VIA LINK: LaVondra H. Dobbs

EMPOWERING THROUGH CRISIS: LAVONDRA H. DOBBS LEADS VIA LINK

WHO IS LAVONDRA H. DOBBS?

LaVondra H. Dobbs isn’t just VIA LINK’s President & CEO; she’s a compassionate leader driven by personal experiences and a desire to make a difference. Fueled by her own family tragedy, Dobbs became deeply involved with VIA LINK’s services two decades ago. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive leadership, she took on the role of CEO, transforming VIA LINK into a place of hope for mental health awareness and vital support.

WHAT IS VIA LINK?

VIA LINK has been an integral part of the community for over a century, initially founded as the Volunteer Information Agency (VIA) to address the needs of individuals who were unaware of available services. Beginning with grassroots efforts and paper directories dating back to the 1930s, VIA LINK has evolved to provide telephonic crisis support and became a 501c3 organization in 1972. While the 211 and 988 dialing codes have been in place for 22 years, VIA LINK’s legacy spans a century of service.

While 211 services primarily cover southeast Louisiana, VIA LINK’s other services are statewide. With 28 crisis helplines, including 9-8-8 and 2-1-1, we assist Louisiana residents across the state. Our support ranges from food and utility aid to specialized helplines like the Teen Crisis textline and AgriStress helpline. Featuring over 4000 resources, our online Resource Directory provides comprehensive assistance. VIA LINK also hosts affiliate programs like Prevention Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) and offers extensive training and data collection services statewide.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

“After nearly 11 years at VIA LINK, we’ve transformed from a struggling agency into a thriving organization with over 90 employees,” reflects LaVondra H. Dobbs, President & CEO of VIA LINK. “Shifting from grant reliance to diversified contracts has been crucial for our growth. Moving forward, our goal is to expand income sources while offering more career growth opportunities within VIA LINK.

HOW HAVE MENTORS INFLUENCED LAVONDRA’S CAREER?

“My earliest mentors were my parents, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a dedication to serving our community,” reflects Lavondra. “Growing up in a military family, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and commitments of service. My father’s Naval career meant frequent moves, exposing me to diverse cultures and people. These experiences shaped my approach to work, fostering empathy and adaptability. Following in my parents’ footsteps led me to VIA LINK, an agency I consider the epitome of community support. Here, we not only connect individuals with essential resources but also prioritize mental health, offering a compassionate ear during times of crisis. Additionally, we gather and share data to ensure informed decision-making, empowering our communities to address their needs effectively.”

HOW DOES LAVONDRA PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE?

Self-care is crucial for LaVondra amidst life’s challenges. She finds comfort in activities like spending time with her dog and dining out with loved ones, despite not favoring exercise. Additionally, she values input from her team and prioritizes humility in continuous learning. She views personal growth as a journey of self-discovery, focusing on introspection, reading enriching literature, and maintaining an open-minded attitude.

LaVondra’s unwavering dedication and personal experiences have made VIA LINK a beacon of hope for many, offering support, resources, and advocacy for mental health awareness in the community.

5001 Hwy. 190 | Suite C-1 | Covington, La 70433 | (504) 895-5550 | vialink.org