UnitedWay’s Mission United offers services to veterans
SupportingU.S. military service members, veterans and their families, UnitedWayofBrowardCounty’s Mission United has helped many individuals successfully acclimate to civilian life.
With over 15,000 people positively impacted by its assistance, the nonprofit focuses on areas from employment services to education.
Founding board member and veteran StephenMoss has beenon the frontline helping the initiative take offsince its inception, spreading the program’s services to other places around the country.
As Veterans Day approaches, Moss is trying to get the word out about the program and the services it provides to veterans in the area.
What are some of the re-acclimation services that Mission United offers?
“We’ve set up six pillars of service: housing support, employment services, education, legal assistance, healthcare and financial stability. We have a case management system; there are two full-time case managers at UnitedWay. There’s one number to call to reach MissionUnited and we partnered with 211 Browardso they answer the Mission United hotline 24 hours a day every day.”
Describe some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected
MissionUnited.
“Before COVID-19, we would have Mission United representatives go to the various community Veterans Day ceremonies as well asMemorial Day and speak
about Mission United. I had the honor of going to several communities myself and others have to talk about Mission United and tell them we’re there for them. We have tables at these different
ceremonies so people cancomeup and ask some questions. It’s really getting that word out that’s the most critical part.”
How did United Way of Broward County’s Mission
United programget its start?
“Well, it started as a dream that became a reality. United Way of Broward County started the program; it officially launched on Jan. 30, 2013. There were six of us, volunteers, in the initial meeting about a year before that launch and we’ve ended up with hundreds and hundreds of volunteers, which we’ve had through the years now. It was something thatwas started byUnitedWay as a desire toparticularly reach out to veterans and their families in the Broward County community and it’s now grown throughout Florida. It’s in nine cities in Florida, 25 cities throughout the country. UnitedWayWorldwide has taken it on as part of its national platform. But it all started right here in our community.”
Asaveteran, whatdoesVeteransDaymean to you?
“Veterans Day is a very special day formeandmy family. It’s great for people tohave fun, it’s great for it to be a holiday. If they did nothing else but just took aminute out ofVeteransDay to reflect onthose who’ve risked their lives and lost their lives for the love of their country. Just remember those who sacrificed and thosewho are struggling. Veterans are tremendous resources for our communities. They bring a lot of great knowledge and insight.”
Visit unitedwaybroward.org/ mission-united or call 954-4864833.