Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 1 of 10
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 2 of 10
VCNCT 2016 Annual Report
he Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas (VCNCT) was formed in August of 2011. The sponsoring agency was Mental
Health America of Greater Dallas under the Operations Reunion program. The coalition was formed in conjunction with
several partnering agencies: Dallas County Veterans Service Office, Veterans for Christ, and the Child and Family Assessment
Center. Together these organizations were able to organize monthly meetings to assemble community partners to collaborate,
strategize on best practices, network, and provide services to Veterans and their family members.
The Vision of the Coalition is to “Mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and
support they have earned”. Our Mission is “To build bridges between both public, private, and not for profit organizations at the
local, county, state, and federal levels; for all our veterans, and their families by rebuilding, educating, and equipping all veterans to
reintegrate back into society and to bring awareness and a call to action to all communities of the challenges of our veterans and
their families.”
The VCNCT has five Central Initiatives:
• Housing: To assist Veterans and their families in establishing temporary to permanent housing, while providing
education and resources for growth and stability.
• Employment: To assist Veterans and their families in reintegrating back into the work force. Providing
mentoring, coaching, entrepreneurship and career development, trainings, and skill set development.
• Mental Health: To provide assistance to Veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI), & Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Assisting with free and confidential counseling services
addressing mental, physical, and spiritual health and healing.
• Education: To assist Veterans with education resources, training, & development with higher education,
certification, and work experience. Offering step-by-step guidance, referrals, and supportive services.
Financial Education: Assist Veterans and their families in obtaining financial awareness, stability,
and security. Providing a financial coach to guide families in financial life decisions from basic budgeting to
retirement.
The Coalition is committed to providing services that have been identified by Military men and women, as well as
Coalition Members that work directly with Veterans and their family members. The Coalition has had the extraordinary
responsibility to bring together various entities throughout North and Central Texas to better serve the Veterans, their
families, the community, and the State of Texas.
The 2016 Coalition year has brought much success in supporting Military families in the Texas community. The magnitude of success has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of volunteers, community partners, community sponsors, and dedicated Board Members. The Coalition meets every last Thursday of the month from 11:00am to 1:00pm, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on designated celebratory months, excluding Holidays or event months. This year, the Coalition has provided over $111,416.25 in services & programs directly to Veterans and their family members.
T
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 3 of 10
We would like to thank our supporting businesses and organizations for donating meeting locations for the Coalition each month. We would also like to thank our supporting organizations that provided lunch for each meeting. The organizations are listed in order followed by lunch sponsors:
January 2016-Host: Irving Bible Church Sponsor: General Thomas Daniels February 2016-Transformance March 2016-Recovery Resource Council April 2016- SMU Plano May 2016- Universal Technical Institute June 2016- No meeting July 2016- Host: Communities Foundation of Texas: Mind Games-Mental Health Forum August 2016- Tower Club of Dallas, Sponsor: Aviall a Boeing Company September 2016- No meeting October 2016-Rehabilitation Hospital of Arlington November 2016-Veterans Resource Center, T4V Volunteer Day December 2016-No meeting
The Veterans Coalition held eight monthly Coalition meetings in the 2016 year, there were 701 attendees, and an additional meeting used as a volunteer day for event preparation. The ability to mobilize all sectors of society has allowed the Coalition to be the largest in Texas, with over 80 agencies represented. In addition to our events, we have participated in a plethora community events, Conferences, seminars, trainings, and other community events as vendors and resources.
VCNCT 2016 EVENTS
“Mind Games: The State of Veterans Mental Health”
The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas hosted its first mental health community Forum. “Mind Games: The State
of Veterans Mental Health” was held at the Communities Foundation of Texas. It was developed by VCNCT Mental
Health Committee, as part of a series of mental health education
sessions. This mental health forum followed an education sessions,
previously conducted at a VCNCT monthly meeting. The mission of
the VCNCT Mental Health Committee is: To provide
assistance to Veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), & Military Sexual
Trauma (MST). Assisting with free and confidential counseling
services in NC Texas and the Ft. Hood/Killeen area, covering
mental, physical, and spiritual health and healing. The purpose
of the forum was to bring together the community, Veterans and
their families, Veterans Service Organizations, and State Representatives to openly discuss mental health, resources,
advocacy, collaboration at all levels, and best practices. There were two panels: Community Leaders and State
Representatives. The first panel of community leaders consisted of four panelists discussing mental health as it relates to
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 4 of 10
the following: 1. Moral Impact (Faith Based) 2. Self-Advocacy 3. The State of the VA 4. Mental Health Services 5. Recent
shootings by Veterans.
The second panel of State Representatives also consisted of four
panelists. They discussed mental health as it relates to the following:
1. Their Districts 2. Services and support in their districts 3. Self-
Advocacy 4. The Hazelwood Act 5. 84th and 85th Texas Legislature 6.
Veterans Court The panelist responded to a series of questions,
educating attendees on their organizations, services and resources,
and personal and professional experiences. (Please see the event
program for panelist bios) Upon the completion of both panels, the
moderator opened up the floor for questions and comments. In
addition to the attendees, VCNCT live streamed the event on their
face book page. There were 67 attendees and 127 people logged on and viewed the event on social media. The
following organizations participated as supporting partners of the event: 1. Disabled Veterans National Foundation 2.
Dallas County Veteran Services Office 3. Mental Health America of Greater Dallas 4. Dallas Rotary Club 5. VCNCT Mental
Health Committee. The full report and power point can be found online under reports.
“Joint County Meeting”
The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas (VCNCT)
hosted its 4th annual “Joint County Meeting: Service in
Motion” in Grand Prairie this year. For the first time, the
Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex served as our
host, opening its gates to the Coalition and members. As
long time partners of the Coalition, we were allowed to
submit an approved list of Coalition members, civilians, to
have access to the complex. The Coalition called on it
members and partnering Veteran Service Organizations
(VSO) from surrounding Counties to bring their information
and resources directly to the Soldiers. The organizations present served over 16 Counties. This year’s theme, “Service-in-
Motion” was a calling for the Coalition to move from meeting with VSO’s to discuss best practices and resources to
taking our meeting and information directly to the population we all serve, Veterans. The attending Veterans
represented several units and have deployed at least one time. The meeting was sponsored by Mariscos La Marea, an
authentic sea food Mexican restaurant. Their amazing staff served approximately 78 Veterans and 68 exhibitors and
VCNCT members. There were 27 presenting exhibitor’s booths that shared information regarding programs and
resources. Exhibitors presented on information regarding the following: Housing Education Employment Mental
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 5 of 10
Health Financial Education Transportation VA Benefits Legal Representation How to start a business and
more. The power point presentation listing each presenter can be found on our website under 2016 reports, as well as
event pictures.
The Complex also celebrated Christmas, for those that were not able to go home. The Coalition donated the Christmas tree and gifts for kids.
“THANKSGIVING-4-VETERANS”
The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas (VCNCT) celebrated its Annual “Thanksgiving-4-Veterans.“ The event took place at the Veterans Resource Center in Dallas and was the biggest to date. The purpose of the event is to provide Thanksgiving dinner for Veterans and their family members and to provide the attendees information on available resources. Supporting organizations provided the following items:
Sponsors and Partners
VCNCT Events Committee:Overall Event Coordination Albertsons: 300 12lb-16lb turkeys Tom Thumb: Food order Aviall: Monetrary Donations(Title Sponsor) Goldman Sacs: Monetary Donations (Co-Title Sponsor) Eagle Ridge Ele.: Food Drive Elementary Food Drive Texas Land Board: 257 bags Veterans Resource Center: Event Location
Blue Cross Blue Shield: 350 Bags NFL Players Assoc.: 100 Turkeys and 80 hams U-haul of Dallas U-haul truck Volunteers 50 Handmade Scarves Various Volunteers Turkeys and side items Mother Ruckers Cookies 540 Boxes of Cookies Jodi Dean 63 turkeys Jervis Williams DJ Music & Entertainment
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 6 of 10
Volunteers & Resources
Dallas County Veteran Services Office: Volunteers/Resources Goldman Sacs: Volunteers Aviall Volunteers The Mission Continues: Volunteers Dallas Vet Life: Volunteers/Resources North Texas Food Bank: Resources Legal Aid of Northwest Texas: Volunteers/Resources 211: Volunteers Texas Veterans Commission: Volunteer
The coordination and preparation of the event took approximately two months. There were approximately 59 volunteers representing 12 different community based organizations, and all branches of service. There were 473 turkeys donated and 80 hams totaling approximately $8,050, 16 various products totaling 8,800 side items over $8,200, producing 607 bags of food. There was one bagging session with 49 volunteers bagging totaling 6 hours. There were two food drive sites that collected canned and boxed goods for the event and several walk-in donations. Lunch was provided for volunteers on bagging day and donuts for volunteers and attendees on event day.
On the day of the event 465 turkeys were given to Veterans and 80 hams, serving 503 reported family members, 507 bags with side items, and resources were given. Of the 100 remaining bags, 65 were donated to the Veterans Resource Center to feed homeless Veterans and 35 to Friendship West Baptist Church Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless. The average age of the Veteran attendee was 51.
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 7 of 10
“CHRISTMAS-4-VETERANS”
The VCNCT was honored to partner with St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco, Texas to host our 3rd annual Angel Tree event “Christmas-4-Veterans”(C4V). Participants of that event were selected to take part in C4V based on their identified need and request. We selected multiply families, totaling 70 recipients. Approximately 78 parish families purchased the gifts, bagged and labeled them. The families spent approximately $9,000 on the gifts. Recipients included the Veteran, a spouse, parent, dependent, or care giver. This is a private event, not promoted to the public.
A sincere thank you to the church, the families, and organizer for their unselfish and loving efforts. Your gifts, time, and
consideration is appreciated. The families were very appreciate and brought tears to their because of your generosity.
The VCNCT host and participates in a plethora of community events, partner events, and programs throughout the community.
“EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE”
Funds were used to provide temporary emergency assistance to families in need. Due to the abundant request, the larger request were referred to partnering organizations.
“Employment: Veterans Career Development Program”
Various trainings were given on Resume Building and Conversion, How to give a standout Interview, Networking: Making Strategic Connections, Job Searching: Where to find the career for you, and The Aftermath: Now that you have the positions.
Future Leaders of Wall Street (FLOWS)
“Future Leaders of Wall Street” or FLOWS program is a pilot program implemented in the 2016-2017 school year. The program followed the original control group from the pilot class. The students were followed to the Desoto High School campus and continued classes every Friday for an hour. The program continued the focus on the fundamentals of money.
VCNCT 2016 Community Support Events
“Salute to Americas Veterans”
The Rotary Club of Dallas hosted its 12th Annual Salute to America’s Veterans Event. This event benefits the USO DFW and the Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas. This outstanding program honors the contributions of veterans across the generations for maintaining our freedom and liberty, and raises much needed financial assistance for these two organizations that transform the lives of our active military, our veterans and their families. We are honored to be recognized by such an amazing organization. The annual donation contributes to our Veteran outreach programs.
“Discount Pharmacy Card”
The VCNCT helps families save money with a prescription drug card. Each time used, the Veterans Coalition
earns $1.00. There were 92 utilizations, saving an average of 29.55%, and a monetary savings of $2,973.46. This program supports our emergency assistance program.
VCNCT 2016 Programs
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 8 of 10
Coalition Service Data
The table below will give you a snap shot of our outreach efforts. Data was gathered from registration of each event.
Some attendees did not submit all requested data; therefore, this is a fraction of our quantitative outreach.
Service 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Number of
Coalition
Meetings
4 9 9 8 10 9
Coalition
Members
60+ 60+ 70+ 75+ 75+ 80+
Coalition
Meeting
Sponsors
3 6 9 10 11 9
Number of
Attendees
542 582 463 472 681 701
Number of
Events
1 2 3 4 3 4
Number of
Participating
Events
1 3 6 1 3 2
Veterans &
Families Served
1780 1398 366 1,368 982 1,631
Dollar amount
of direct free
services
$14,615 $30,000 $9,000 $25,000 $24,276 $111,416.25
Number of
Volunteers
51 110 16 58 183 174
Partnering
Organizations
19 108 47 57 53 28
Sponsoring
Organizations
9 42 14 9 16 16
Number of
Board Members
7 7 6 9 7 7
Number of BM
Direct Years of
Service
115 115 107 167 101 101
Number of
Indirect Years of
Service
141 141 133 192 116 116
Justification Descriptions:
Number of Coalition Meetings: Calculated by number of monthly meetings held annually.
Coalition Members: Number of organizations that attend monthly meetings at least four times annually.
Coalition meeting sponsors: Number of organizations that sponsor a monthly meeting, by providing a location and or
lunch.
Number of attendees: Number of individuals that attend monthly coalition meetings.
Number of events: Number of annual VCNCT sponsored community events.
Number of participating events: Number of community events, VCNCT participates in annually.
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 9 of 10
Veteran & Families served: Number of individuals VCNCT serves annually, through direct events and programs.
Dollar amount of direct free services: Quantitative dollar amount used to provide direct services (includes direct
services provided by volunteers). NOTE: The quantitative dollar amount for volunteers hours was not calculated for the
2011-2015 years.
Number of volunteers: Calculated by number of individuals that volunteered (served) at a VCNCT event or program.
Our Charge To You
“Wanted! More to improve and fewer to disapprove. More doers and fewer talkers. More to
say it can be done and fewer to say it’s impossible. More to inspire others and fewer to throw
cold water on them. More to get into the thick of things and fewer to sit on the sidelines.
More to point out what’s right and fewer to show what’s wrong. More to light a candle and
fewer to curse the darkness.”
- John C. Maxwell
The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas is committed to treating Veterans with the respect and gratitude they
ought to be given. We challenge you to join us in our efforts to serve those who have served. It is not enough to do our
best, we must do what is required! This we charge to the Coalition members, community partners, sponsors, and
Veterans of all eras to find their gap and become a gap filler.
By supporting the Coalition you became a gap filler, by giving of your resources, time, consideration, funds, support,
love, and dedication, to this we say THANK YOU!
Special Recognitions
Board Members Financial Sponsoring Partners
Nekima Horton, President-WWII Dependent
Tracy Little-Board Chair- Air Force Veteran
Capt. Bob Dill- Army Veteran
Capt. Nate Couser- Army Veteran
Bishop “DD” Hayes- Air Force Veteran
Maj. General James Williams- Marine Veteran
Charles Read: Marine Veteran
The Baron & Blue Foundation •Rotary Club of Dallas •VSweeps •Community Foundations of Texas •North Texas Fair Housing Center •Mutual of Omaha •Hunt Cares Employee Campaign •114th RC Aero Squadron •Bank of America
•Anderson Family Foundation •Kennett Consulting Services •Society Daughters of the American Revolution •Friendship West Baptist Church •Inner Connections •Mutual of Omaha Bank •Goldman Sachs •Aviall, a Boeing Company •Transformance
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas 2016
Page 10 of 10
For more information about The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas contact:
Nekima Horton, Coalition President and CEO
[email protected] Website/social media:
www.VCNCT.org www.facebook.com/vcnct
www.twitter.com/2011vcnct www.linkedin.com/in/vcnct
Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas P.O. Box 132275(mailing)
Dallas, TX. 75313 1910 Pacific Ave. (Physical)
Dallas, TX. 75201