COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Volunteers of America in Ohio and Indiana are joining forces and merging operations. The new organization, known as Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, will serve more than 23,000 people from 65 program locations in 16 communities across the region.
“The merger of neighboring affiliates leverages our strong financial positions, outstanding legacies, and programmatic diversification opportunities. As a stronger organization, we’ll be able to accelerate program growth quickly in Ohio and Indiana to help more people in need of housing, employment, and addiction treatment,” said John R. von Arx III, who was appointed president and CEO of the merged organization, effective August 21.
The new organization will have an annual budget of $74 million and 950 staff. Although some departments will be reorganized, no employee layoffs occurred. The merger was approved by the national Volunteers of America office and the combined affiliates’ boards of directors.
“During a year-long exploration process, we discovered that our programs are complementary and offer multiple opportunities to expand in both states,” said Kyle Hanson, who was named chair of the board of directors for the merged organization, comprised of representatives from both affiliates.
He cited Indiana’s initiatives in addiction recovery and Ohio’s expertise in veterans services, retail and housing for disabled and homeless individuals as programs that can be replicated in more locations.
“By merging our organizations, we will reduce administrative costs, and invest greater resources toward VOA’s mission,” said Dennis Kresak, who has stepped into a new role as CEO emeritus. As the former VOA Ohio president and CEO and a veteran of four VOA mergers in Ohio, Kresak will assist the leadership team with the transition over the next 12 months.
Prior to joining Volunteers of America of Indiana as president and CEO in 2016, von Arx served as a policy director for Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, two-term Marion County auditor, and consultant on government operations for KPMG LLP and Crowe LLP.
Agency administrative offices will be maintained in Columbus and Indianapolis with program offices there and in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Toledo, Ohio, as well as Columbus, Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Gary, Marion, Terre Haute, and Winchester, Indiana.
About Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human services programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 1.3 million people across the country – more than 23,000 in Ohio and Indiana alone. Established locally in 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including low-income seniors, veterans, homeless individuals and families, men and women returning home after incarceration, and those recovering from addictions.
