I am a veteran myself, a former Army Nurse. I served, stateside, during the Vietnam War. I have for years been concerned about how we serve our veterans, especially those whose minds and spiritual well-being have been damaged by their service in the military. The first time I visited Baltimore Station, I was stunned to learn that more than 90% of the addicted men they serve are veterans. I thought it was an indictment of the VA (that they were failing to help). But then came the remarkable epiphany: I saw that this statistic says something strongly positive about the excellent approach at Baltimore Station, and about their amazing success in helping veterans who are addicted to heal themselves. I was just at the Baltimore Station last Sunday. I had dinner in the company of several veterans who are working towards wholeness again in their lives. Afterwards the director of Baltimore Station took me on a tour of their new wing and spoke about the fullness of their wonderful program. Their program is all about dignity and hope and hard work. I couldn't help but think of my father, a veteran of WWII who died of his alcholism at age 49 in 1973, and I was embarrassed that I tears sprang to my eyes. I wish Baltimore Station had been there when father needed it.
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- EIN 52-1594258
- 410-752-4454
- 140 W. West St Baltimore MD 21230 USA
- www.baltimorestation.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Homeless & Housing, Homeless Shelters, Housing & Shelter, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment
Mission: At The Baltimore Station, we concentrate on helping those we know most about - those we can do the most for - men who have valiantly served our country and have fallen on hard times. We know that they suffer a special kind of hell, returning to society with the effects of combat (including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), often turning to drugs to silence the trauma. We know the cycle that can spin out of control, leading to poverty, estrangement and homelessness. We know what it takes to break that cycle – a highly structured environment – because most of our staff is in recovery themselves and half are veterans. Recovery is not a “quick fix” battle. It’s a long tough war.
Target demographics: Veterans
Geographic areas served: Baltimore Metro Area
Programs: innovative therapeutic residential treatment program supporting veterans and others who are transitioning through the cycle of poverty, addiction, and homelessness to self-sufficiency.