Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana marks 130 years serving the community  

Written By Alicia Vial

Supporting children, families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities for more than a century

NEW ORLEANS — This year, Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) celebrates 130 years of uplifting children, families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities in 16 southeast Louisiana parishes through more than 30 human services programs. From lifesaving short-term care as well as lifelong services to those in need, VOASELA supports more than 26,000 of the most underserved individuals in the community annually.

“We are humbled to celebrate 130 years of impact in the community,” said Voris Vigee, VOASELA President & CEO. “As we look ahead to our next 130 years, we remain steadfast in our promise to meet our community’s growing needs with compassion, innovation and commitment.”

As an affiliate of a leading national human service organization, VOASELA has a long history of delivering transformative care and a strong support to Louisiana’s citizens. This year marks 130 years since Volunteers of America’s (VOA) founding in 1896, when it first began serving New Orleanians during the yellow fever outbreak.

Dating as far back as the aftermath of the American Civil War, VOA has empowered and advocated for veterans, at-risk youth, and families torn apart by the day-to-day struggle to obtain basic necessities and a life with dignity. The organization has grown to become one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of quality affordable housing, as well as long-term skilled nursing care and health services.

Just last year, VOASELA served 26,282 community members across its 16-parish service area through a wide range of programs: Senior Services, Community Enhancement Services, Children & Family Services, Veterans Services, Correctional Services, Health Services, Workforce Housing, Senior Housing, Single Room Occupancy, Intellectual Disability Services, Behavioral Health Services and Residential Substance Treatment Services.

Vigee added, “As our community continues to face unique challenges, VOASELA is committed to providing services that are relevant and innovative. Helping America’s most vulnerable is our mission, and as we work to transform lives we must also expand services to meet the ever-evolving needs of families, individuals and the community for the next 130 years.”

Today, May 11, VOASELA hosted events across multiple parishes it serves, marking a “Day of Service” that celebrates 130 days of service in the 130th year of impact for the organization.

For more information about the services VOASELA offers, visit voasela.org

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About VOASELA:
For 130 years, Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana has empowered and uplifted individuals including veterans, at-risk youth, low-income seniors, men, and women returning home after incarceration, homeless individuals and families, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families in need of affordable housing, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart, and the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. Visit www.voasela.org for more information.

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana is part of Volunteers of America which is one of the nation’s oldest and largest comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 paid professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has affiliates in over 400 communities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and serves more than 1.5 million people a year.

For more information about Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, visit www.voasela.org

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Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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