My Nonprofit Reviews
WACandUSAVet
Review for U.S.VETS, Los Angeles, CA, USA
This organization has major problems. I was affiliated with them for 2 years as a female veteran receiving PTSD/MST services at VA Long Beach. They house females in unlocked, unguarded houses in a questionable environment. I saw several OEF/OIF female veterans leave because they just couldn't handle the unsafe environment. When I first arrived as the facility there was a coordinator with a Ph.D. When I left there wasn't a PhD or Masters to be found on the Advance Women's Program (They chased off two highly qualified counselors with their questionable treatment of female veterans.) Most classes were poorly planned and delivered, often cancelled...except on paper. They are NOT handicapped "friendly." The case managers have a rep for lying to female vets to get them in. They house civilian females with military female vets and treat them as one and the same. They have been reported to the VA OIG several times with changes taking place for short durations...perhaps long enough to say they made them. Even some of the VA Inspectors have had misgivings about this organizations functioning. Although the VA provides them with a large amount of funding they (the VA) assume no responsibility for how veterans are supported or cared for. For over a year the food was deplorable. Numerous complaints were made...nothing done. They had problems staffing the kitchen when it was discovered that employees there were fraudulently completing paperwork for court-ordered community service people. In my opinion this organization is poorly run and it appears the needs of female veterans are not viewed as important enough to address. For a long period items donated for veterans were going home with staff...untaxed benefits for them, nil for vets...just prior to my leaving they stopped accepting donated items at Long Beach. Veterans who are receiving public assistance are required to "pay" what US Vets call "program fees." And, no, I wasn't one of them but I WAS appalled they were permitted to do this.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hire professional, ETHICAL personnel; ensure that the VA does its job over-seeing the various functions of ALL publicly funded non-profits for veterans; (See Kamala Harris, California Attorney General for appropriate oversight) publicly publish a "report card" on organizations proclaiming support of military veterans;
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A little
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
No
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Badly
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
As the executive director of U.S VETS-Long Beach, I would like to address some of the concerns raised in the November 17, 2013 post. First, it is unfortunate the reviewer had a negative experience as a client in our ADVANCE Women’s Program. Every homeless female veteran who enters our program does so with different expectations as they address challenging issues such as substance abuse, PTSD, military sexual trauma, unemployment, etc. Our goal is to effectively assist each woman in a manner that restores dignity and confidence while providing them with the necessary tools to move forward in their life. Most of the time we are effective in our efforts, but not always. Consequently, we are always trying to improve by offering better training to staff, re-evaluating the effectiveness of our programs, etc. These improvements include some of the issues raised by the reviewer. For instance, this past year we added several safety measures including a key pad entry system, upgraded door and window security and increased staffing during the evening (despite the absence of a specific security threat to our clients). We have recently retained a new Clinical Director who holds a Psy.D with over 15 years of experience as well as a Clinical Supervisor in the Women’s Program. Our relationship with the Veteran’s Administration has never been better as they have supported all of our program upgrades during my first 14 months as director. Lastly, food quality is highly important to our clients. A little over a year ago we retained a new Kitchen Manager who has reduced food complaints to near zero, a feat that is difficult to attain anywhere. U.S. VETS is proud of our Women’s Program and realizes there is always room for improvement. We welcome any and all comments on ways we can better serve our valued female veterans. Posted on behalf of Jim Hansen Executive Director U.S.VETS - Long Beach
