Who We Are

Volunteers of America (VOA) was founded in 1896 by Ballington and Maud Booth, who pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.”

At the time, the concept of “volunteering” meant serving others as a vocation. While our understanding of the term has evolved, our dedication to serving others has not.

In 1981, VOA arrived in Alaska to open a youth residential treatment facility in Eagle River. These humble beginnings have now led to over 40 years of empowering Alaska’s youth and families through recovery services, housing, and promoting healthy communities.

Today, VOA Alaska provides a full continuum of care, from education and early intervention, to peer support and care coordination, to mental health therapy, substance use counseling, and family therapy, to supportive housing and residential treatment. We are in schools, in the community, and supporting Alaskans statewide via telehealth.

Our strength-based and person-centered services promote wellness in all areas of a person’s life. Those in our care steer the course of their journey. We walk alongside them, providing connection and services designed to help them achieve their most meaningful goals.

As a non-profit, these services are offered at low- or no-cost, and no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

We are honored to be a part of the healing process for all people, families, and communities we serve.