Maud & Ballington Booth founded Volunteers of America in 1896. Primarily because of the initiative of the Denver "post" 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 during the years of the Great Depression the program closed in Utah.
About Us
We Are Volunteers of America.
We are the first to step forward.
Mission
Volunteers of America, Utah provides community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance.
Volunteers of America, Utah is a human services nonprofit organization with hundreds of paid staff who serve more than 10,000 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.
History
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1896 - 1930s
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1986 - Present
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 our 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.
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Our Name
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 who was 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.
Learn More
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Programs & Facilities
Our three pillars of care include homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Find out where to get support.