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The Volunteers of America's "Your Caring Gifts" campaign, sponsored by YNN, needs the community's help to help others.

"I'm rebuilding my life at 50 years old and I'm glad I got the opportunity to do that."

Volunteers of America's Men's Housing helped give Vincent Mielnicki that chance.

"This program is primarily for men in transition, men in need," said Angela Smith-Wilson, VOA Housing Program VP.

Vincent shares why he found himself in that position.

"Chemical dependency. 20-years, on and off. Just not living correctly. You neglect stuff when you're getting high and using drugs."

Vincent said he kicked drugs two years ago and credits his Volunteers of America case manager with helping him stay clean.

"She's listening to my issues and what's going on in my life for real, and we devise strategies for how to deal with stuff. You know?"

Each resident of VOA's Men's Housing gets the services of a case manager.

"Who will help assist them," Wilson explained. "Link them to services they may need, be it drug treatment, mental health treatment, reunification with their family, food assistance, whatever they need."

It's helped Vincent reconnect with his son, daughter in law, and granddaughter in New Jersey.

"I got family support, I got spiritual support, I got medical support. I'm getting educational support. It's great. It's great."

Vincent said the next step in his recovery journey is finding work and moving on to independent living.

He has a message for others in his position.

"Let people help you. Surrender. Give up the old ways."

Volunteers of America plans to soon expand its men's housing from 30 to 45 units.

If you would like to donate, please call (585) 647-1150 or go to:
Volunteers of America