Filmmaker Janice Bowen (right) poses with senior housing service coordinator Karen Newbold (left) and “Need Knows
No Age” documentary subject Sandy Allen at the April 30 Shelter from the Storm Fundraising Breakfast.

Seniors Sandy Allen and David Chidley worked hard their entire lives. They raised families, paid taxes, were contributing members of society until unexpected injuries tarnished their golden years and left them homeless. But they both received second chances though Volunteers of America.

Allen’s and Chidley’s stories, presented in person, as well on video, emphasized the message of Volunteers of America’s 2008 Shelter from the Storm Fundraising Breakfast held April 30, 2008.

The new video, "Need Knows No Age," produced and directed by independent filmmaker Janice Bowen, featured Allen, Chidley and Hugh Short of Volunteers of America's Manzanita Place apartments, as well as board member Judy McGarry and program director Beth Valentine.

Seniors are among society’s most vulnerable population segment. Volunteers of America leads the way to helping end senior homelessness through mental-health community outreach and affordable-housing complexes. But the organization needs the public’s support for these and other programs.

More than 250 community-minded individuals attended the free 8 a.m. breakfast event held at the DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento. Leading the fundraiser's proceedings were Volunteers of America board members Steve Green, Leo McFarland and Sherman Haggerty.

For more information about donating, or to be added to the guest list for 2009, please contact Shauna Ross, development officer, at 916.442.3691, or e-mail her at shauna@voa-sac.org.

Shelter from the Storm 2008 was made possible through the sponsorship of F&M Bank.

Additional underwriting was provided by Kent Lacin Media Services.