My Nonprofit Reviews
Big Dave
Review for Swords to Plowshares, San Francisco, CA, USA
I have been a law enforcement chaplain since 1992. Since 2003 I have been helping vets that "fell through the cracks" in the military / VA system. The need is much greater than my resources, or the resources of my department. When in need of help "Swords" is often the first organization that I call. I have found them to be caring and knowledgeable when it comes to handeling vet's issues or getting them help. They have earned my respect by their dedication and mission focus. A few months ago I had a vet that was going to be unfairly "admin" discharged. He would have lost all his benefits and receive a less than honorable discharge, a stigma that would have been with him for life. Amy Fairweather gave me sound advice and a referral to another attorney that was highly qualified to handle the case. Many vets organizations will not help a vet if they were discharged under less than honorable conditions. "Swords" on the other hand will help them. This becomes extremely important to a vet that needs help, and was unfairly "admin" discharged. Changing and "admin" discharge to honorable can take up to two years. For a vet in crisis, it is two years too long and the consequences can be devistating. Biggest for Swords to Plowshares? They offer and give real help, not just lip service.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping vets through all the red tape associated with government agenicies.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
......
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Getting to know Amy, Mai-Ling, Shannon, and Tia.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Cheerful and glad to help.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Move to a bigger building with easier access for vets. The staff appears to be cramped. Parking is a real problem, and truthfully during the winter this area can be scary at quiting time. (When it's dark)
Ways to make it better...
They had an office near me. I actually drive over 50 miles each way to get to where they are now. Between here and San Francisco I pass a lot of other "vets services" and the offices they staff.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Not enough hours in the day.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have not earned to right to judge or criticize where or how anyone at "Swords" works.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
