Dear Friend,

What a difference three months makes. You watched the news unfold. Soaring needs in uncertain times. For our country’s seniors, homeless, and others already struggling before the pandemic, it made things even worse for them.

Urgent needs demanded immediate and devoted response. With supporters like you fueling the response, VOA healthcare teams stared a global pandemic in the face ... and proved it is no match for the strength and spirit of a community that cares, and that persists in doing whatever it takes for those in need.

Here are some highlights of our recent response and ongoing efforts that your support helped fuel:

KEEPING THEM SAFE. Protecting those we serve and our workers is top priority. VOA staff across the U.S. implemented 24/7 emergency plans at the first onset of the coronavirus’ spread—we added PPEs to the protocols, initiated lockdowns, and increased sanitization of doors, railings, elevators, cafeteria tables and chairs, and common areas.

MEETING DEMAND. The number of people needing VOA services increased as much as 300% in some areas during the pandemic. Unprecedented demands required swift innovation. We sourced PPE gowns and masks from new distributors when supplies ran low. “Hero Pay” was instituted. When program spaces were closed by local mandates, alternate spaces were secured to sustain feeding programs and emergency shelters. We're making certain that, despite historic demand, the welcome meal, warm bed, and emergency relief are there for someone with nowhere else to turn.

TACKLING MENTAL TRAUMA. Healthcare workers are facing constant trauma in the workplace, and moral injury is threatening their own health and well-being. VOA's pioneering moral injury programs and telehealth support are fortifying the resilience for those on the front lines of pandemic and disaster relief work.

Together, we achieved great things these past weeks, and we saved lives. It means so much to be able to count on friends like you in critical moments. Thank you for standing alongside us, as we continue to serve those in need.

With gratitude,

Mike King
President and CEO

P.S. Please enjoy this thank-you video montage co-created by our hero workers in the field.

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