Letter from Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

Step by Step of Rochester joins Volunteers of America - Western New York

Rochester, NY - November 1, 2011- In a collaborative transition between two local non-profit agencies, Step by Step of Rochester, Inc. will officially be affiliated with Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary effective November 1, 2011.

The mission of Step by Step, which was founded in 1992, is to assist women who are, have been, or are at risk of being incarcerated to claim their strengths and rebuild their lives and the lives of their families. The strength-based philosophy of Step by Step is implemented through workshops designed to increase self-esteem and focus on participant gifts and strengths. Over 350 women participate in one or more Step by Step programs each year. In total, more than 4,000 women have participated.

Volunteers of America is a local human services agency that was founded in Rochester in 1901. Volunteers of America works to break the cycle of poverty through an array of programs which include: housing and support services for homeless individuals and families; care and educational programs for at-risk children; crisis assistance for families in need; homelessness prevention programs; and the Working Wardrobe for adults seeking employment. Each year Volunteers of America helps more than 5,000 people in our community.

Step by Step selected Volunteers of America after careful consideration. "We are confident that Volunteers of America has both the resources and dedication to successfully carry on the mission of Step by Step," says Rev. Ruthellen Hoyle, Step by Step Executive Director.

"Step by Step is an important resource and enhances the services already provided by our Residential ReEntry programs," said JoAnne M. Ryan, CEO & President of Volunteers of America of Western New York. "Volunteers of America's programs and services encourage positive development, foster independence, and promote self-sufficiency, providing individuals with the guidance and resources they need to make positive change happen in their lives."

Seven Step by Step employees will be joining Volunteers of America's staff of 288 employees.

For additional information, please contact Rebecca Jaffarian, Marketing & Media Specialist at (585) 402-7255 or (585) 290-6170.