Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Reentry Division

Introduction

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley was established by the two popular personalities of their time namely Balllington and Maud Booth were social reformers and known for their devotion and commitment towards community development and social work to help the helpless and the less privileged members of the society. It was founded in the year 1896 as a result of their movement which was a combined vision of both Balligton and Maut Booth dedicated towards the improvement of the current state of American people through “reaching and uplifiting” which was the name of their movement. Booth suggested that they will go to every place where there is a requirement for their services and help and try helping the people in every possible way. He stated that they will “go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand.” This statement was made to provide guidance to the voluntary workers of the organization and is the main reason behind the volunteer's commitment today. The aim of this report is to discuss the role and importance of this organization in improvement of community of poor and helpless. This organization was basically a church and religious institution that took up additional social responsibility for helping those in need which will be proved with the help of literature review and data available.

Discussion

Historical Background

In early 1900s there was abundance of job opportunities and options for people who were educated and interested in working. It was in that era that the volunteers who wanted work for the betterment of community people moved into areas to help for those living in poverty. These voluntary workers organized different facilities and programs to educated and train people. Different day care nurseries and summer camps were arranged for children. Additionally housing was provided for bachelor males and females. It was in this time period that for the first time in the history of the country a system of halfway houses was established for the released prisoners. After that came the era of depression in the 1930s with increased unemployment, hunger and homeless people. At this time the organizations helped the people in trouble through relief efforts with the help of employment bureaus that helped in finding jobs for the unemployed, wood yards, soup kitchen and facility of providing food at the cheapest rate. An example of Penny Pantries is a true example of such a place where every foot items was priced as low as once cent for the convenience of poor people. During the times of war the volunteer came up with an idea of opening up canteen providing for Sunday breakfast for soldiers and sailors. Day care facility for the children of defense industry workers was also available with the help of the volunteers. The American volunteers have also been involved in collecting funds for the war with the help of collection of scrap metal, rubber and fiber amounting to millions of pounds. The 1960sour special mission in housing dates to our organization's ...