Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

I was homeless living in the streets of Pittsburgh pa. Then I was referred to the Veterans Leadership Program and within a month had a place to live and work. Truly a life saving program..thank you so much....Frank.

I was suicidal when I was referred to VLP. My daughter abandoned me in a parking lot with my dog. I was homeless and I had to give up my best friend. I felt as though I had nothing left so why live. My daughter has not spoken to me since.

In the past seven months I have been with the Veterans Leadership Program I no longer want to die. I feel my case worker saved my life. I am moving to Florida tomorrow to be with my brother and his family. I have a new apartment in a senior loving complex. I have new furniture and I am leaving my past behind. I have a rescue dog. I am going to go back to school to be a pastor because I know my life is not over yet and I have more to give. The people at VLP gave me back my life with encouragement and kindness. I will be forever grateful.

They got me a job within a couple weeks! I am very happy with my experience.

I have referred veterans I know personally to VLP and everyone has been fantastic from the first person answering the phone to the last person assisting with job placement. Great organization.

When I reached out to the Veterans Leadership Program I was in crisis. I was separated from my husband and was terminated from my career position. I was in need of a helping hand. I was active in the program and attended events they held. The Covid 19 pandemic really caused a a barrier to finding suitable employment. The employment assistance and support I received was outstanding. The organization is a huge help to veterans in need.

Fantastic organization! The best VSO in the state hands down!

Went from homeless to housed with a full-time job within four months of participating in this program. Kept me afloat through the covid crisis when I was laid off with a special extension to help me continue paying rent, as well as emergency food services for several months. Also got furniture, food, a laptop, and several other amenities as a direct result of participation in the program. I can say I would literally have none of these things without Josh, Timothy, Nazeer, Melissa, Jennifer, Drew and the rest of the amazing staff at VLP. If you're a struggling veteran and you're not utilizing their services, you should be. The V.A. didn't commit to my welfare as much as they did. Thanks, everyone!

I am the Director of Veteran Affairs for Cambria County. As such I work with thousands of veterans in different stages of life. Whenever I come across a veteran in a housing crisis, or facing shutoff of services, I feel 100% comfortable assisting the veteran with an application for assistance through the Veteran's Leadership Program. This agency is knowledgeable and well versed in benefits for veterans facing these sorts of issues, they are also connected with several other community resources. Even when a veteran does not fit into the guidelines that may be in place for the specific grants that the VLP have been awarded and are working, they are never left wanting an answer. This agency helps thousands of veterans every year who are struggling, and they always provide a helping hand.

I volunteered twice with VLP, if I had the time I would do it more often. The first time I volunteered was for a much needed food bank for Veterans during the start of the COVID shutdowns. I thought the event was well organized, run, and they had a lot of food to give out. Unfortunately the food ran out before everybody received something. Obviously not the fault of VLP, just a sad fact. I personally went to each car and told them the bad news, and I have to admit I was a bit heartbroken when I saw their faces. More donations were definitely required, but full thanks to all that did donate!

The second time I volunteered was to assist with a virtual career fair where VLP provided professional attire and a professional head shot for LinkedIn and the career fair. The amount of donated clothing was more than enough for the Veterans that attended and the photos looked great. VLP also provided a computer lab for the Veterans to log on for the virtual job fair with people to help them navigate the computer / job fair, and to provide helpful advice and assistance. Many of the Veterans that attended did not have access to internet at home, and some were even homeless. No Veteran who stood up and served their country honorably should be homeless, period.

On both occasions I was impressed by the compassion and professionalism shown by all of the VLP staff. They were all engaged and passionate about what they do. We need more people like them. I know as a Veteran the "outside" world is not so kind to Veteran job-seekers, so organizations like VLP are serving a greater good.

I have a family member who has greatly benefited from services offered through VLP. We are lucky to have this nonprofit in our area for veterans.

I have been laid off from work because of the pandemic for almost 3 months and have not yet received an unemployment check because of issues that need to be dealt with and I got hooked up with this program and I am so thankful and so very very lucky that I am receiving help from this organization who is doing a outstanding professional jobs for veterans I am very lucky to have the three people who are helping me at this time they are so professional and I am so thankful for their time and their effort and everything that this agency has gave me . I truly don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for the help to the veterans leadership program the veterans office in Clearfield County and a few other County Assistance offices that I've been hooked up with to help me get through my hard time and I know deep down in my soul once things get squared away I will definitely do my part and do everything and anything I can to help another veteran who will be in the same situation as I am at a time in their live. Thank you so much. Friends leadership program !!! ✌������������������⚘

VLP has responded quickly to each & every veteran referral given AND then followed up with me to advise that they were, indeed, assisting. That type of thoughtfulness is growing more rare & is so appreciated!

An amazing Veterans Service Organization that goes above and beyond to accomplish their mission of empowering Veterans and their families.

It has been a pleasure and God send to have a program dedicated to female veterans. It has been informative and fun to get to know other female vets. I would not have met them otherwise.

The Women Veterans Leadership coordinator is excellent. She is bringing all the women veterans on a regular basis. I'm meeting new women and making new friends thru her effort. It's a great program

My experience with VLP is as one of their community partners; specifically I am a landlord who works with VLP to house veterans via their SSVF and GPD programs. I am impressed by their professionalism, their efficiency, their dedication, and the care and compassion they extend not only to their veteran clients but to their community partners as well. It is always a joy to work with VLP!

My experience with the Vlp has been life saving because of the employee who assisted me with getting help when I most needed it. Danielle was compassionate, considerate and Assertive. She helped save my family and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I’ve met quite a few of these amazing women involved and they are doing fantastic things for the community. We are lucky to have them.

This program helped my brother get through some difficult times after he got back. It brings together individuals so they can share their stories and help others who have been through some of the hardest times of their lives. This program has helped saved lives and it will continue to do so, because sometimes even the toughest people need a little help.

VLP is a wonderful organization that helps so many of our local veterans. I have been fortunate enough to participate in several of their fundraisers and each of them have been a wonderful community event that have led to success in fundraising and awareness.

The only thing better about the mission is the people who work at VLP. Toshua and Melissa are the best!

I see veterans live's being changed everyday through the help they receive at VLP.

I have been a recipient of the good works of the Veterans leadership program for several years, the program has helped me in many ways and have made my life so much better! without them I know my life would be extremely hard. Any Veteran that is in search of a professional and caring group of people then the Veterans leadership program is for you.

Great organization with a compassionate staff serving our local veterans

I hit rock bottom in my life. However, with the help of VLP of Pittsburgh I was able to get back on my feet and continue to move forward! They offer excellent programs and the staff was patient and welcoming.

i am a vet who wants to help other vets. this organization goes above and beyond helping our vets. proud to be part od this organization in some small way.

Hands down, the most effective VSO in Western Pennsylvania!

We hosted a lift-athon in partnership with VLP. They are great people and Dan Blevins did an awesome job of organizing every detail that helped raise over $11,000 for homeless veterans in this area. This is a great organization that always has our veterans best interest at heart.

I have not needed their services. I have been involved with volunteering on several different occasions. Their staff is always courteous and knowledgeable. Their organization has given me the opportunity to give back to the Veteran community. The work they do to assist veterans is outstanding. It is a honor to know such people.

Veterans Leadership Program gives homeless veterans a way forward in life; a path to self-sufficiency. The work they do in the community is literally life changing and life saving.

VLP has helped our local veterans in so many ways. It is an immeasurably valuable program.

I cannot say enough good things about this program. The staff I've encountered working with veterans are dedicated, knowledgeable and readily accessible. Their help in connecting veterans with affordable housing and employment programs are second to none. If you don't know where to turn this is a good place to start with supportive services provided that can help or connect you with someone that can. Many kudos to VLP for doing things right.

This program has been instrumental in assisting our veterans in finding appropriate housing options and employment. Their assistance in helping veterans maintain their housing and employment post discharge has been invaluable

Some of the greatest men I have ever met. The VLP is blazing the trail with how they support our greatest heroes.
I am proud to know them.
Please contact Staff Sargent Daniel Blevins and lend a hand.
They are patriots and heroes.

VLP has helped me in ways no other organization has. The staff are respectful and eager to help when your down. Thanks again VLP.

VLP is an amazing organization that helps out many Veterans. Thank you to all the Johnstown Staff for all that you do. I wouldnt be in the place I am today without the help of all of you.

This is a great organization that supports veterans in need.

Amazing Organization that truly is set out to help our Brothers and Sisters.

I have been involved with the Veterans Leadership Program (VLP) almost since its inception in 1982. I served on the board for 22 years and was board chair five of those years. Over this time I have witnessed how the staff has helped literally thousands of veterans and their families in so many ways from finding employment, obtaining necessary medical treatment, finding housing and offering support in big and small ways. The testimonials we have on record speak volumes to this organization's work. It is so easy to write about VLP as I have witnessed their great work over these many years. I am currently serving as the Veteran Mentor Program Coordinator where we are seeking Veteran Mentors who can work with Veteran Court Participants. Mentors are trained volunteers who have served in the US Military and who work with a specific Veteran as he or she progresses through their involvement with the court. Mentors serve as liaison, an advocate and guide to fellow veterans as they work to address issues related to their criminal case. I mention this program as it is one example of how VLP is helping Veterans. I truly feel that the Veterans Leadership Program should be selected as a Great Nonprofit.

I am a navy veteran. I recently lost my job with alcoa. One benefit was to further my education. I chose cdl school. I graduated and recieved my cdl. Ive submitted alot of resumes to no avail. I need to stay local at this time. I had no where to turn to. My rent wss due. The veterans leadership program stepped up to help me. Helped me rent and redid my resume. Now i have some offers . i would of been another homeless vet if it wasnt for the vlp program. Thank you staff. Particuliarly. Ken, Katie, n Dan. Truly u r special people. To do what you do. I salute you.

The VLP program is great. It was a major help and blessing to me. I don't know what I would have done without it. I recommend this program to any veteran who needs help. The program has many ways to help veterans, including: rent, moving expenses, furniture, jobs, vision, eye glasses, health, and much more.

Amazing organization that assists local Veterans, Service Members, and their families with essential housing, employment, and other supportive services.

I filled out a TON of paperwork, and was told by one employee there that I'd receive help within the next week in paying my past due rent so I didn't get evicted. So I relayed that to my landlord. A week later, another employee called me, and said she's be handling my case. She told me I wouldn't be receiving any help. She told me to go apply for Section 8. So I looked like a liar to my landlord and applying for Section 8 wasn't going to stop me from getting evicted. I don't know if they just don't have the resources to help people or they got new staff or what. When I lost my job many people recommended I go to VLP for help. I'm a female vet with kids and this was the first time I'd ever needed help for anything. I have a bachelors degree and have no alcohol or drug history. I've always held a job and had never been in trouble. I was just in a temporary rough patch. I finally had worked up the courage to go ask for help because I didn't have any other options and they weren't very nice. The lady said if they helped me "I'd just end up in the same situation again." Thankfully, I'm now back on my feet and employed at a Fortune 500 company, no thanks to them.

They do not really help. I've had to fend for myself. One of the employment specialists decided a pizza delivery driver was the best job for a disabled veteran that suffers ptsd and uses assistive devices to walk. Never mind that it was her fathers pizza shop. When looking for accessible housing, no one helped me. I was left to search on my own, never finding a place or being told no for places I was interested in. Right now, I'm in a Project Journey apartment that I'm being kicked out of. I was just told I have to be out next week, via text message. Here comes one more homeless vet, illegally evicted. Also, they feel free to walk in whenever they want and won't even tell you they were there, but get upset when you tell them you noticed someone was in the apartment. All of my calls go unreturned when I try to talk to someone there. I've left tons of voicemails. This same person is very condescending and negative. She lies about things and always brushes me off. I can't take it anymore. Things start to go good then she always knows how to ruin my day.
When I did complain before, they called me in and chewed me out.

The words Thank you hardly seem enough. But they are coming from my heart. A heart uplifted by your kindness. With all our love and thanks, Especially to Ken Haynes and Will Steele.
Thank you so much,
James and Patricia

My name is H.A . I am grateful and appreciative of the VLP. This program has given me hope for myself and survival from Mar 2013- present. Last year I lived in an abandoned house. After the lady I stayed with put me out because general assistance welfare checks were no longer issued. No adults could receive the 200$ a month, so with me having no income I was put out. I had no place to go because I am originally from North Carolina. I survived the wind and cold in the holy father and holy sons name I slowly fell into a deep depression. In March 2013 someone told me about VLP. I called and spoke to your diligent worker Dan. Dan told me to stay strong and get into the office ASAP. I never knew I could feel so cared about. He set me up with resolved for my mental health problems. Dan introduced me to Karen that day. She surely did have a caring attitude. The way she treated me was outstanding. I met Serena in May 2013 and she has upheld the great standards of excellence. Serena has kept me on track. This is why I am grateful to you, the program and your staff. I am glad I served 7 ½ years in the Army Reserves. And one year of being in my apartment, I would like to thank Dan, Karen and Serena.

Thanks so much VLP!!
H.A

Ms Holt.
As a Veteran sometimes its really hard to ask for assistance. You have shown me that you generally care for us Veterans and make it easier to ask. My water was threaten to be shut off and because of you and you advocating on my behalf, I was able to continue to have water. You have always taken care of me for the holidays with food and items. Without you, I don’t know where it would be.

Thank you,
Niles

To Ken and the VLP Staff,
Thank you so much for the help and support. It was a lifesaver. I would otherwise be homeless. It sincerely was amazing to not feel alone and the VLP staff really came through for me.

Sincerely
Augelo M.
USMC / OIF Combat Veteran.

Dear VLP,

I am Alan Smith, one of the many veterans who participate in your program and am under the guidance of Jack Kudrav.
I would very much like to take a moment and thank each-and-every one of you for the time that you spend with us to get our lives restarted and/or restructured. For me, it is extremely valuable to share and learn about the many different yet similar experiences that my fellow veterans live with on a daily basis during our meetings.
When I first started with your program, it appeared as if things in my life were getting more into focus and things that were out of reach were getting closer to grasp. That was until recently when a situation occurred that looked like a derailment could be occurring. Words of wisdom are all it takes to put things back into perspective. That is what the VLP does for their clients on a daily occurrence.
I would also like to take a moment to extend my gratitude and make note that you have an exceptional member on your staff. His name is Jack Kudrav. Jack is a kind, caring, and sympathetic individual who always has a story of enlightenment when it is need the most. He will help you to be able to stand alone on your own two feet and cheer you on as you walk away gracefully.
So again, I extend my appreciation to the VLP and its staff. “Job Well Done,” “Keep Doing What You’re Doing”
Sincerely,

Alan Smith

Trudy
I just wanted to take the time and tell you how much you are appreciated. Thank you for believing in me and being a part of my life. You mean the world to me.
Thank you,
Love you always
Tracey R.

Sam,
Just a quick line to say once again many thanks for all your support. I’m glad that you’re in my corner.
Best Wishes
Bob B

I cant thank you enough, ken . Thank you, thank you, thank you. You and your organization has truly helped a vet that was down on his luck. I know my situation is only temporary. Thank God for your organization and those like it, who help the men and women who served this country.

Ms. India,
I hope that you are in good health and doing well. I wanted to thank you and the Veterans Leadership Program for all the help you have given to me. The assistance you gave me is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kimberly. C

Ms. Beth,
I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that I am still going strong and paying my bills and staying sober and loving life to the fullest, because of GOD and of course you and the SSVF program. So thank you for your time and effort you put in me it really was a great blessing. So thanks again.
The Johnson Family.

Dear Mike Bodis,
Thank you so much for coming to South Hills Middle School and presenting to our students. You really made a lasting and positive impression on them. South Hills Middle School Loves You.

Jade Fiore, Jordan Vachon

To: Amy McCoy , Mike Bodis and all of the VLP Staff,
I am writing this in regards to the assistance that has been provided to me in a time that was needed for me. I can’t express in words how grateful I am for what was done for me. As president JFK said in one of his most famous speeches “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your county”. I must say if there is anything that I can ever do to help support your program PLEASE let me know.
Thank you very much,
Callie Stinson Sr.

Mr. Haynes
I am writing this letter to show my appreciation for what Veterans Leadership Program did for me. In extreme stress and hardship, I was able through the support and dedication of your organization to acquire adequate housing. Being an independent female Veteran it means alot to not become a growing part of the homelessness our veterans face. Because of your organization, I am able to keep my job and work to help other female veterans and women in their time of need, eliminate some of the barriers they face in their lives. And to you personally Mr. Haynes, I want to thank you so much for your time and patience in understanding my immediate crisis and handling it with pleasant calmness. I truly appreciate your support, understanding and dedication to get the problem solved. Because of you, I now have my own address.
If I can be of serve to help and support your organization, pleases dont hesitate to call me. I am honored to be connected to an organization that believes in taking care of its own. Again, I thank you so much for helping a Veteran in need.
Sincerely,
Sharon L. Robinson

Having been associated with The Veterans Leadership Program, formerly the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, for 25 years I know the great work this organization does and has done these many years. Serving on the board and as board chairman I have been closely involved and know how many veterans and their families have been helped. There are literally hundreds of testimonials from clients praising the men and women who work day in and day out to help veterans in need. It is understandable why VLP is recognized as a great non-profit.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is a five star organization and I salute the leaders and staff for the great work that they do!

Dear Mr. Mercer
My name is Lisa Gonzales. I am a client with the VLP and the Victory Housing Program. I am writing to you to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude for all that the program and my case manger have done for me and my children. I honestly could not have the life that I have with my children without the assistance from your employees. I am a 40 yr old single mother of a 2 ½ old girl and a 16 month old boy. I am a full time student at Carlow University and I am a licenses tax preparer. I am about to start my sophomore year in college majoring in Social Work. Without your program I would never ever have been able to attend school, therefore I would not be able to better the future for myself and my children. I thank you guys so much for that.
My 1st Case Manger was Dan Pacura. He was awesome. He got me accelerated to the program. He was so knowledgeable and resourceful about social services that were very beneficial to me. From utility assistance program to food banks, to furniture and clothes for the kids and credit counseling. I can’t even begin to say how terrific I think he is. Now my current case manager is Serena Holt. She always has time for me and offers her assistance to me with whatever she can whenever she can. She is a big player in my support system and she is also very knowledgeable and resourceful in her job as well. She is one of my guardian angels  . Sir, I really can’t express to you the full scope of my gratitude to VLP with mere words. You have awesome, terrific people there doing a fantastic job and you should know that. Even the people who answer your phones are kind, courteous and helpful. For all that you guys do is incredible.
Id like to try and give back in some small way for the short term .I would offer some volunteer time in the near future to my fellow veterans with regards to income taxes. I would donate some time to answer questions, explain basic tax laws (Dos and Donts) and show how to do their own taxes online for free, both federal and state. That’s the least I can do right now. When I graduate in 2016, look for my resume at VLP, because you have a terrific program that really, really helps people and that is why I chose my major to be social work. I have been helped by so man and all I want to do is help others.
Again Sir, please give all your people a pat on the back. They truly deserve it. Thanks again to everyone there. God Bless

Sincerely,
Lisa Gonzales