Dear Friend,

As February comes to a close, at VOA Illinois we are reflecting with gratitude on the impact your support continues to make. Even in the heart of winter, your generosity has helped us provide stability, dignity, and hope to individuals and families who need it most. As we look ahead to the promise of spring, we’re energized by the progress we’re making together, and inspired by what’s still possible because of you.

Sincerely,  

Nancy Hughes Moyer

President and CEO, VOA Illinois

One of the families we serve is facing an urgent need. They are a close‑knit, creative household with high‑school‑aged twins and a toddler. After experiencing an eviction several months ago, the family was forced to live apart for a time. They recently reunited while staying with the children’s grandmother, until this week when her home caught fire. Now, the three children, their parents, and their grandmother are starting over after nearly all of their belongings were destroyed. 

To support them, we have created an Amazon Wishlist with basic essentials to help the family get back on their feet. All items purchased from this Wishlist will be delivered to our office and given directly to the family.

Your support allows us to not only provide services to those who need it most, but also to provide support. This month, we were touched to see this support come to life in a Ring the Bell Ceremony at Hope Manor Joliet. One of the Veterans that lives at the property finished his cancer treatment and is now cancer free! In celebration, the property and his fellow residents hosted a small gathering for him and even surprised him by including members of his family.

Marco is our Senior Director of Community Real Estate Development. A day in his life can take him anywhere, from Joliet to Chicago to Elgin. In the spring, Marco closed on a new development, Hope Manor Village Joliet, and construction began soon after. Since then, he has visited the site several times and seen the progress that is made every day. He also recently closed on buying a property in Elgin that will be home to our Housing is for Justice Involved Individuals program, as well as our Housing is Recovery program. 

You may have seen the news (literally) that our Girl Scout troop was hoping to sell 2,100 boxes of cookies by March 11 to keep membership fees low. Because of your support, the girls have sold more than 10x their original goal! Now, not only do they not have to worry about fees, but they can also look forward to the incredible field trips and experiences that are ahead. Thank you to everyone who has supported Troop 26286!

The VOA Illinois Leadership Celebration is coming up! Mark your calendars for May 21, 2026, and join us at The University Club. More information will be coming soon regarding sponsorships, tickets, and ways to support!

Crystal is one of our dedicated volunteers who has joined us for many Operation Backpack and Holiday Wishes volunteer weeks. This month, she generously gave hours of her time to help us organize our donation closet. She joined us in the office over the course of several weeks and after each week, the closet looked exponentially better. Thank you, Crystal, for helping make this space more welcoming and accessible to those we serve! 

Thank you so much for your support of VOA Illinois! We would not be able to provide essential services to those who need it most, when they need it most, if it was not for supporters like yourself!

For any questions regarding the content of this Newsletter, please contact [email protected]