5 people found this review helpful
THE VETERANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
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July 20, 2011
5 people found this review helpful
I was just reading a few reviews on different veterans groups and ran across one from jerryd15.I took your advice and looked up the groups he listed..... Nothing was found.HMM?My father was a member of 4 of the groups listed and Im speaking from first hand experience when I say that when he needed help that VSO was there.The other 4 groups that he paid dues to for decades never even returned his calls.I have been told personally "If your not a member,We cant help you"....That didnt make much sense to me.I thought that a veterans group was supposed to help ALL veterans,not just members of thier private club.I have ran across articles where VSO has even been helping these volunteer groups when they are struggling.It seems to me that the VSO is willing to help ALL veterans AND these so called volunteer groups.The other thing that I wonder about is if theses groups are giving back 100% who pays for the gas,lights,phones,internet,office space,literature or any of the T-shirts,flags or other trinkets that they are handing out???I think what jerry meant to say was that they give back 100% of PROCEEDS...thats whats left over when these items are paid for.I geuss VSO could say that too,but it would be misleading.I see VSO gave $10,000 to VFW national to support camp trotter for the kids of veterans too.I also found that VSO gave back over 4.9 million dollars last year,the way I found out was by asking to see the financials or an audit report.They had no problem providing it either.When I asked another group about thier financials the response was not what I expected to hear.It seems to me that VSO is pretty transparent.They care about the veterans and the struggles that face them after they return home.Why am I defending VSO?Because they have been there for Me,my Father,My uncle and many of my friends.THATS THE FACT JACK.
As far as the fundraisers getting paid 30%.....Its a work program to help vets keep the roof over thier head while they try to find work.Is it better to give a man a fish to eat for a day,or teach him how to fish to eat for the rest of his life?Sorry but I dont see anything wrong with a vet getting paid while he is also helping other vets and informing them about the grants VSO gives out.If you have a vet out of work or waiting on benefits how much good is it to pay his rent this month and him not have a way to pay it next month?I dont know if people who havent done proper research realize that when they slander other groups that they are hurting veterans not helping them.If they are out for the same true cause why dont they work together for that cause,seems like it would make a bigger impact on the problem.So by all means look up these other groups on guidestar,I couldnt find ANYTHING.It really makes me wonder whos helping and how much they are helping.I would like to see these groups united I feel like these young vets coming back deserve all the help we can give after so many deployments.FYI 19 a day take thier own life at the average age of 24...Think about that for a moment,The hiighest rate ever.GOD BLESS AMERICA.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
GA.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They would have a program in every state.
1 person found this review helpful
June 14, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
A Fraud pretending to help Veteran's.
Less than 15% of what they collect is dedicated to help veterans.
The solicitors get to keep 30% of what they collect.
The solicitors are supposed to be "homeless vets" but less than 1/2 are veterans.
They are under investigation in Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, New York and Pennsylvania.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Virginia. I met a solicitor and heard about all they do to help veterans. But before I donate to any organization I investigate that organization, which I did, and found that it is a fraud.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Shut it down!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
None
How did you learn about this organization?
Solicitations at a Flea Market
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 11, 2011
This group parades around as veterans and that is the reason people donate easily to them. The are all paid from the collectors to the CEO. Any legitimate veterans organization will accept donations and 100% of it will go to the veterans.
Look up American Legion, VFW, DAV, Amvets, Marine Corps League.and VVA in your phone book and send them a check. Or talk to a neighbor they may belong to one of these veterans organizations that are all about helping veterans and all volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Myrtle Beach SC
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have them cease and desist
May 11, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have personally had experience with this group. I have donated to them and done background research about them. I also have called the West Palm Beach and the person I talked to raved about the Veterans Support Organization. I asked her about the 2 other veterans groups in South Florida and she had issues with those groups. 86% is awesome and I have seen them help a veteran first hand. Thanks VETERANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION and keep up the good work
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I saw them help someone first hand and. That was a powerful experience
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Yes, I would beg the nay sayers to do research on this group like I did. And I would encourage anybody and everybody to help them with a donation when you see them.
May 10, 2011
I really am impressed on how much this veterans organization REALLY helps our American heros! As a professional that knows alot about non-profits I do have to say that they cross all the t's and dot all there i's which alot of organiation DON'T do and they don't have to. They have gone out of their way to educate the public on everything the VSO does and also they do give out their financials. Their organization has opened their doors and books to everyone and anyone interested or that has a problem on what they do for those that really wants to see what, when why, how and I don't hear this from any other organizations.
They have helped our american heros in so many ways. Everyone reads the bad and runs with it but if you take the time to read the good maybe you will see that they really do help our veterans. See for yourself and take the time to investigate and educate yourself before you make pass judgment. 86% is awesome and keep up the wonderful work you do for our American heros, our veterans....
God Bless...
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Educating myself with the positive which certainly out weighs the negative in my eyes. I have seen their work program members personally and I have seen their donations personally.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not a thing except open more chapters and transitional houses throughout the USA to help ALL our veterans!
July 12, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
I am a very proud donor & supporter of this awesome organization! I believe that I live a free life because of these past, present & future veterans. This organization does what it says and I know because my brother wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the VSO!! Just think-there is a war still going on and these guys & gals come back with all kinds of problems and they fix their problems but then there comes another issue- unemployed veterans. No one wants to hire these veterans that have fought for our freedom so they are stuck. The VSO gives them stableness & their dignity back. My brother is in their work program and back with his family because of the VSO. Keep up the awesome work!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
as mentioned above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would put a chapter in every state and also their Veterans New Life Haven too.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Everyone that I have donated too was very pleasant and very knowledgable about what they are proudly fund raising for!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Awesome and caring!!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
OMG....Be the biggest veterans support organization out there to have everything the veterans need.
Ways to make it better...
N/A
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Everyone that doesn't believe in them or give them a chance. It's hard to prove yourself when people are trying to put road blocks out there against them.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Keep up the awesome job Veterans Support Organization in your brigade on supporting veterans. Amen....
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 5, 2011
Im seventeen and I absolutely adore veterans and whenever I see these guys, dressed in what SEEMS to be military uniform, my face lightens up and my heart skips beat. These guys are supposed to be the defenders of our nation, but they are actually frauds and con artists. just yesterday I had asked them for a VSO packet so that a few friends and i could volunteer at their thrift store, and hopefully impact their lives. But today, I googled their organization to learn how to properly sign up to volunteer and I came across this MyFox news report on how the organization is corrupt and practically all the money goes to their selfish pockets. They are not even veterans and yknow, it just sucks to be so misled like that, especially through these once admiring eyes. Thanks guys):
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
fraud.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
cancel it. Stop breaking hearts.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
No
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
No
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
No
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
These guys are frauds.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
i thought i was helping out the figures I adore so greatly.
What would you tell others about this organization?
That their money is being put into, not veteran related stuff and these guys cant even prove that they served. Every major figure in the VSO has a extendedly long criminal record and this just isnt right.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 1, 2011
Please tell me why an organization from Florida is set up outside grocery stores here in MA that does not seem right to me. The veterans they have solicting the donations are actually paid 30% of everything they collect!!! Now I can understand helping veterans in need and putting them to work, but come on 30% is kind of ridiculous
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Many towns of MA they have overrun the entire state, sending veterans from RI or Florida to solicit here in Mass
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
GET RID OF THEM COMPLETELY
February 25, 2011
VSO has hit the mark of 86% back to the veterans of every dollar raised.These figures have be documented by a outside certified audit done on the VSO.The 86% is to include the homeless and or struggling americans that raise the donation.VSO has a work program that provides struggling americans to raise donations to help themselves while helping other veterans.VSO will not hire professional solicitors to raise the donations and keep most of it. A lot of other non profits hire professional solicitors from outside companies to raise donations for them but the problem is the company they hire keep most of the donation.We at the VSO do not like that,we think it is wrong. So that is why we have this work program. Again when a donor donates to the VSO you are not giving your donation to a hired professional, you are giving your donation to someone who will be helped with part of your donation that is struggling now in their life.When a donor donates to one of VSO particapants, they are helping that person and at the same time helping other veterans.Please do check out the VSO and see what you find. I am pretty sure you will be very happy what and how VSO operates.I will recomend that all donors do not donate to a group unless you check them out.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
yes i have experienced the operations of the VSO.I have served 8 years in the ARMY and i am very happy to be helping my fellow veterans with being part of the VSO.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
YES become nation wide
February 25, 2011
I first encountered VSO about three years ago and when I found out the fundraisers got paid I kind of questioned that.But the more I dug in past the mud slinging from other groups who dont seem to be doing as much,it makes perfect sense.When they give a VET a grant to pay his rent they offer him a way to pay it next month while he/she spreads the word about the grant program.When my dad a vietnam vet,fell and needed some guidance getting some home health care I called the GA.office and in less than 24hrs. they wired him $300 to pay someone to help him until we could get some help set up through the VA.Thats a pretty dog on fast response to a vet in need.Dad had called 2 other groups he had been a member of for decades....He passed away in Sept...they still havent returned his calls.It seems to me if these groups stop slinging mud at each other and worked together a lot more good could be done for Americas Finest.As far as paying a homeless vet to help other vets,what could be a better job?He rebuilds his dignity while saving money to support his/herself,instead of being a burden on our governments social services.Dont we have enough of that going on?Give a man a fish he eats for a day,teach him how to fish and he feeds his self a lifetime.All I have to say about VSO and what Ive seen them do for vets is HOOAAH!!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
GA. FL. TX. TN. NY.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
they should have have offices and sober living in every state in the nation.
February 25, 2011
My experience with this organization has been wonderful. I was a struggling vet my self who was on the brink of being homeless and this organization assisted me. The things that I have seen this organization do has almost brought me into tears.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We helped a homeless vet who was sleeping in his car with his wife and three 5 kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If i had to make changes to this organization, i woukd put a sign on every street corner so every struggling vet will know that they dont have to.
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