Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana began working on the streets of New Orleans soon after our national organization was founded in 1896. The first mission of these pioneers was helping women and children in poverty. Always extending a hand up, Volunteers of America has evolved over the decades to meet our area’s deepest human needs. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana transforms the lives of more than 63,000 persons in need each year. Through a variety of helping programs in 16 south Louisiana parishes, we focus on children, families, persons with disabilities and seniors. Our organization is a locally managed, locally governed affiliate of Volunteers of America national, one of the country's oldest, largest, most comprehensive human service charities.