Local employees honored for vision, innovation, and leadership
Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS), a nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals through residential and outpatient behavioral health treatment, re-entry services for justice-involved individuals, veteran services, and senior living, announced today that Communications and Engagement Manager Hanna Hondzinski and People and Culture Manager Shawna Upton have received the 2026 Agency and Culture Innovator Award for leadership from the organization’s national office, Volunteers of America.
The award is presented to a team or individual who has greatly shaped a positive culture within their affiliate, resulting in high employee satisfaction scores and retention. The award was presented on June 8 during the Volunteers of America National Conference in Denver, Colo.
“VOAMASS has undergone a cultural transformation because of Hanna and Shawna,” said VOAMASS President and CEO Charles E. Gagnon. “These young leaders have taken employee engagement to the next level. Innovative, enthusiastic, and driven, Hanna and Shawna are committed to connecting with and honoring staff, bringing positivity and joy to our work at VOAMASS.”
“We are so thrilled to be recognized by the national Volunteers of America office in this way,” said Hondzinski. “Shawna and I witness the transformative work of the team here day in and day out, and we are committed to supporting them to the best of our ability as they support our clients in reclaiming their lives.”
“In the four-and-a-half years I’ve been at VOAMASS, I have seen tremendous growth in our organization and in the individuals who we serve,” said Upton. “We are passionate about building community, recognizing our employees for their dedication to the work, and simply bringing fun and levity to help the heavy days feel a little lighter.”
Among the innovative employee programs that Hondzinski and Upton have developed at VOAMASS, most significant is a structured employee appreciation program that provides regular opportunities to celebrate employee achievement. Their impact is reflected in employee survey data indicating that 97 percent of staff enjoy the organization’s culture. Additionally, vacancy rates have substantially decreased, enabling VOAMASS to provide people in need with uninterrupted, quality support.
Incorporated in 1934 and headquartered in Jamaica Plain, Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) provides an array of outpatient and residential behavioral health, housing, employment, veterans and re-entry services each year. Additionally, VOAMASS operates three assisted living residences. VOAMASS’s mission is to serve those most in need, especially the hardest to serve and those facing multiple challenges. VOAMASS’s work touches the mind, body, heart, and ultimately the spirit of those served, integrating deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. The organization serves 3,500-plus individuals across Massachusetts. For more information, visit voamass.org.