True Action Alliance was born from lived experience, deep research, and an unwavering belief that no one should have to face adversity alone.
Our founder and CEO, Joey Varga, knows firsthand how easily life can unravel—even when you do everything “right.” With a strong education, relentless work ethic, and a deep sense of purpose, Joey began her career full of ambition. Yet, like too many others, she found herself blindsided by systemic barriers and personal upheaval. After being unjustly let go from her job, she quickly went from professional to unhoused—struggling not just with financial instability, but with the emotional toll of being erased by a society that offers little support when you need it most.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Joey had long faced being underestimated and undermined. But nothing prepared her for the isolation of losing everything she worked for. During this time, she also endured abusive relationships and the enormous responsibility of raising a child alone. Becoming a single mother brought both incomparable joy and crushing challenge, often with few resources to rely on. Through every hardship, she found strength in resilience—learning how to rebuild from brokenness and how to forge new paths when the road ahead seemed impossible.
These personal trials weren’t just obstacles—they were revelations. Joey began to see more clearly how poverty, inequality, and injustice are not the result of individual failure, but of systemic gaps and failed structures. Determined to create change, she returned to school and completed a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development. Her research revealed something crucial: lasting self-sufficiency depends not just on access to resources, but on guidance—on knowing how to navigate the maze of programs, services, and systems that too often overwhelm or overlook the people who need them most.
From this understanding, True Action Alliance was born.
We don’t just offer referrals—we walk with people. Our organization partners with nonprofits across the region to build a unified network of support. We equip individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to move from crisis to independence. By addressing the root causes of hardship, we aim to foster true, long-term transformation.
At True Action Alliance, every initiative, every partnership, and every action is grounded in empathy, experience, and evidence. Joey’s story is not just the foundation of our organization—it’s a beacon for others who are still fighting their way forward.
We exist to ensure that no one is left behind.