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Dream Veterans Initiative

Empowering Veterans throughout Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

​OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The "Dream Veterans Initiative" is dedicated to empowering veterans as they transition from military to civilian life. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support through targeted programs that address the unique challenges faced by veterans in our communities.

 

We focus on four major sectors:

- Second Chance Re-entry: Facilitating a smooth transition back into civilian life through essential life skills training and support.
 

- Veteran Business Owners: Providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help veterans start and grow their own businesses.
 

- Veteran Homeowners: Assisting veterans in securing affordable and stable housing to ensure a sense of belonging and community.
 

- Entertainment and Mental Health Support: Offering recreational activities and support systems to promote mental well-being and resilience among veterans.

Key Statistics

Understanding the challenges veterans face is crucial for our initiative. Here are some key statistics that highlight the pressing issues:

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  • Unemployment Rate: As of 2022, the unemployment rate for veterans stood at 3.7%. While this is lower than the national average, it still translates to a significant number of veterans struggling to find stable employment. Notably, a survey by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) revealed that 40% of veterans reported difficulty in securing jobs due to a lack of civilian job skills.

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  • Housing Instability: Approximately 11% of the adult homeless population in the U.S. are veterans, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Many veterans lack the necessary life skills to secure and maintain stable housing. Furthermore, a study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicated that nearly 50% of veterans experiencing homelessness had not received any form of housing assistance prior to becoming homeless.

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  • Financial Literacy: Research from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling shows that 60% of veterans lack basic financial literacy skills, which impacts their ability to manage money effectively. Additionally, a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) found that only 27% of veterans felt confident in their ability to manage their finances upon returning to civilian life.

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  • Career Development: The Institute for Veterans and Military Families reported that 50% of veterans expressed a desire for more career development support, indicating a significant gap in available resources. Moreover, 45% of veterans felt unprepared for civilian job markets due to inadequate job training and career counseling during their transition.

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  • Life Skills Training: A study by the RAND Corporation showed that veterans who participated in life skills training programs had a 30% higher success rate in finding stable employment compared to those who did not. Programs focused on goal development and personal growth reported that 70% of participants noted improved self-efficacy.

To address these critical needs, we offer a variety of targeted programs designed to empower veterans:

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  • Second Chance Re-entry: This program focuses on providing life skills development, including goal setting, job training, and financial literacy workshops. We aim to equip veterans with the tools necessary to navigate civilian life successfully. Participants will engage in hands-on training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and access to job placement services.

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  • Veteran Business Owners: Our initiative supports veterans interested in entrepreneurship by providing access to resources, training, and mentorship. We offer workshops on business planning, marketing, and financial management, as well as networking events that connect veterans with experienced business owners and potential investors.

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  • Veteran Homeowners: Recognizing the importance of stable housing, our program assists veterans in navigating the housing market, applying for housing assistance, and understanding their rights as tenants or homeowners. We collaborate with local housing authorities to provide veterans with information about affordable housing options and resources.

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  • Mental Health Support: We understand that mental health is a critical component of successful reintegration. Our entertainment and mental health support programs include recreational activities, social events, and access to counseling services. These initiatives aim to foster community connections and promote psychological well-being, helping veterans cope with the challenges of transition.​

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Our Programs

​​Impact on the Los ANgeles and Inland Empire

The Dream Veterans Initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of veterans and the broader community in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. By addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

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  • Reduced Unemployment Rates: By providing job training and career development support, we anticipate a decrease in unemployment rates among veterans, leading to increased economic stability.

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  • Increased Home Ownership and Stability: Our housing assistance programs will help veterans secure stable homes, reducing the risk of homelessness and fostering a sense of community.

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  • Empowered Veteran Entrepreneurs: By supporting veteran-owned businesses, we will contribute to local economic growth and job creation, enhancing the overall prosperity of the Inland Empire.

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  • Enhanced Mental Health and Community Engagement: Our focus on mental health support will help veterans build resilience, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster a supportive network within the community.

Get Involved TODAY

We invite you to join us in making a difference for our veterans. Here’s how you can get involved:

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  1. Register to meet our Executive Director: Sign up to support our initiatives and stay informed about upcoming events and programs.

  2. Attend an Orientation: Participate in an orientation session to learn more about our mission, programs, and how you can assist veterans in your community.

  3. Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.

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