Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center
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Mar. 14, 2010 - Did you know that over 25% of the homeless population are veterans? I didn’t either until I met Albert Renteria, Founder and CEO of SWVBRC (Southwest Veterans’ Business Resource Center). Mr. Renteria, CWO-IV, USMC Retired, started SWVBRC in 2008 to serve our veterans and their families. SWVBRC’s mission is to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life and the civilian workforce once they return from the battlefield and/or leave their military life. After learning all this information I knew I wanted to volunteer and jump in and get started right away. I felt outraged that more than 25% of homeless people are veterans and yet the problem is only getting worse, not better. How is this possible? I had to learn more and see what I could do to be part of the solution. One of the most important things I learned is that most veterans do not know what earned benefits they have coming to them so once they leave the military they are just humble enough that they don't generally ask about benefits, and if there isn't a veteran resource center nearby inviting them to learn about their benefits, they will generally do without, without proper health care, without certain paid incomes, and without paid training and paid college funding programs. It’s been two years now that I have been volunteering and I am so passionate about helping our military and our veterans and their families, that I am currently making a career change so I can work full time helping our veterans. If you ever wonder if one person can make a difference, you can see that they can. Albert Renteria,one person with a vision to help mankind,his brothers and sisters in the military, and above all God and Country. His vision, shared with all of us, is the catalyst to help all of us engage in the solution to veteran homelessness. I invite all of you to look around and give thanks for all that we have in this country and in our homes. We owe those freedoms and our free lifestyle to our military and our veterans. I think they deserve to come home and enjoy those same freedoms, live in a warm and safe home, have food and good health, and enjoy the privileges that they have provided for us. I hope this will inspire you and your communities to participate by volunteering, fund-raising, or donating online or with gifts-in-kind that will help our Southwest Veterans’ Business resource Center doors stay open and grow so we can continue to help our veterans. Thank you, Christine Thayer, SWVBRC volunteer.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing a homeless veteran find permanent lodging after connecting with SWVBRC; seeing him grow and blossom and become more confident as he made new friends, and got a reliable job.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to engage communities more in helping and supporting our veterans. Communities do care and want to help but the information does not get out to the public easily.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I now appreciate this county even more than before. I realize at an even deeper level what a commitment and risk the men and women in our military make for our country. They should always know we are there to support and care for them as they do us!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Staff were all volunteers and it was an honor to see how dedicated the retired military personnel and active acommunity members were that would come in and share staffing the office. They were generous and friendly and helpful making it inviting to go to.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Finance more veteran resources; have more laptops, computer software and hardware for veterans to learn on; have money for veteran stipends and rewards for their learning; open more veteran resource centers and have funding for the rent.
Ways to make it better...
I didn't have to drive so far to go to the center. I drove 150 miles round trip on the days that I physically went to an event at the center. It reinforced that I am committed though.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
To create more corporate and public awareness to create more funding. Organizations giving grants to non-profits want to give to large organizations therefore making it difficult for start-up non-profits to get funding and grow more easily.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Everyday I wake up and thank God for my life and my many blessings. Now, it is time for all of us to wake up and also thank our veterans for our many freedoms and for their commitment to our country.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
7 March 2010 I met the Founder of this organization nearly 10 years ago. I have found in those past years he is without a coubt the most caring and giving person I have ever had the pleasure to know and become his friend. To even begin to describe his dedication and his determination to help Veterans would take many pages to explain. As a Retired Navy Nurse, the first Resource center was dedicated in my honor. Unfortunately I was hospitalized and not able to attend the event. I selected a very dear and close friend to stand in for me. Another individual that is a source of inspiration to everyone she meets. Her husband was a POW during Vietnam for 6 or more years. It was an honor for me to have such a special person represent me. I am strongly dedicated to the success of this organization verbally, emotionally and financially. Our Veterans have served with honor to protect our freedom, so I encourage others to follow my lead. Thank you for all that have served this GREAT NATION. Carol A. Grice LCdr NC USN (Ret.)
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The incredible dedication of all that are involved. A true example of Veterans being dedicated to helping other Veterans
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make and incredible difference in assisting Veterans to reintergrate back into civilian life.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I volunteered to go through the initial training program to serve as an example of what is required to be prepared to secure a position in the workplace outside of the military. This program teaches the veteran that he/she had excellant training in the military and that he/she needs to build on that training with additional tools to qualify in the civilian workplace. The veteran already learned discipline and to be dependable ( showing up on time and be willing to go the extra mile when necessary).
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
educating the veteran as to their capabilites
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Veterans motivated to improve their position
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
were encouring
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
could open more centers and have more councelers.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was very honored to be a part in the planning and the presentation of the grand opening of the Fallbrook . calif office. I was very excited to meet some of the first people to sign on to the program and over time to read thier reviews in how this oganization has been such a positive improvement to thier lives. This is created and funtioned to honor and support our service people and with the corporate support and community support they will be susscessful . Please stand behind this organization . Our political and military do believe in this Southwest Veteran Business Resource Center . Ask yourself where you fit in the plans they have to better lives and get involved any way you can from finances to donated time.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very intellegent and kind and caring for others . Well versed on the clintel they are helping.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been with them for 2 months now, and the changes I see in myself have been amazing. I love this organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The kindness of leadership
Ways to make it better...
There was more community support
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Developing community awareness
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
SWVBRC offers a place for our Veterans to interact with other Veterans and develop lines of communications for possible employment. All donatations go to operating the verious centers around the USA.The goal is to do away with homeless Veterans and ensure they receive all the benefits they have earned.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping a homeless veteran get off of his homeless status and become self supportive .
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting and interacting
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very dedicated to helping Vewterans
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand to every state and get the word out that we are here and what we are doing.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I see the result of not doing anything for our Vets. So many are left without a way to re-integrate into society after giving their all for us. This organization is a positive action-taking method of helping returning Vets achieve more than a minimum wage life.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Open centers around the country to help many more vets in their local area with face-to-face, hands-on experiences.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
SWVBRC puts it's money where others don't. Every penny that comes in goes to help our Veterans. They are doing great things to help our Veterans down the path of life by educating them on the benefits they have EARNED!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own life. Through the education I have received from SWVBRC, I have started my own Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the vast amount of resources the SWVBRC makes avaialble to its members and the public.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
eager to help everyone they came in contact with. They are dedicated to making a difference in our Veterans lives.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
open a center in every city in America and educate our Veterans on their EARNED Rights. SWVBRC should be in every recruiting office in the country in order to ensure the Veterans get the education they need before the enter the service.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My experience has been nothing but the best, and true professionalism at every step. I intend to continue to do business with this organization, and become more active with the non-profit portion.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
doing business and in meetings.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting the the head of the organization and learning.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
become the best at whatever it does.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
As the founder, and Marine Veteran of 26 years of service, I created this organization to eradicate the notion of homeless Veterans by 2035. I am also a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business that affords me the means to donate my time, resources and a percentage of my profits to operate the Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center. Since May 21, 2008, I have opened three centers and signed on 75 Veterans to take part of our 14 Level Reintegration Program where they can learn and earn stipends up to $2,080. It is the support of many that will allow us to achieve our aspiration by 2035. Join us!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The SWVBRC is a national organization with a growing online community. It empowers communities to best serve Veterans across the nation.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
open more centers sooner at one time.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
It is an all volunteer effort and shifts the Veteran from a cost center to a profit center.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
professional and supportive in redirecting to available resources.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
opem nore centers and pay its volunteers for a job well done.
Ways to make it better...
more centers are started across the nation. Outreach is great online and I would like to see more centers in more communities, but it takes more funding.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
limited funding by the founder.
One thing I'd also say is that...
actions speak louder than words and the SWVBRC is all about action!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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