#VOAppreciates started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to showcase our team and the impact they were making on the people we serve in our communities. Since then, we’ve continued to highlight the work of our staff, volunteers, and board members and show the difference they’re making in the lives of others every single day. Get to know some of our team members below!
Meet Jeri!
Assistant Property Manager at Hope Manor I
VOA Illinois appreciate Jeri-Alexandria Thomas, our Assistant Property Manager at Hope Manor I! Jeri has worked at VOA Illinois for five years and describes it as “diligent, organized and crucial.” She has grown so much during her time at VOA Illinois, and she feels that she is able to “show more compassion and empathy towards the people we serve because at any given moment, anyone’s situation can change and be life altering.” Something that you may now know about Jeri-Alexandria is that she is a big softie at heart and she wears her heart on her sleeve. Her life motto is “don’t sweat the small stuff” and she definitely brings this great attitude to her work and the people we serve. VOA Illinois is so happy to have Jeri-Alexandria as part of our family!
Meet Carl!
Peer support specialist
VOA Illinois appreciates Carl Ploense, our Peer Support Specialist. Carl has worked at VOA Illinois for 1 year and describes it as “compassionate, professional, and reliable.” He connects with our value of Faith and has found an even deeper appreciation for our organization because of this value. He is proud to work at VOA Illinois because he is “part of the SPACES team. [He is] working with fellow veterans. Once again, [he is] serving [his] country.” At work, he is inspired by Robert Coffee (Director of Veterans Suicide Prevention) and feels that Robert is the embodiment of what is best in leadership. One of his favorite experiences during his time at VOA Illinois has been facilitating veteran peer groups. He says that talking to fellow veterans, listening to them mentor each other, and seeing them move to a better place in life has been extremely rewarding. A fun fact about Carl is that he can dance! He dances the waltz, tango, fox–trot, cha-cha, and best of all… the hustle. His life motto is “honor, courage, commitment” and his happy place is anywhere that his family is. We are so grateful for Carl and everything he does to support our veterans!
Meet Lauren!
Client Support & Service Coordinator
Meet Lauren, VOA Illinois’ Client Support & Service Coordinator! Lauren describes the organization as innovative, compassionate, and with integrity. When asked which VOA value she connects with the most, Lauren chose innovation. She is proud to be able to give back to the veterans who have volunteered their time and lives to help our country. Lauren’s favorite success story is a recent one. One of VOA’s residents was experiencing domestic violence and reached out for help. Lauren visited her to speak with her about the therapy offered at Hope Manor II and made sure the client knew that her door was always open. The client eventually came to see her, and Lauren was proud of her for finding the strength to go after what she needs to help her feel better. Lauren finds inspiration in her director, Theresa Vidalon, who saves stray animals, stands up to offenders in the community, and manages multiple VOA Illinois sites while staying positive. During her time at VOA, Lauren has grown in strength and leadership and found her voice. She is a shy person at heart, but she has learned to come out of her shell. Lauren’s motto in life is “You can do your best with what you know!” If she could be anyone for a week, she would be Emilia Clark, who played Dany in Game of Thrones. Lauren admires strong women who find joy in life despite challenges. Lauren’s happy place is being in nature, taking a walk on a trail or out on the beach. She loves being outside in the sun and believes that life has a lot to offer if you look for it. We are lucky to have Lauren on our team, making a difference in the lives of those we serve!
Meet Sonya!
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER/CASE AIDE
Sonya Wilson is a valuable member of our team, working as a Community Health Worker/Case Aide for the past 6 months. Sonya describes VOA in three words as “faith in motion” and feels a strong connection to VOA’s value of faith, especially in how we fight for a brighter future for all. She takes pride in her work at VOA, knowing how important it is to show up for each other and our clients. Reola in HR has been a big inspiration for Sonya, as someone who started as a Social Worker at VOA and now works as a Human Resources/Quality Assurance Generalist. Sonya has also been inspired by her supervisor, LaShonda Ross, who listens and has an open-door policy, and Janella White, who is relentless in fighting for her clients. During her time at VOA, Sonya has grown in compassion and understanding for the complexities of people’s stories. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys writing poetry and creating new recipes. Sonya’s motto in life is “I never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him” – Galileo
Meet Kimberly!
SERVICE COORDINATOR
Kimberly Cotton is a Service Coordinator and has been with VOA for an impressive 16 years! When asked to describe VOA in three words, Kim chose “Teamwork, Dedication, and Compassion”. Kim is most proud of working at VOA because she admires the teamwork and compassion of her coworkers, and the positive impact they have on the clients they serve. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see clients overcome difficulties and achieve their goals. One of Kim’s favorite success stories has been placing veterans, non-veterans, and their families experiencing homelessness into stable and permanent housing. She truly believes that “there is nothing impossible to they who will try”. When it comes to inspiration at work, Kim looks up to our CEO, Nancy Hughes Moyer. “Nancy has been a mentor and leader for me throughout my time at VOA, showing dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude.” Kim has grown both personally and professionally during her time at VOA, learning new skills, improving her communication, and finding a balance between her work and personal life. Fun fact about Kim: she loves to bowl, travel, and is a proud mother of three adult children and one grandchild. Her motto in life is “respect yourself and others will respect you”, and if she could be anyone for a week, she’d choose Wonder Woman – a hero who fights for others and believes in the power of love and compassion. Kim’s happy place is at home, enjoying her favorite movies and TV shows with a delicious pizza by her side. We’re so lucky to have Kim as part of our VOA family, and we’re grateful for everything she does to make a difference in our community.
Meet Diamond!
OFFICE ASSISTANT AND RECEPTIONIST
Diamond Jenkins is the Office Assistant and Receptionist and has been with VOA for almost 6 months. The VOA value Diamond connects with the most is integrity and if she had to describe VOA in three words, it would be positive, respectful and caring. At work, Diamond is constantly inspired by her colleagues. She says, “I am really inspired by each department because it takes a fully functioning organization to succeed at all of the company’s goals.” During her time at VOA Illinois, she has honed her skills by learning Excel and Paycom. When not at work, Diamond can be found going out to eat and seeing a new movie. Her happy place is at home. We’re so lucky to have Diamond on our team, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her at VOA Illinois!
Meet Chiquita!
SERVICE COORDINATOR
Chiquita Ousley is the Service Coordinator at Marycrest Village, a 57-unit low-income senior community serving the Joliet area. If she had to describe VOA in three words it would be compassionate, caring and concerned. When asked how she has grown during her time at VOA Illinois she says, “I have grown in so many ways since working here! I am more patients and have so much empathy for the people living here.” Chiquita’s life motto is “love on someone with your actions, smile or simple kindness”. When at work, Chiquita’s happy place is at events seeing the residents laughing and enjoying themselves. When not at work, Chiquita can be found enjoying Hello Kitty as she is a child at heart.
Meet Dontane!
PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER
Dontane Farmer is the Program Services Manager at our supportive housing development for Veterans and their families, Hope Manor II. Dontane has been at VOA for 5 years and has been promoted during his time. Dontane’s favorite success story has been helping a 76-year-old female Veteran who had been scammed by a former boyfriend out of large sums of money. He worked with other VOA team members to help her find stable housing and work through her obstacles. The VOA values Dontane connects with most is Shared Destiny and Faith. He feels grateful to work with such dedicated co-workers who go above and beyond to help the clients we serve. Dontante’s motto is, “Do what you are supposed to do and not what you want to do.”
Meet Jordan!
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Jordan Turley is a Veteran and the Maintenance Technician at our Balsam Terrace and Spruce Manor properties and has been with VOA for 1 year. If he had to describe VOA in three words it would be engaging, amicable, and altruistic. Jordan is inspired by his co-worker, Nancy Harper. “She truly is a selfless human being who is constantly caring for all in our building. From doctor appointments to client’s personal issues, Nancy always seems to problem-solve and go out of her way to help whenever she can. Day or night Nancy is showing care to our residents that let them know they have someone in their corner!” When asked how he has grown during his time at VOA, Jordan says, “I have a need to serve the community in a much stronger way. Being part of the organization has opened my eyes and added some long-term goals to be made for myself as to what I can do to help improve our communities.” When not at work, Jordan’s happy place is at home surrounded by his family.
Meet Nancy!
CLIENT SERVICES & SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Nancy Harper is a Client Services & Support Coordinator at Balsam Terrace and Spruce Manor, two adjacent supportive housing developments serving low-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Jacksonville. Nancy has been with VOA for 15 years and the VOA values she connects with the most is faith and teamwork. Nancy’s favorite client story is about a young man who is Deafblind and who she has been working with for 13 years. “When he first arrived, he was very angry and lost his temper easily. He always felt that people either took advantage or didn’t understand him. Thanks to counseling and anger management, he gradually was able to express himself more. He has improved so much that he now comes in and talks about his feelings and is able to work through them. One of the things he does is decorate the whole building for every holiday. Everyone loves his talent and it has given him a feeling of sense of worth. I feel his living here has helped him to grow as a person of great character.” A fun fact about Nancy is that she is very involved in sports. “Coming from an all-deaf family, we were all sports-minded individuals. My dad was an athlete and I am very proud that he made it in the major leagues and was the third Deaf professional ballplayer! He played centerfield for the Cincinnati Reds from 1944 to 1947. He developed a plan to help his teammates know when it was their ball to catch or not. If he yelled out that means it was his ball, no yell means the ball belong to other guy. Did you know the ball/strikes/out and safe signs the umpire makes was developed in the late 1800’s by Dummy Hoy? He was the first deaf ball player in the major leagues!” Nancy’s life motto is, if there is a will, there is a way.
Meet Stephanie!
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER AND VOA MINISTER
Stephanie Eddington is a VOA minister and Senior Program Manager at Hope Hall. Stephanie has been with VOA Illinois for 6 years! Stephanie says, “I am proud to work at VOA Illinois because it’s a faith-based organization which means I can reference God unapologetically in my interactions with staff and colleagues.” Stephanie’s favorite success stories are “all stories of hopelessness due to homelessness, mental illness, addiction, family dysfunction, etc., that end with progress in building relationships, combating anxieties, balanced and quality independent living. When trauma is managed and daily functioning becomes the norm in a person’s life again, this is not only impactful but also rewarding.”
Meet Theresa!
DIRECTOR OF RESIDENT AND CLINICAL SERVICES
Theresa Vidalon is the Director of Resident and Clinical Services on our Veterans Services team and has been with VOA for 3 years. The VOA value Theresa connects with the most is Shared Destiny because she is inspired by her co-workers and clients. “I see their passion and compassion when they interact with our clients. The clients inspire me with their determination and strength. They work hard to achieve their goals and it is wonderful to celebrate each success with them.” Theresa’s favorite client success story is a Veteran she was working with who regained hope. “This veteran who was experiencing homelessness shared he had given up hope on life getting better. He was temporarily living in a VOA-Illinois facility that was located far from his children and had he lost his job due to his experiencing mental health symptoms related to his military service. The Veteran actively participated in our SSVF program. He obtained SNAP benefits, moved into an apartment, enrolled in college classes, and is working to receive his VA benefits and continue his case management. He shared that he is proud of his hard work and grateful for the support from his VOA-Illinois team.” A fun fact about Theresa is that she is an avid gardener! She loves sharing fruits, vegetables, and herbs with her community and connecting with her neighbors!
Meet Katie!
VOLUNTEER WITH VOA
Katie Mulrenin has been volunteering with VOA Illinois for 3 years. Katie was introduced to the VOA Illinois through Board Member, Calvin Gin and was extremely impressed with how passionate he was about the mission of the organization. After attending a couple of events, she strongly felt that the VOA Illinois was an organization that aligned with her values, and she wanted to further her involvement. Holiday wishes is our holiday drive that provides holiday gifts to the Veteran families we serve, the youth in our foster care program, and the families in our Rapid Rehousing program. “I learned about Holiday Wishes shortly after my father passed away. He was a Veteran and highly active in supporting several children’s’ organizations. He loved Christmas and I thought this would be a wonderful way to honor him. It was my first holiday without him, and I was having a tough time coping but shopping and wrapping presents for these children brought me so much joy. This has now become my favorite holiday tradition and I look forward to participating in it for many years to come. My first job was as Santa’s Helper at Orland Square Mall. It was fun to see all the kids lined up excited to see Santa and share their wish list. It is no wonder that I have loved being part of Holiday Wishes!”
Meet Nicholas!
Board member with voa
Nicholas Cade has been on the VOA Illinois Board for two years. “I was initially drawn to VOA Illinois because of its outstanding work to support struggling veterans in our community. And while that work continues to impress and energize me, I’ve also come to fully appreciate the breadth of VOA Illinois’ services, finding inspiration in the critical support offered to foster care families, the elderly, and disabled adults.” Nicholas is a Veteran himself and the VOA value he connects with the most is teamwork. “As a veteran, I appreciate the importance, and power, of teams that trust each other, collaborate, and are dedicated to their mission. VOA Illinois staff work as just such a team, and their impact is profound.” A fun fact about Nicholas is that he is an avid reader! He reads (or listens) to about two books a month and is always looking for new suggestions! Feel free to leave any recommendations on his social media post!
Meet Melanie!
MANAGER OF VETERAN SERVICES
Melanie Christian is the Manager of Veteran Services and has been with VOA for 2 years. If she had to describe VOA in three words it would be impactful, effective and far-reaching. Melanie’s favorite client success story is about one of her first clients at VOA. “He was an 80-year-old veteran who had been homeless for most of his adult life after his mother passed away and her house was condemned. I was able to assist him in obtaining subsidized senior housing. I transported him to his lease signing and when he received his keys from the landlord he began to cry. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me he had never had keys to anything before. He is still doing well and he has referred several of his friends to VOA for services.” If Melanie could be anyone for a week, she would be her cat so that I can just eat and sleep for a week.
Meet Katrina!
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE COORDINATOR
Katrina Gordon is an Employment Service Coordinator and has been employed with VOA for 2 years. However, Katrina has been with VOA since 2016 as a client and now Katrina’s journey with VOA has come full circle as she is serving those that are in the position she was once in. Katrina is inspired by many of her colleagues. “I love that this is a faith-based organization and our CEO is a literal representation of what our mission and values are. With that, she has done a miraculous job at employing those who embody the same and builds teams who are cut from the same cloth.” A fun fact about Katrina is that she was a professional background vocalist for many years and she is a Bible teacher at her church.
Meet Amanda!
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & QUALITY ASSURANCE
Amanda Deichl is the Senior Director of Human Resources & Quality Assurance and has been with VOA for 14 years. The VOA value Amanda connects with the most is integrity. Amanda is inspired by the people we serve who seek assistance and work hard to improve their hardships and our awesome staff who serve them without judgment. “My favorite type of success story is when a service recipient becomes a staff member! This has happened several times over the years; it says a lot about VOA.” Amanda’s happy place is listening to live music and being with people who make her laugh.
Meet Shawn!
LEAD MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Shawn Lewis is the Lead Maintenance Technician at Hope Manor Joliet and has been with VOA for 5 years. The VOA value Shawn connects with the most is innovation because he is innovative in his work every day. During his time at VOA Shawn has earned several certificates in Apartment Maintenance, HVAC/R, and EPA. Shawn is inspired by his coworkers and residents at Hope Manor Joliet. When not at work, Shawn’s happy place is being around his loved ones and building tables.
Meet Robert!
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE COORDINATOR
Robert Hopper is an Employment Service Coordinator on our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team and has been with VOA for 10 years. If Robert had to describe VOA in three words he would say, “present, supportive and committed.” Robert believes that the work that he does has helped him in the development and reinforcement of his belief in harm reduction and seeing the process as important, if not more important, than the outcomes. Robert’s life motto is Wu Wei, or Effortless Action, and believes happiness comes from within.
Meet Yolanda!
PROPERTY MANAGER
Yolanda Santiago has been with VOA for 5 years. Yolanda has held multiple roles at the organization and is currently the Property Manager at our Hope Manor I property. The VOA value she connects with the most is teamwork because the people at work who inspire her are her teammates. Her motto in life is “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken”. When Yolanda is not at Hope Manor I, her happy place is at home with her family.
Meet Elissa!
Senior Property Manager
Elissa Besterwitch has been with VOA for 8.5 years! Elissa is proud to work at VOA because she knows she is working to serve those who are most vulnerable and she is constantly encouraged by the dedication and teamwork of her co-workers. Her goal has always been, “that Balsam Terrace & Spruce Manor would be a happy, safe, engaging place to live, inspiring the people we serve to live their best life”. Her work motto is: being positive in a negative situation is not naive. It’s leadership. Elissa’s happy place is traveling with her family because it has left her with some of her most cherished memories.