Volunteers of America in greater Los Angeles represents a considerable challenge. This organization is very large with revenues in excess of $80 million per year. They sit on nearly $100 million in reserves. Their holdings are vast with nearly 100 facilities throughout Los Angeles. Among those properties are hundreds of low income housing units. They appear attractive as a nonprofit yet their performance is below par. Their reputation is poor in many parts of the city. Audit reports reveal that the organization seldom hire and staff their program with the right certifications licensure or credentials. The training they provide their staff is limited to none. Their infrastructure clearly hobbles their ability to meet program criteria. In a word, as Large and Rich with cash and properties as this organization may appear it woefully under invests in their programming. Executive leadership and the Board of Directors are clearly more interested in properties then they are in delivering services that exceed Grant expectations. Their willingness to close down or otherwise shutter programs that are not profitable is troubling. Instances of nepotism are also troubling. Most disturbing is their willingness to not live up to their mission by maintaining such a keen focus on properties and cash in the form of a warchest. This is very unfortunate given the tremendous track record and history of Volunteers of America across the country for more than a century. On the brighter side the staff at Volunteers of America appear to be very loyal and hard-working. This organization given its resources has great potential but must live up to its mission. With appropriate oversight monitoring and consequences this organization has the potential to deliver a wonderful service across the greater Los Angeles area. First however it will have to address it's difficulties.
Review from Guidestar