“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.”

-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Friend,

At Volunteers of America, we help the most vulnerable people through one act of kindness at a time.

Our staff will tell you that they get just as much out of helping others as their clients do. The individuals they help become their friends—they become family. The story of Elsa and Clay, shared by his loving brother Blair, bring this sentiment to life.

Clay was born prematurely, and doctors said he would be blind, and never walk, read, write or talk. But with the love of his family and through the Volunteers of America Supported Living Services Program, Clay was able to find an apartment, live independently and get a job..

And then, 20 years ago, Elsa entered his life. She works with Clay five days a week to provide companionship and assistance. Today, Clay and Elsa are best friends. She loves him. And Clay loves her dearly.

“I love Clay very much. He is part of my family,” says Elsa.

“We are not only indebted to Volunteers of America for where Clay is today, but for the peace we have in our hearts,” says Clay’s brother, Blair. “Clay doesn’t need us to survive. We know that when we are all gone, Clay will be just fine.”

Volunteers of America serves one person at a time, and we do it with love. A lot of love.