In 2024, VOAWW continued to empower individuals and strengthen communities across Washington State. Our programs reached thousands, providing 24/7 crisis support through our nationally recognized crisis contact center, youth development programs, housing assistance, and senior care. We helped individuals facing homelessness find stability, supported families through life’s challenges, and provided space and activities for seniors to thrive.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers have been vital in offering essential resources, from behavioral health services to providing safe spaces for youth. With your ongoing support, we remain committed to fostering hope and creating lasting change, ensuring that those in need have access to the services and care they deserve. Together, we are building a brighter future for all.
VOAWW at the
Building Resiliency Conference
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A Letter from Our CEO
As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude for the progress we have made together at Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW). This year has been marked by extraordinary stories of resilience, transformation, and the deep support from our community. None of this would be possible without three essential groups: our incredible Board of Directors—both past and present—whose leadership and dedication continue to guide us, our passionate staff—nearly 900 strong—whose commitment to our mission drives everything we do, and our supporters—donors, volunteers, community partners, and elected officials—without whom none of this work would be possible. It truly takes a village, and we are so thankful to have you as part of ours.
We witnessed the profound impact of our services this year through stories like Tricia’s. A single mother of four, Tricia and her children were sleeping in their car before finding support through our housing services team. When they spent their first night in a warm motel room, her children cheered, “Yay! We get pillows! We get to take a bath tonight!”—a heartbreaking reminder that basic comforts are a luxury for so many. Today, thanks to your support, Tricia and her children have moved into stable housing, giving her the opportunity to build a better future for her family.
Our mission—to empower people and strengthen communities—is at the core of everything we do. Whether we are nurturing the potential of our youth, providing meals to those facing hunger, or supporting elders in our senior centers, VOAWW remains steadfast in our commitment to serve people in every season of life. Your contributions sustain this work and amplify our impact.
We have also seen an unprecedented rise in the need for food assistance. In October, our Everett Community Food Bank served 9,616 of our neighbors, the second-highest number in a single month in the past 25 years—a 32% year-over-year increase. The need is great, but so is our determination to meet it.
As we prepare for the future, I invite you to deepen your involvement with VOAWW. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering your time, or even serving on our Board, your engagement is critical in helping us build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Together, we have accomplished so much, and yet, there is more work to be done. Thank you for standing with us in this mission. With your support, we will continue to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most.
With gratitude,
Brian Smith
President & CEO
Volunteers of America Western Washington
2024 Highlights
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860 dedicated staff
are essential to providing the dozens of services among our 8 key program areas serving Western Washington, with some programs operating statewide.
Empowering People.
10.6M lbs of food
distributed, providing nearly 9 million meals to neighbors in need.
289,283 calls & texts
answered, helping neighbors in crisis find the support, hope, and care they need.
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89,830 hours
of in-home care helping 68 adults with developmental disabilities live independently.
$1.1M in direct assistance
to 4,541 households, supporting basic needs like rent, utilities, and groceries.
Strengthening Communities.
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28,024 hours
served by 602 volunteers of all ages, bringing hope
and help to community.
6,407 seniors
supported in healthy living, building connection and belonging at our community centers.
137 preschoolers
gained the skills needed to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
1,388 disputes
resolved through mediation, fostering peace and understanding in families and communities.
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2,848 families
families remained housed and stable, preventing homelessness through eviction prevention
Stories from 2024
A Place to Belong: How VOAWW’s Community Centers Are Changing Lives
Something was wrong. Almost a year ago, Kristi noticed she was having trouble hearing out of her right ear. What followed was ten months of uncertainty—six different doctors, one misdiagnosed cyst pressing on her auditory nerve, two MRIs and CT scans. And then, in April, 2024, her neurosurgeon delivered the real diagnosis: it wasn’t a cyst at all. It was a tumor.
A rare, slow-growing ganglioglioma, heart-shaped and menacing.
In September, Kristi underwent a four-hour surgery to remove it. 1.5 square inches of skull were taken from the back of her head, 24 stitches closed the seven-inch arc above her ear, and five grams of tumor were excised from her brain.
Then came the real work—healing.
It took just 29 days before Kristi was back at the Carl Gipson Center, moving, stretching, and lifting alongside her friends in Cora’s exercise class. "My neurosurgeon emphasized that doing Cora’s classes made my recovery easier and faster," Kristi says. But it wasn’t just the physical movement that brought her back—it was the people. "If it weren’t for my family and my friends here supporting me, it would’ve been a dark time."
At Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), we believe that no one should have to face life’s challenges alone. That’s why our community centers exist—to be a place where people find strength, connection, and support.
As Cory Armstrong Hoss, Executive Director of Senior Services, explains, "At VOA community centers, we offer a variety of programs for the physical, mental, and social well-being of seniors. From exercise classes to games like bridge and billiards, we create safe spaces where people can belong."
For many, that sense of belonging is life-changing. The Carl Gipson Center serves not just seniors—those 50 and over—but also individuals with disabilities and refugees.
Seniors today face real challenges. More than half of the people who visit our centers live alone, and the pandemic only deepened the struggles of isolation and loneliness. "We work every day to combat that by getting to know people, introducing them to each other, and fostering small, supportive communities," Cory explains.
For Kristi, the Carl Gipson Center has been more than a place to workout—it’s been a lifeline. "I finally found my Washington friends at CGC," she says. Whether it’s exercise, an affordable meal, or a trip to the Ice Caves, the friendships and experiences she’s gained have made all the difference.
At VOAWW, we see the difference these centers make every day. They provide not just programs but a community—a place to heal, to grow, and to belong.
Faith, trust, and impact inspire donors to give—knowing their support creates a lasting change for our neighbors.
Why Give?
Did you know?
91¢ of every dollar donated goes directly to programs impacting our communities.
Board of Directors
Suzan Sturholm, Board Chair | Todd Brunner, Properties Board Chair | Chris McGinness, Finance & Audit Committee Chair | Stephen Zimmerman, Governance Committee Chair | Paul Butler | Aimee Do | Todd Henrichsen | Vicci Hilty | Mark Hulst | Bryan P. O'Connor | Lori Schlindwein | Amit Singh, Ph.D. | Brian Smith | Shannon Testa | Kirstin Tyner | Brenda White
Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
Leadership
Brian Smith, President/CEO | Kristi Myers, Chief Operations Officer | Jennifer Nobiling, Chief Financial Officer | Levi Van Dyke, Chief Behavioral Health Officer | Jan Olsen, Executive Asst. & Board Secretary | Dixie Behn, VP of Infrastructure | Claire Danielson, VP of Finance | Chris Eck, VP of Programs | Kristin Ely, VP of Strategic Initiatives | Olga Fedorovski, VP of Human Resources | Jessica Moore, VP of Development | Kirk Pearson, VP of External Affairs | Steve Woodard, Ph.D., VP of Community Engagement
REVENUE & SUPPORT
$86,558,265
1.6%
Private Support | $1,379,443
(Individuals, Corporations, Organizations & Foundations)
19%
Program & Other | $16,392,684
21.1%
In-Kind | $18,306,109
58.3%
Public Support | $50,480,029
(Government Contracts & Grants)
OPERATING EXPENSES
$86,892,708
7.8%
Management / General | $6,783,479
90.8%
Programs & Services | $78,895,410
1.4%
Fundraising | $1,213,819
Financial data is based on FY24. Financial data in this report are preliminary and subject to change upon audit. More detailed financial reporting available upon request.
Our Team in Action
Coming Soon!
BALLINGTON FLATS
Our first affordable housing construction project. 42 subsidized units with 12 set aside specifically for homeless and low-income veterans. Anticipated completion: Spring, 2026.
LYNNWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Our 4th community resource center. 40,000 sq/f with multiple services. Anticipated to serve 20,000 annually. Anticipated completion: end of 2025.
SKY VALLEY HAVEN
A 6-bed, overnight emergency shelter for at-risk teens. Will also house day activities for the Sky Valley Youth Coalition. Anticipated completion: Late Spring, 2025.