Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Creating awareness of available resources among service providers. Connecting Veterans with services and benefits. Serving our community’s Veterans.

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Where We Started In 2004 CareerSource Okaloosa Walton (CSOW) facilitated 1 st meeting Intended to unite service providers Focused on community based organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion) Handful of committed patriots meeting quarterly

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Where We Are 172 Individuals on Active Participant List 53 Organizations Represented 50+ in attendance each Quarter Federal & State Entities, Elected Officials, Education partners, AFRCs and more UWF hosts Sister Network Meeting

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network How It Works Personal Referrals Network Directory with Capability Statements Marketing Veteran Centric Events

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network How Does the VSO Benefit Your Organization “Knowledge is limited if there is not face-to-face dialog between the stakeholders. The network provides stakeholders from each organization a time efficient face-to- face opportunity to stay current on who the others are..... and get exposure to special topics that otherwise might be missed” "The VSO has been a network with a 3-fold benefit; it exposes us to various veteran resources in the local area, it educates on what each resource can provide, and it informs our partners of the services that are available to veterans in the local area” "The Okaloosa Walton VSO has helped me network with other Veteran support organizations that I would have not known existed. They have been instrumental in helping me support veterans and their families” "It gives the American Legion an avenue to refer Veterans and Families that are in need of services beyond the capability of our organization "

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Share a Good News Story "A co-worker's son is a combat wounded veteran with TBI. During a coffee break, my co-worker told me abut his son's challenges and lack of knowing where to go for help. With your VSO Directory, I was able to provide several local agencies/organizations that can help his son. He was amazed how a chance conversation changed despair into a positive path for help and recovery” "I was working with a veteran who was homeless he received a HudVash Voucher and moved into a small apartment. He had no bed or a stick of furniture. I asked the VSO members to help find furniture and a bedroom suite for this veteran. I spent more time calling donors politely declining their offers as the response would have filled a warehouse with furniture. That is the collective power of the VSO!” “The cross flow of communications as a whole between partnering organizations has been our success story.”

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network CSOW Tangibles Connect with 100+ transitioning military members per month 75+ Veterans Employed per month Invitations to Serve on and Interact with Boards & Committees (me standing here) Supports Legislated Veterans Florida Mission

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network CSOW Tangibles RG# County(ies)All HiresVet HiresVeterans % Counts % 1 Escambia, Santa Rosa Okaloosa, Walton Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Washington Bay, Franklin, Gulf Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Union Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns Alachua, Bradford Citrus, Levy, Marion Flagler, Volusia Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter Brevard Pinellas Hillsborough Pasco, Hernando Polk Manatee, Sarasota Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie Palm Beach Broward Dade, Monroe Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee STATE TOTAL96,9504,

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Market

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Thanks to Our Partners

Veterans’ Service Organizations Network Connect Save the Dates – 2016 Quarterly Schedule June 23 rd September 22 nd December 8 th Call Just Show up We want to expand the network to best serve our Veterans.

Terry Cowan Local Veterans Employment Representative x217