The mission of Ballington Academy mirrors that of Volunteers of America Southwest: βTo inspire hope through our ministry of service providing children and families with the tools to improve their quality of life." With the first charter founded in 2009, Ballington Academy for the Arts & Sciences was named after one of the founders of Volunteers of America, Ballington Booth. Together with his wife and co-founder, Maud, Ballington Booth mobilized to serve those most in need by placing the community above self, setting the precedent for the work of Ballington Academy for the Arts & Sciences.