Ballington and Maud Booth, the founders of Volunteers of America, were moved by scripture, "For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me. Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Sir, When did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or naked and clothe you? Or thirsty and give you anything to drink? Or a stranger, and visit you?' And I, the king, will tell them. 'When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:35-40)

In 1896 Ballington and Maud Booth declared their followers "God's Volunteers of America," calling them to go forth into the country and act on Christ's words.  Volunteers of America formed as a church, but an unusual one in that the mission was to 'reach and uplift' through meeting the real needs of people first.  This love of neighbor through Christian service spread across the country, now, serving people more than one hundred years later, reaching out in forty eight states.

 Volunteers of America has a long history of serving rural Nebraska. Mary Beard started the affiliate in 1944 by holding a birthday party for herself and donating free school supplies and silver dollars to children who attended.  Volunteers of America — Western Nebraska continues the Mary Beard Birthday Party today and provides a community of support for children with preschool, a childcare center, and an after-school program.

In 1984, after Mary Beard's death, Volunteers of America — Western Nebraska was re-established in Lewellen, starting a community health promotion program and incorporating in the state of Nebraska.  Community support has allowed the organization to grow and expand. 

We hope you will join us — share in our programs, and volunteer or support our services.