Swords to Plowshares

??SWORDS IN THE NEWS: As we return from #VeteransDay weekend, we encourage you to read this thoughtful piece on our community and the current state of veterans' housing in San Francisco. With many hands, minds, and an accepting environment, Swords to Plowshares sets the standard for advocating on behalf of veterans in The City. #vetshelpingvets Read below: https://lnkd.in/eimPBf8d

??COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Last week, students from the Alpha Kappa Omicron sorority at San José State University visited the Veterans Community Center to host a game day! Thank you for the food and fun - it was inspiring to see so many of you engage with the stories and experiences of veterans we serve. #supportvets

JOIN OUR TEAM! ?? We're Hiring a People and Culture Coordinator! ?? We’re looking for a passionate People and Culture Coordinator to help us for our team of 200 incredible staff. If you believe in fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and valued, this is your opportunity to make a difference. If you are interested and have a passion for helping those employees who are helping our wonderful community, please apply directly to our site: https://lnkd.in/gcyMZFxf Here's a quick summary of the role and you can view the full job description at the link above! Swords to Plowshares seeks?People?Coordinator. This position will report to the?People?Resources Manager and, as part of the?People?and Culture department, support the organization in all areas including cultural humility, employee well-being and culture, workforce improvement, staff training and professional development tracking. The?People?and Culture?Coordinator?is part of the?People?and Culture team and will work closely with the?People?Generalist,?People?Resources Manager, DEI specialist, and the Director of?People?and Culture. The successful candidate will have some Human Resources experience working in a community-based setting and working with staff from diverse backgrounds, including former or current veterans,?people?with lived experience, and?people?that hold identities that have been marginalized by society. This position is responsible for supporting Swords’ and individual employees in a wide range of areas, including benefits, performance and interpersonal issues, recruiting and onboarding, employee morale and retention, and training.?? Our staff of approximately 200?people?works to achieve a racially, socially, and economically just society in which all veterans can thrive. Swords to Plowshares’ commitment to addressing institutional racism works to ensure all veterans have equal access to support, resources, and services. We seek someone who understands that any organization is only as good as the?people?who work there, the relationships that they establish and sustain, and the organizational culture that ensures everyone is heard and valued. The successful candidate will welcome feedback, be open to new ideas, and support personal growth and development and organization-wide improvement. In addition, the successful candidate must understand that discretion in this role is paramount as is the ability to create safe, candid, and confidential spaces for staff to communicate concerns.

??GRATITUDE POST: Last week, we were surprised by our friends at Heffernan Insurance Brokers and the Heffernan Foundation with a generous $25,000 donation that will go towards our supportive services. We are fortunate to have the Heffernan team as partners and supporters, thank you for your commitment to community engagement and supporting Bay Area veterans! Tramecia Garner, LPCC Justin Williams

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Thanks to the work of Mason Cook, who chose to support Swords to Plowshares for his Eagle Scout project, the food pantry at Maceo May Apartments is fully stocked! Since October, Mason has been gathering and organizing donations that will benefit the residents at our Treasure Island housing site. Having access to food is a major help to many of our residents, who are either low-income or have mobility issues that impact going grocery shopping regularly. Thank you for a job well-done, Mason! Take a look at the before and after photos! #supportvets Boy Scouts of America

??SWORDS IN THE NEWS: Swords' Executive Director Tramecia Garner, LPCC addresses the impact of VA staffing cuts on veteran services and healthcare. With a 15% workforce reduction announced on Wednesday, concerns are growing among veterans, their loved ones, and their supporters over access to services, the long-term quality of VA care, and the progress made in reducing veteran homelessness. A well-funded, well-staffed VA is crucial to ensuring veterans remain connected to life-affirming benefits they have earned—what happens next remains uncertain. #veteransaffairs #vetshelpingvets Thank you, KQED for amplifying our perspective. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/epdvkq85

??CELEBRATING WOMEN VETERANS: Did you know by 2040, the VA estimates 17% of veterans will be women? At Swords to Plowshares, women vets are paving their own ways to serve others. This Women's History Month, we are proud to acknowledge the women veterans who make our community strong! Read about what working at Swords to Plowshares means to staff members Moh and Cecilia: https://lnkd.in/eE4uaj_5 #womenveterans #vetshelpingvets

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Let the good times roll! Veteran residents across our six housing sites celebrated Mardi Gras with games, music, and tasty soul food. U.S. Army veteran David, pictured last, lived in New Orleans for 10 years and says that today brought back some great memories: "New Orleans is a magical place, it's nice to think of that time in my life." #vetshelpingvets

COMMUNITY HERO: Tonight, Michael Blecker, executive director emeritus of Swords to Plowshares, will receive community recognition for a lifelong commitment to serving Bay Area veterans at the Jeffersons Award medal ceremony. Below, rewatch his acceptance interview with KPIX CBS 5 News: https://lnkd.in/eKrfNgM8 #vetshelpingvets

A YEAR OF IMPACT: We’re proud to share with you Swords’ 2024 Annual Report. Last year, we made significant strides in helping veterans, particularly seniors, in our community secure stable housing and financial security – advancing our mission to end homelessness among veterans. The progress highlighted in this report invigorates us to work harder, advocate louder, and further expand our reach to connect with more veterans in need of advocacy, care, and community. We hope you’ll continue to stand by our side in this effort, ensuring veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. #vetshelpingvets Take a moment to read the report: https://lnkd.in/e8jG88xW Tramecia Garner, LPCC Colleen Corliss Murakami Elena Kim Michael Blecker Mo Siedor Steve Culbertson Mark Walker Amy Fairweather Mink L. Clare O'Toole Janae Thomas Monique Crossley