News Articles

For more than a decade, VOA Dakotas’ Veterans Services Center has been a place where Veterans can find basic necessities, connection, and a path forward. Now, thanks to renewed federal funding and the support of local community partners who helped bridge a critical funding gap, even more Veterans will be able to access employment services that lead to long-term stability and self-sufficiency.  VOA Dakotas has been awarded $305,040 in first-year funding through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), restoring a program the organization successfully operated from 2016 through 2025. The funding will expand employment and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk…

VOA Dakotas is proud to share that Lindsey Madsen-Sandvig, Community Engagement Director, was recently commissioned as a VOA Minister during the VOA National Conference in Denver, CO.  Commissioned Ministers are VOA employees who embody Christian leadership and help advance VOA’s ministry of service through commitment, compassion, and empowerment. They serve in this role in addition to their regular responsibilities, helping ensure that our faith-based mission remains at the heart of the work we do every day.   As Community Engagement Director, Lindsey plays an important role in building relationships throughout the communities we serve and connecting individuals, organizations, and supporters to VOA Dakotas’ mission. Her commissioning reflects a…

Volunteers of America, Dakotas is proud to announce that Dennis Hoffman has been recognized with the Volunteers of America National Leadership Excellence in Philanthropy Award, honoring his outstanding leadership, commitment to stewardship, and lasting impact on the communities we serve.  For more than a decade, Dennis has helped shape the direction of VOA Dakotas through a leadership approach grounded in faith, generosity, and service. After joining the organization in 2011 as Major Gifts Officer, serving as President & CEO from 2012 to 2026, and stepping into the Chief Development Officer role in March 2026, Dennis helped transform how VOA Dakotas approaches philanthropy, not…

This year marked the fifth anniversary of Camp POSTCARD, a milestone that highlights both the program’s sustainability and its growing impact in the Sioux Falls community. Since its inception, Camp POSTCARD has consistently brought together youth and law enforcement to build leadership skills and strengthen positive relationships—creating a ripple effect that now spans hundreds of young lives over five years.  Held May 31 through June 5, this year’s camp included 68 middle school students, 5 high school mentors, and 25 officers from the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Camp POSTCARD (Peace Officers Striving to Create and Reinforce Dreams) is a…

Volunteers of America, Dakotas- Rise & Shine Benefit Breakfast is an annual fundraising event. 

VOA Dakotas’ Camp POSTCARD (Peace Officers Striving to Create and Reinforce Dreams) was featured in the January 2025 issue of Police Chief Magazine, the official publication of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. This national recognition highlights the incredible impact this camp has on both youth and law enforcement officers in our community. What is Camp POSTCARD? Each year, this unique program brings middle school students and law enforcement officers together for an unforgettable camp experience. The camp is designed to build trust, encourage leadership, and create positive, lasting connections between youth and those who serve and protect. Lieutenant…

Volunteers of America, Dakotas- Rise & Shine Benefit Breakfast is an annual fundraising event. 

April is recognized as Second Chance Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the efforts of individuals and organizations working to eliminate the unnecessary barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.

Dear Volunteers of America, Dakotas family,

With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Chaplain, Pastor Al Peratt. Pastor Al served our organization with unwavering dedication and made a lasting impact on the lives of many. 

I am delighted to share that Mallie Kludt was awarded the Volunteers of America 2022 Leadership Award in Leadership in Administration at our recent National Conference. It is an honor to work with such an incredible individual.  The information included in the nomination is impressive, yet just one example of Mallie’s commitment to our ministry.