My name is Fran Valentino and I am Liscensed Masters Social Worker and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor for Catholic Charities in Commack, NY. I am the Clinical Supervisor of a Day Intensive Program where recovering drug addicts and alcoholics attend 6 days a week. Over 90% of our population live in sober housing. I want to tell you that one of the best predictions for recovery is supportive housing. Finding a client secure sober living is hard on Long Island. Finding a female client good quality sober housing nearly impossible. I want to talk about Amazing House. It truly is an amazing house. When we have a female in Amazing House clinically we breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have just increased their possibility for recovery. The girls are held to a standard that promotes accountabilty and responsibility-the foundation for every recovering addict to begin to rebuild their shattered lives. These women-over time-start to stand out from the other women in our program. They form bounds and accountablity to one another. I cannot say how this enhances the recovery process. Without this well run, strong handed and loving home so many would be lost to us. Children would not get their mothers back and parents would not get their daughters back. I see hope return, faith emerge and courage begin.Jackie has a tough but loving hand in the success of this house. I also want to remind the world tha now more than ever our Veterans need us to stand with them, support them and help sustain them as they are the foundation of our great nation. I am floored that in times of such adversity it is the margianalized and oppressed that suffer first. I will fully stand in gratitude for United Veterans Beacon House
As the Director of another non-profit housing agency serving the homeless I enjoy the collaboration and assistance of Frank and his staff at United Veterans Beacon House. They are quite knowledgeable regarding veteran issues and are always willing to share their expertise. A few years ago our agency had an opening in one of our permanent units slated to provide housing to homeless families. Beacon House placed a family and provides ongoing case management services. The family remains self-sufficient and appears to be doing well. That's how I measure success!
I am the Director of another nonprofit agency (Concern for Independent Living) who has had the privilidge of working along side of administrators and staff from United Veterans Beacon House. This organization has an outstanding reputation based on their solid history of helping veterans live with dignity in the community. They have a caring staff who go over and above what is expected to help meet the needs of homeless and at-risk veterans.
I have had the pleasure of working with various representatives from United Veterans Beacon House over the past ten years. In my role as an employee of the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless (recently renamed the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless), my involvement with UVBH has ranged from working with UVBH advocates and case managers to provide housing/services to veterans and others in need to coordinating with UVBH executive staff in the development and implementation of strategic plans to create essential programs and reduce homelessness in our region. Throughout all of my interactions with UVBH, I have found each representative to be professional, knowledgeable and committed to helping those in need.
I work for the Suffolk County Department of Labor and have been involved in a working relationship with United Veterans Beacon House for more then six years. Our agency has referred many people to UVBH for work experience. Through the efforts of the staff at UVBH many have been shown the road to self-sufficiency.
I started donating to the UVBH about 10 years ago for community service projects with my children. I saw the great work they do for the community and had a few parties at my house to collect personal items for the people they serve. All of my donations (clothes, furniture, toys, etc.) go to the UVBH because I was so impressed by their work. I've always felt that our veterans deserve more credit and help than they get. Afterall, they gave up a lot for our country. The UVBH became my favorite charity. I wanted to do more than donate so I started volunteering for them about 3-4 years ago. They have grants that allow them to collect food for the 14 houses they run and a food pantry that is open to the public. The houses provide a place for veterans to get on their feet, they are coached to get jobs and become active members in the community. UVBH needed someone to order the food on a monthly basis for the houses and the pantry so I volunteered. Some of the people who work at the office are veterans themselves. All of the people who work there are kind, gentle, compassionate and patient and understanding in sometimes very difficult situations. I am so proud to be even a small part of an organization that does so much for the men and women who have done so much for America.
United Veterans Beacon House is the finest community agency I have ever worked with. They go above and beyond on a daily basis, in providing services and support to our nations Veterans. Their transitional housing program for homeless veterans is a model for others to follow. The staff are professional, compassionate and dedicated.