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This letter is a sincere thanks for all the help the Veterans Leadership Program and its fine staff have give me. This help has enabled me to reestablish my place in the Pittsburgh community. Struggling with psychological and addiction problems, I became homeless after several nervous breakdowns. After being remanded to the Allegheny County Jail for unusual disruptive behavior, I attended the Dual AD Program at Mercy Hospital I was diagnosed with debilitating depression and anxiety disorders compounded by alcohol use. At this point after having worked all my life, the greater part as a degreed Professional, I was homeless and was not sure how to proceed. I completed the program at Mercy and landed up in a very unsatisfactory and somewhat dangerous place to live. My only income was a small stipend from the Pennsylvania Welfare System. At this point I discovered the Veterans Leadership Program of WPA and requested their help in turning my life back around. I joined the program and attended meetings and clinics. These services included drug testing that was helpful in keeping me on track toward regaining my independence. With guidance and positive reinforcement from the many case managers and counselors at the VLP, I was able to establish my Veterans disability eligibility and Social Security eligibility for my disability. I am now on full disability through the Social Security Administration and although it is not recommended that I return to stressful work, I am certainly able to be financially independent and content. Thanks to the VLP Housing Program assistance I now have a very nice, quiet, and safe place to live. I have been able to maintain a paid for automobile and pay my bills. Thanks to the VLP Living Assistance program, I received basic necessities when I could not afford them myself. With the recommendations of VLP staff, I entered the Veterans Health Care system and with there thorough testing identified a severe heart problem, received hearing aids, an eye exam, and based on my situation most of this care is at no cost. As an older Navy Veteran (1969 – 75) I truly appreciate all the assistance rendered by the VLP. I especially thank Dan Pacura - Liberty Case Manager/Valor Case Manager for his guidance and assistance in housing matters. He helped me through some very difficult situations. To all your staff, I express my gratitude and hope I live well and meet your expectations of me. Sincerely, Bob Adams

I was in the housing program and it helped me out alot. But then I get a new case manager whose not helpful. I apreciate what VLP has done for me. But I don't like my new case manager because he is rude and a real smart alick. I am happy that they helped me but am happy to done to.

04/02/2008 To whom it may concern, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ken and the VLP, and the organization, its donors, and you. Here’s why: My husband Michael is a veteran of the Navy, having served in Desert Storm. He returned, found the best job he could, and we started our family. We have four children, ages 12, 9, 4 and 1. I stopped working when our oldest started school, paying for daycare meant almost my entire pay. We’ve struggled, but managed until 5 months ago. Our hot water tank blew out from the bottom, with no warning, flooding our home Thanksgiving Day. Christmas Eve, our furnace died. Weeks ago our only vehicle broke down. Our oldest daughter became ill, and our 9 year old son is undergoing major dental reconstruction. Bus routes cut, we need a vehicle. Insurance won’t cover the dental work, it’s a must but the insurance thinks it’s cosmetic. Being paycheck to paycheck, we became buried. I applied and receive WIC but welfare states Michael makes $40 to much a month to receive food stamps. We receive food bank items, purchase discounted groceries at several places and are on the CAP and Li-Heap programs but it’s still not enough. Our mattresses became so bad we began sleeping on the couch and floor. This began affecting our children. I reached out to local churches, the Network of hope, and the Salvation Army to be told they had no funds. Someone referred me to the VLP. Ken immediately offered to help. He came to our home and was one of the most polite individuals I’ve met in some time. He didn’t criticize, nor look down on us at all. I can’t express our gratitude to the organization enough. There isn’t, regardless of what the media states, many options for Vets, especially married Vets who end up down on their luck. Ken could have turned us down, yet he didn’t. He became our “hero” when we needed one. It frustrates us at times, that Mike did all he could overseas, works hard here now and that so many groups couldn’t help us when we needed it most. VLP has. Our never ending thanks goes out to VLP and Ken, and we pray and hop that if another Veteran family needs help that they can and will continue their mission. Best Wishes The Belotti Family Posted by K McCoy with permission from Tammy Belotti

To: Ken McCoy & The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pa. My name is Keith Sanders and I just wanted to take a minute to thank your program for all its help. From the first day, the VLP has changed my life as a veteran. I went to Empire Beauty School in October of 2006 and graduated in November of 2007. I didn't have the resource when I returned to my home town of Pittsburgh to pay for the last month of school. A fellow veteran told me about this extraordinary program that has since been a life-saving experience for me. The VLP program has allocated the resource for my apartment(first month and security deposit!). I never expected or even imagined that kind of help. The last month of my school was also paid with the help of the VLP. The blessings don't stop there. Once I moved into my new apartment my council, Ken McCoy made sure that I received a new bed(I have a chronic back injury,sustained while on Airborne training). Then he and the VLP made sure to get in touch with another agency that provides furniture for my new place. The VLP is too good to be true. The Veterans Leadership Program has made me proud to say I'm a veteran. Their kindness and goodwill is evident by each and everyone working there. I want to tell anyone and everyone what a "wonderfully program" this truly is. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I wish the VLP continued success as they strive to help veterans succeed in their endeavors. I wish I could be the poster child or in this case the "Poster-Vet" for this outstanding Program. These accolades are well earned and deserved. Thank You, Keith Sanders Prior Service US Army

Every November, Veterans Day provides a special day for grateful Americans to thank and honor military men and women for their sacrifices in service to our Nation. On the Southside of Pittsburgh, workers for the non-profit agency, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (VLP), get their opportunity to serve veterans every day. With a staff of 14 full time workers, many of them veterans, the office at 2417 East Carson Street provides assistance to veterans who are in need of housing and employment. Their mission statement serves as both a brief description of the organization and ouotlines its vision as advocate in serving the veteran community: OUR MISSION- Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania helps veterans address their needs by cultivating opportunities and developing options for their growth in the community. Veterans Leadership Program does this by providing assistance to unemployed, underemployed, and homeless veterans and their immediate families. With VLP working collaboratively with big agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Pennsylvania's Department of Labor, the question raised was one of accessibility. Does the VLP provide the bridge from asking to receiving; the bridge over the river of red tape that deters some veterans from seeking assistance? Does the center provide a place where all of the necessary resources come together to provide those services? The answer is a resounding yes. One of the simples questions I asked while volunteering was what would happen if all caseworkers were out of the office when a needy veteran walked in for assistance? The policy simply states that no one would be turned away. Whoever was in the office would provide the intake assistance. AGENCY HISTORY - Many Vietnam Veterans Leadership Programs (VVLP) were established throughout the United States in 1982; however, after the three year federal funding ended, many of these programs vanished. The Southside office was started by progressive Vietnam Veterans from the Pittsburgh area and survived through the hard work of the staff, together with the dedicated leadership of board members. In 1993, the program expanded to include the PA Highlands area by opening an office in Johnstown at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. In 2005, the name was changed from Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program to its current name, Veterans Leadership Program, to reflect their effort including veterans of very service era and those serving during peacetime. Membership in veterans programs is distinct and may be available with a Defense Department (DD) Form 214 proving military service. The social need for veterans' service organizations is great in Pennsylvania. With over 300,000 veterans residing in Southwestern Pennsylvania, this region has the second highest per capita concentration in the United States (vlpwpa.org). HOMELESSNESS -Nationally, the need for non-profit transitional housing programs will increase dramatically based on the latest reports. An article appearing in our local paper, The Beaver County Times, cites Veterans Affairs Department data showing 1,500 current-war homeless veterans, with 400 of those participating in programs that specifically target homelessness. Younger Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are already "trickling into shelters and soup kitchens seeking services, treatment or help finding a job" (Associated Press 2007). According to Daniel Tooth, director for veterans affairs for Lancaster County, they will have a "tsunami of them eventually, because of mental health toll from this war is enormous" (AP2007). Repeated deployment in current-war veterans is only one of the many reasons for loss of income; other reasons can include disability, family breakdown, and substance abuse. The statistics are surprising because Vietnam Veterans, who make up the largest share (42.4%) of homeless veterans, took about a decade before their lives began to "unravel to the point that they started showing up among the homeless"(AP). Community based non-profit, "vets helping vets" groups, which provide transitional housing programs work best for the homeless veteran population. In Allegheny County, veterans account for 22% of the more than 2,000 people that are homeless (Allegheny County DHS, 2007) each night. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs has the principle responsibility for overseeing programs for homeless veterans in Pennsylvania, the VA has only 332 funded beds. The National Coalition of Homeless Veterans estimtes that from the "400,000 veterans homeless at some time during the year, the VA reaches 25% of those in need...leaving 300,000 veterans who must seek assistance from local government agencies and service organizations in their communities" (nchv.org) Like most successful non-profits, the collaborative efforts of federal and state agencies help with funding needed programs like VLP. There is clearly a future social need for service organizations like VLP whose mission includes their very central their very central task of addressing the social impact of homelessness in their local veteran communities. Veterans Leadership Program provides a caring community service that helps struggling veterans retain their dignity, disallowing the "conveyor belt" pattern that bureaucracy can sometimes create. FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS In their effort to attack the very real problem of veteran homelessness, VLP offers several different transitional housing program. Scattered site housing, located in safe neighborhoods where transportation and community amenities are available is built-in to all of the current 6 specific programs. Federal and State grants set guidelines for the programs and for participant number. For example, the "VICTORY HOUSING PROGRAM provides housing to 15 homeless disabled veterans with dependent children" (Housing Programs, VLP). PENN FREE BRIDGE HOUSING PROGRAM is funded with Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG); overseen by the PA Dept of Public Welfare, Office of Social Programs." This program serves those in drug and/or alcohol recovery with their targeted population either men or women with or without children. The program requires completion of a treatment program, being in recovery, and having six months clean for placement (HP, VLP). The U.S. Department of Labor's The Homeless Veterans Employment and Training Program (HVET) provides grants for the other part of VLP's mission: employment and training assistance providing "job search assistance, education and training stipends and supportive services" (Employment Programs, VLP) Included are: vocational counseling, workshops, and regular job fairs and employment placement follow up. One-on one client counseling assesses skills, abilities, experience, and interest. Twice weekly, a resume workshop is held at the Center. Case management is listed as the key component of service that begins" with the intake process and includes setting goals in the area of life skills, financial management, parenting skills, home maintenance, job preparation skills and/or employment" (HP, VLP). This is the accessible bridge of asking to receiving services that begins with intake and continues with follow up. Like most non-profit agencies, VLP looks to the community for support. VLP is listed in the United Way's Contributor choices. Private donor contributions and collaborative government agencies work with VLP's valuable human capital for growth and leadership. They include the Executive Director, Staff, volunteer Board of Directors and Honorary Advisory Board. Adjunct volunteer help and educational internship is welcomed to help contribute to their mission. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITES -My volunteer activities included answering the main front desk phone in the lobby, taking the mail to the drop box, and greeting people when walked into the center. Calls from the Pittsburgh VA, the Housing Authority, or the United Way would come in through the main phone. Often, first time veteran callers would ask about services. These calls would be routed to intake specialists, who assist with the initial application. After this initial interview, the applicant would be assigned to a specialist caseworker who followed them through the program. Due to strict privacy policies, I did not sit in on any intake interviews. The front lobby was often busy with women and children; other times representatives from agencies would drop items off or clients would arrive for their appointments. Once, a middle aged man, who often walked by the center, came in to "check it out". Like many of the participants, he was a Vietnam War Era Veteran, who was in job transition and needed new skills. The center could help him with the computer classes he needed. A computer room, adjacent to the lobby, provides free access to the internet for job searches and provides bulletin boards overflowing with job fairs and information pertaining to housing and employment needs. The daily Pittsburgh paper and current employment guide papers were always on the table next to free coffee in the lobby waiting area. Retail products like dining coupon booklets are sold for additional revenue that is returned to the program. My thanks to Ron for inviting me on board, Dan for breaking me in, Kim for providing valuable VLP history and information about programs, Karen and Ken for the helpful interviews and last, but not least, Mary, for her patience and guidance allowing to "help" with the front desk. Angela Fabbrini, University of Pittsburgh Student- Service Project Paper, November 26, 2007

VVLP exceled in all areas of my need, having provided services that I had been unable to find through other social services agency and everything was done in a very professional, courteous and respectful way as to allow me to keep my self respect and dignty. Please allow me to explain. I entered the VVLP after being refered to VVLP by my former Landlord. By that time I had been to every social service agency around town with no help given to me. But for the Salvation Army there I did recieve help. My troubles began some 5 yrs ago about 2003. I was employed as a security guard earning about $ 8.00/hr. when I first became ill AND started having physical problems too. The illness not knowing then the nature of this illness caused me the loss of days at work and shorten my paycheck. I was off work just one whole week and from my paycheck a week of pay. being single the only wage earner in the house that loss of 1 week's pay hurt me I did not have enough my money to pay my rent on the 1st of the month so I borrowed money from my gas bill to make up the difference. I figured that I'd be able to catch up on the gas bill by mid-month. Then I had to pay for cash for a prescription that the Doctor had ordered for me. Doing that I borrowed my from the electric bill which I also figured I make up the difference of that by the first paycheck of the next month. Well it was not to be so. Everything began to snowball downhill. I ended up in the hospital a number of times I had to have surgery four times, 1surgery is an emergency surgery. I spend more time at the doctor's office or at the hospital for testing than I am at work. Of course no work no paycheck. My employer terminated me after agreeing to allow me medical leave but I was terminated. Every monthly debt and bills I owed I fell behind paying including child support payments("WOW")!!! Domestic Relations, just saying that enough said. Okay, that is when I began searching for help earnestly, before then I went to one all the social service agency known you name them I was there first thing in the morning. You must be there early before 8:00am to be seen. but before being seen there is the matter of filling out pre-visit forms that must be filled out then mailed back to whichever office/agency before you can be seen by a Social Worker and that takes a phone call that I should have caaled before coming in to the office. They mail forms out to you, You fill out sign date all forms mail them back in, then someone will call to schedule an appointment, remember to fill in "all" information bring "all" proofs of this, proofs of that, be there by 8am. or 1/2hr prior to your first visit which is only an evalution for services appointment. "ALL" your buisness must be disclosed for why you're there seeking help and then you're asked: "WELL HOW DID YOU LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU AND GET SO FAR OUT OF HAND BEFORE SEEKING HELP AND/OR ARE DRUGS/ALCOHOL INVOLVED WHAT IS THE REASON FOR YOUR UNMANAGEABILITY SIR"? Are you living above your means? Like I could live such a lavish lifestyle from an income of $8.00/hr. Having been stripped of all my sense of dignity, pride, self-respect and all self-worth. You are made to feel like you are "less than" by the person behind the desk doing the interviewing. And with all that, keep in mind that this is just an evalution for services appointment. There is no real sure thing of recieving help and have you tried cutting back on this or that, do you owe property that you rent/stocks/bonds or a car that can be sold off for funds/do you have family or friends that can help? On and on they go. Then that is when you learn that it will be a few days-30,45,60 days depending on the agency before you can recieve help. as if perhaps you'll get frustrated enough give up or just walk out. You get the picture. But even though you need the help today right now, it can't be done. did I tell you yet that I did not qualify for any assistance because I earned too much money for that month or year. In fact by too much I'm speaking of just a few hundred dollars-$200 to $500 too much again depending on the agency. I'm a VET a United States Army Viet-Nam Vet and each and every agency refused me help or thier help was too little too late and incomplete. Now by this time I'm so far behind I'm feeling so depressed that the thoughts of killing myself aren't just thoughts any more. I'm now planing my death, now see if you can get the money Domestic Relations. with the gas, electric, turned off and facing eviction I can't shower or proform daily body needs, not eating right. I walk out on to one of the many bridges in this city. I do not know how or who but I end up in the phyc-unit at the hospital. This is when I am introduced to the VVLP. Again I can't remember when who how but my former Landlord and the VVLP entered my life. but all due to the mistrust of other agency I'd dealt with in the past and bad depression I suffered, my process was abit longer than normal. I can honestly say that the VVLP staff (THANK GOD) for the staff off VVLP. These folks did everything and anything imaginable possible to help me they went above and beyond the call of duty to help me. first they had to break down the walls of mistrust confusion and depression. then they had to spoon feed me their services I didn't trust them why would anyone want to help me. Then they practically hand carried me everywhere even to Doctor appointments. from the door I was treated with respect told that I am somebody, shown real care and real concern. third I was given help that turned out to be more than I could ever hope for or pray for, truth is I didn't even know what I needed or wanted even that they help me withby suggesting I sit down and write a wish list of what I would want if I were given the help to get what I want. From the door when you are treated with this type of care its overwelming of a sort. At "ALL" the other agency I had been treated with abit of disdain/contempt believe me I know how that feels not so with the VVLP staff. MAN! WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE "REAL PEOPLE" MADE IN MY LIFE! Forgive me if this is too long or you feel it is too emotional. Hey it is what it is. my story. They have given me the services of just about all my needs given me one of my wants, there is still a few things I hope will be resolved but I am confident that even these issues will be cleared up too. I don't know who or how the VVLP is given its funds to stay in buisness, but its my suggestion that the funding be increased an 100 fold no make that 300-400% so that the staff can provide an even greater depth of services. What would be thier wish list of services they want to be able to provide but can't due to funding restrains. If you are private corprate or government contributares. Increase the funding so that the VVLP can be expanded to help an ever increasing VETS that are in need returning home and to those VETS my age from VIet-Nam that yet do not know of VVLP.

I had known of the VLP through a colleague and friend that volunteers his time with the organization. In my role as the commander of the 303rd PSYOP Company, having recently returned from deployment to Iraq, I have referred several of my soldiers to the VLP for assistance with financial needs, employment, and reintegration. However, when Frank (my colleague and friend) wrote me an email asking me to assist him in putting together a recommendation for an award honoring the 303rd, to be presented at an awards ceremony, I was a bit skeptical. I expected a well appreciated but not so spectacular program. What my fellow honorees and I found was an exceptional program full of patriotism, honor, emotion, and gratitude. The event brought together civilians, businesses, servicemen and women, and veterans from several wars to express appreciation for individuals and groups that assist veterans and veteran organizations in many ways. The staff was great, and the location extraordinary. It was an inspiring evening—a true gala if there ever was one. What I thought was especially great was the social time after the event. It was a great opportunity to meet all those that were introduced and honored during the event and meet those that work with the VLP. Since the event, I have had a few additional opportunities to refer soldiers and veterans to the VLP. I am very appreciative of the services they provide and hope to continue to have opportunities to work with them in the future. Thank you VLP!

When is the last time you sang God Bless America, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, set-aside time for a moment of silence, or said a prayer on behalf of our unparalleled country? The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania recently presented an extraordinary event that allowed over 600 of us to do this, and much more. This Tribute to Veterans program sanctioned us to see-through our political views, reach into our hearts and feel emotions from extreme sadness to triumph, all on behalf of those who have served, and those who have supported them. Words cannot express the powerful message conveyed by master of ceremonies, Glen Meakem and his team at the podium. Their passion for veterans was contagious, refreshing and not-to-be forgotten. The sincerity and depth of the evening was a beautiful and dignified reminder of sacrifices, yet spirited to perfection. We were all touched in a very profound way, with tear-filled eyes and earnest smiles. The audience consisted of uniformed military, family, and friends. Special guests included Gold Star Mothers, General Gus Pagonis, and many deserving honorees. Thank You, VLP for bringing attention and heightened awareness to such a worthy cause. Thank You, VLP for an inspiring event that brought together the military and civilians in an atmosphere of appreciation, respectfulness and patriotism. Thank you, Al Mercer and the staff at VLP for your commitment, exuberance and solemn grace in caring for veterans. I feel honored to have been part of the event, and look forward to sharing this most memorable camaraderie with fellow military and civilian supporters in years to come. I strongly suggest you mark your calendar for next year’s tribute. Fair WInds and Following Seas, M J Costello Sailor, United States Navy

The Veterans Leadership Program was great to work with. Nancy was very helpful and told us about some of the programs that VLP offers.