By Ellen Gerstein | Thank you for your service to our country” and for my freedom, is my sentiment as I reflect upon what does Memorial Day mean to me and our country.
Gerstein
I have had the honor and privilege of working along some very dedicated volunteers to create the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center. Almost two years ago, members from the Gwinnett Chapter of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and DAVA (Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary) and the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services (Gwinnett Coalition) partnered to establish this unique service for Gwinnett Veterans and their families.
Gwinnett County Government very generously provided space in our current location, 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville, to house the new Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center. The center started out with a DAV and DAVA commander, a couple of Chapter Service Officers and several other part-time volunteers, trying to provide claim filing service and a list of available services and benefits. This has quickly grown into a “one stop shop,” where agencies who serve veterans and their families, offer their services on site daily or weekly.
Currently the agencies and services offered are:
- The Georgia Department of Labor offers job placement services several days a week;
- Weekly visits from Nettles Law, LLC offering free legal advice and guidance;
- The IMPACT Group offers housing and utility assistance;
- Partnership for Community Action offers housing and utility assistance;
- The Salvation Army provides assistance with gas utilities; and
- The Atlanta Food Bank offers help with food and food stamp applications.
We are also working with the new Veterans’ Court to meet with incarcerated veterans and provide guidance and support to help them be successful when they return to society once they are released.
“Bill” came to the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center homeless in need of a hand up. “Bill” is a Vietnam Navy veteran. After having a very successful Naval career, Bill transitioned into civilian life with a great IT job working for Lockheed, living the American Dream with a wife and three kids. Then “Bill’s” life took a turn that spiraled into homelessness. His wife divorced him and left with his children and all the family assets. “Bill” lost his job and everything.
However, now “Bill” is on the road to success thanks to the volunteers at the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center and the Impact Group, who have provided him with a home, clothing, furniture, and many of life’s basic needs. I met “Bill” at the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center, where he is volunteering and offering his computer skills to help other veterans and pay it forward.
The Center is expanding and growing. Since January 2015, we have served 235 veterans. The total since our inception in February 2014 is over 641 Veterans.
We need your help. If you know of a veteran who needs help, or would like to help, send them to the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center. We are a non-profit agency and depend on contributions.
All proceeds go 100 percent to helping veterans at the Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center. The Gwinnett Veterans’ Resource Center is staffed with all volunteers, “Veterans Helping Veterans.”
- For more information contact Danny Pagan, DAV Commander and Gwinnett Veterans’ Center director, 678-226-9177, or contact the Gwinnett Helpline at 770-995-3339.
Ellen Gerstein is executive director of the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services.
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