Swords to Plowshares
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The folks at Swords to Plowshares are AMAZING! I could not believe that I was able to receive the financial assistance I needed to complete my training as a paramedic. The whole process was done in a way that I felt supported and dignified. There was very little waiting and I was never left wondering if I was going to be able to do it. Dave, my contact, was particularly understanding, compassionate, and helpful in my being able to achieve my goals. As a Desert Storm Era Veteran whose GI Bill already expired, I was particularly thankful to have this service provided by this GREAT NONPROFIT. Thank you!!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
how I could achieve my education and career goals through financial support that I received from Swords.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make sure I told the employees that they were appreciated and value them in as many ways as I could (financially, perks, fun, etc).
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
not having to worry.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AMAZING, compassionate, giving, supportive, helpful and great communicators.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help pick up the slack of the VA, expand its services outside the Bay Area, advertise in more venues so more veterans could benefit, have financial viability guaranteed into the future when more Iraq/Afghanistan/War on Terror Veterans come home.
Ways to make it better...
I would have known about them earlier in my educational process.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding, high cost of living in San Francisco, VA system that is overburdened and often poorly run.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I appreciate how easy it was to get my needs met. Thank you!!!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I cannot speak highly enough about this extremely meritorious organization. I have been working with Swords for more than two years now, consulting with several of its departments on a major project regarding the criminalization combat-induced trauma. This has involved my consulting with individuals and groups on many different and complex issues. The staff at Swords is a very diverse group with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and expertises, which keeps their projects at the cutting edge. That the organization is dedicated to having veterans integral to its operations is an essential aspect of its unassailable reputation, its integrity and its success. At the numerous meetings I have attended at Swords, the room just sparks with energy; the commitment of each and every person to the organization's mission is apparent and profound. I am continually inspired by the intelligence and creativity of Swords' staff and regard my involvement with the organization as one of the highlights of my career thus far.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the success of major funding proposals supporting cutting edge projects supporting combatants and veterans.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be deeply satisfied that my work was invaluable human rights advocacy.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the intelligence and generosity of Swords' staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
energetic, good humored, highly intelligent, very generous.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world even more with its positive impacts on the lives of men, women, and children who are making the greatest sacrifice for this country, and who are not being honored as they should be.
Ways to make it better...
more funding were available to expand Swords' programs and services to restore combatants and veterans to a standard of living they deserve.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding. Too many clients, too fast, with too few resources.
One thing I'd also say is that...
it has been an honor to work with Swords to Plowshares, truly. It has made me smarter and better.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
My relationship with Swords goes back to 1992 when I volunteered for the Stand Down for homeless veterans. Since that time I have watched Swords grow and change to meet the needs of the veterans it serves, whether it be homeless veterans or veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Swords not only provides services to veterans but also works on the policy side, advocating for veterans' benefits.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the success stories of formerly homeless veterans.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make better use of the Internet to reach out to younger veterans.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the dedication of the staff to those they serve.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
veterans and non-veterans, but all dedicated to helping those in need.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand transitional housing for homeless veterans.
Ways to make it better...
Swords had more staff to stay open throughout the day.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The changing dynamics of the veterans population. Swords has traditionally served Viet Nam-era veterans, but now it is serving younger veterans who have different issues and needs.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Swords is a great organiztion.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I was a Marine Platoon Commander in Vietnam and lost 11 young Marines and two Navy Corpsmen over a 14 month period in 1965 and 1966. I was bitter and avoided anything to do with the military until the late 1990s, when I heard about Swords to Plowshares and the work they were doing with homeless veterans in San Francisco. After learning about veterans who had been helped by Swords and meeting Executive Director Michael Blecker and his staff at Swords, my wife and I began contributing to Swords' work, I joined the Board and my wife became active in Swords' Annual Veterans Day Dinner. We have watched Swords grow from a smaller, locally known agency to a nationally recognized veterans' organization that helps Vietnam and older veterans deal with homelessness and benefits issues, and, more currently, helps recent Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans with legal, education, training and housing issues before they sink into or near homelessness. Swords works. Vets in need benefit. We're proud to be a part of Swords' continuing work. Jon Paulson
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping veterans become part of society again.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would not run this organization...I am not qualified.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Swords' staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and devoted to Swords' mission...vets helping vets since 74.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its activities throughout the whole San Francisco Bay Area.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time and money.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
visibility to and awareness by San Francisco's "Opera Crowd", those who could and should better support Swords' work.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Michael Blecker, Swords' Executive Director, has devoted over 30 years' of his life to helping veterans get better treatment than they would if it were left up to the U.S. government and citizens alone.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Swords has been assisting Veterans in need since the 1970's in the San Francisco Bay area. To really evaluate a non-profit organization all you have to do is go to the men and women who are receiving the benefits from the organization. Having served 24 plus years with the U.S. Army and being a combat Vietnam veteran, I can relate to our veterans in need. Since volunteering with Swords I have had the opportunity to interview several of the veterans that have received care, treatment, training and schooling, and placement back into society as productive citizens. The stories have been remarkable and very moving, which provides those of us who are honored to be associated with Swords with real pride. Swords works with men and women who have faithfully served our country and suffered some real tragic after effects that put them in tough scenarios where they were unable to come back out without the help of an organization with strong resolve and resources. I have found that there is no better non-profit to spend my valuable volunteer time with then Swords to Plowshares.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My personal interviews of their clients.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The results I see first hand from their care and treatment of the veterans they have worked with.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Highly motivated and dedicated to assisting veterans in need.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Assist a larger number of veterans that are in need of treatment and housing.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008