 Annual Report and discover how hope, stability, and opportunity are growing across our communities. View as PDF

Sky Valley Haven provides emergency overnight shelter for youth 12-17 and offers daytime drop-in services like case management, homework help, activity clubs, support groups, and mental health counseling. VOAWW Home Location Get Involved Contact Us Sky Valley Haven will offer six beds of emergency overnight shelter for youth ages 12-17. During the day, the Center will provide drop-in services and programming such as case management, homework help, activity clubs, support groups, and mental health counseling. We are currently working on funding to support overnight operations and special programming. Meeting Community Needs The need for this project was identified in 2018 when the Sky Valley Youth Coalition, a program of VOAWW on the VOA Village at Sky Valley, identified that more than half of program participants experienced housing instability or homelessness. The nearest shelter for youth experiencing homelessness is in Monroe and routinely operates at capacity. This leaves Sky Valley youth with limited options to travel far outside their communities for shelter and/or stay locally in situations that are not safe. Our program will work closely with the Sultan School District, Sultan Police Department, and community service partners to identify youth in need of shelter. While participating in shelter services, youth will have access to wraparound support, including case management and access to on-site services for mental health services and referrals for health care services. Sky Valley Haven 1st Floor Plans Sky Valley Haven 2nd Floor Plans Sky Valley Haven 1st Floor Plans 1/2 Design The main floor of the Haven offers social spaces for youth including a gaming area, a large kitchen, computer room, storage lockers for shelter guests, laundry, and staff offices. The second floor includes shared bedrooms, a half-bathroom and staff office. The completed facility will be just over 3,200 square feet. Location Location 605 1st St. Sultan, WA 98294 Become a Service Partner We are still in the planning phases and interested in hearing from potential partner organizations who may be interested in providing services on- or off-site to participants. If you’re a partner agency and would like more information about supporting youth as part of our drop-in daytime services, we'd love to hear from you! Email Us about a Partnership Volunteer Volunteers will be needed once the program opens to assist with drop-in center activities, inventory, etc. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer.voaww.org or email us! Email Us about Volunteering Questions about Sky Valley Haven? Send us a message. We are committed to making this project a success for our youth, neighbors and the Sky Valley community. If you have questions or feedback about the project, please reach out to us. First Name Email Last Name Phone (optional) Message Send Thank you for your message. We will reach out to you soon! Back to Top Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities.

Kristin Ely Vice President of Strategic Initiatives 425-947-5058

Volunteers of America Western Washington careers offer more than a paycheck. It's not just a job; it's an opportunity to live out your values serving others. Opportunities Abound We offer a challenging, fast-paced work environment for positions ranging from entry-level to those requiring significant education and experience. Professional Development We believe that education and professional development are lifetime commitments and provide paths and resources to expand your skills. Who We Are At Volunteers of America Western Washington, we are committed to creating a positive and empowering environment where every voice matters and everyone belongs. In a culture of authenticity, respect and inclusion, all employees can work, learn, grow and be successful. Our Culture VOAWW is dedicated to creating a positive culture of belonging, civility and psychological safety. We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to our workplace. A Winning Team High performance standards are a key to our success. Extraordinary staff and programs continue to win awards and recognition for excellence and innovation, maintaining our proven track record for exceptional achievement and service. Competitive Benefits Full-time employees, and some part-time employees, receive a comprehensive medical benefits package; life insurance; a pension plan; generous paid time off; and much more. Questions about working for VOAWW? Email Us Available Positions Volunteers of America Western Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals feel valued and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply and join us in making a difference in our community.