Arrowhead United Way Unites with Community-Based Organizations to Champion for Local Veterans and Launch Their Latest "B.R.A.V.E." Initiative
San Bernardino, CA. Arrowhead United Way (AUW) launched its "Beneficent Rapid Advance Veteran Engagement" (B.R.A.V.E.) initiative on June 1, 2024, with the support of over 40 San Bernardino County community leaders, law enforcement entities, community-based organizations, and clinical care teams.
AUW's "B.R.A.V.E." initiative focuses on supporting San Bernardino County’s Veterans from all life stages who may not have the necessary resources to thrive. Through the AUW network, participants are connected to direct services such as mental health, financial assistance, housing services, career opportunities, and food relief efforts.
"The initial kick-off event was a luncheon and resource day where homeless veterans and their families were connected by our partners to rapid housing services, hair-cuts, mobile showers, free brand-new clothing, general medical services, transitional service, veteran services, and breakfast and lunch during the event – to go meals for after the event where also distributed. We then followed up with a job fair to connect Veterans and job seekers with additional resources and life-changing career opportunities. With a focus on economic mobility, we know that by creating a follow-up process, those in attendance are more likely to gather resources and successfully receive the support they need to create sustainable change in their lives.” says President and CEO of AUW, Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers.
During the luncheon and resource day, over 100 Veterans received services, 60 gun locks were distributed to promote safety, and 15 women Veterans received service.
AUW is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 non-profit organization that mobilizes the community power of giving to improve the lives of the communities it serves. Since its inception in 1978, AUW has been actively working in the high-priority areas of health, education, and financial stability.
Future B.R.A.V.E plans include an onsite Veteran resource center at AUW, Free “San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra” tickets for Veterans to watch “America the Beautiful” this July, and a newly established local Veteran Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact AUW at (909) 884-9441 or visit www.arrowheadunitedway.org.
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