I am professional photographer that has done work for this organization. I don't know all the ins and outs of the group but I know they provide a valuable service to Women Veterans that are returning to this country after serving abroad. Many of them in war zones. The event I was hired to photograph was a retreat in Arlington TX where Grace After Fire paid for the Female Veterans AND their entire FAMILIES to come for a couple days to a hotel and conference center and were TAUGHT by some of the best Medical, Psychological, Motivational, Military (A General) and other Highly Professional speakers on topics of how to live the best and healthiest life and how to integrate back into the civilian work force after their Military Careers. There were workshops for the Women, for the Men, and for the children and youth based on their ages. Their were all kinds of events and training sessions for them to participate in and truly learn unique life changing ideas from experts in their fields. This was all done at NO EXPENSE to the participants. All meals were included, the conference and the lodging. Grace After Fire put it together and funded it through donations as well as corporate sponsorship's. I was very impressed with the organization and the valuable work they do for the veterans. They also have staff members that work in various parts of the state meeting one on one with the Veterans as they return to the states and thereafter helping them transition back into their roles, as mothers , housewives, or career women vs Soldier. I think it is a fine organization that is worthy of support.
Grace After Fire, which is based in Texas is not being honest with its community. After looking at the financial report and now knowing the CEO is receiving almost 100,000 in salaries along with a grant writer who receives over 110,000 in a salary, it is troublesome and bothersome to know that better assistance is not being given to the women veterans they claim to assist. Its been said the same women they claim to help who also work on staff can not be retained due to the lack of funds?
I have been asked and expected to volunteer with this organization with no real assistance to assist. The peer to peer is a great model but for the time to receive the instruction and then to spend on it, its not realistic. I have to purchase my own shirt to represent this organization and pay my own gas and supply my own snacks and location?