2023 was a busy year for Swords to Plowshares. We are proud to share our Annual Report with you, where we highlight the significant strides made in fulfilling our mission to support veterans. Read here: https://lnkd.in/egtchwy5
Swords to Plowshares
Non-profit Organizations
San Francisco, CA 3,805 followers
Vets Helping Vets since 1974
About us
For over 45 years, Swords to Plowshares has provided direct services for low-income, homeless, and at-risk San Francisco Bay Area veterans regardless of era of service or discharge status. Our Drop-in Center provides outreach and critical care to help homeless, low-income and at-risk veterans. Our Case Managers and intake staff help stabilize veterans with crisis intervention, counseling and case management, in-house and community referrals, assistance securing emergency and permanent housing and a host of other critical needs. We have operated successful stabilization and permanent supportive housing programs for more than two decades and have seven different housing sites. We also offer supportive services that improve outcomes, including Rapid Re-housing services, eviction protections, and money management programs. Veterans work one-on-one with our Employment & Training Program staff to address their individual needs, overcome obstacles to employment, and determine a long-term career plan. We provide job placement assistance and vocational training programs to help veterans translate their skills and train for new careers in high-growth, high-wage careers in the civilian sector. We are one of the few organizations in the country that provide free legal consultation and attorney representation to veterans seeking assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and military discharge upgrade cases. Our services are targeted to address the needs of homeless and low-income veterans and are all free of charge. Our Institute for Veteran Policy (IVP) works to strengthen systems of care for veterans and their families. IVP’s policy and community education efforts are unique, reflecting decades of experience in direct community-based care, access to housing, benefits, mental and physical healthcare, and employment services.
- Website
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https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/annualreport/2023
External link for Swords to Plowshares
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1974
- Specialties
- Veteran Advocacy, Permanent Supportive Housing, Case Management, Disability Compensation and Pension Claims, Veteran Policy, Military Discharge Upgrades, Women Veterans, and Employment and Training
Locations
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Primary
1060 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
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330 Franklin St
Oakland, California 94607, US
Employees at Swords to Plowshares
Updates
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Today, Swords' locations will be closed in federal observance of Independence Day. We take time to reflect on the experiences of veterans living with lasting wounds of war and make space for the veterans who carry complicated feelings toward their service. #supportvets
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Did you catch us at the San Francisco Pride Parade? We had a great time sharing our mission with everyone around. We're the real deal, and we're here for ALL veterans! #supportvets #Swords50
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Last week, we hosted the Swords' Tenant Appreciation Lunch at our housing site in the Presidio! Veteran residents from across our 6 housing programs enjoyed playing bingo, dominoes, and a great meal - with help from a friendly group of volunteers. #supportvets @ciscomeraki @matt goettelman
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Our work is rooted in community. George has been actively using Swords' services since the 1980's - and says now is the best we have ever been. "I have a voice here, my ideas and presence are taken seriously." #Swords50 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/edQKqJiJ
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"There are a lot of veterans who are LGBTQ. I like improving their relationships with the services they deserve, because often they are people who need that support more than ever." Staff like Reuben make Swords a welcoming space for all veterans. Read his story here: https://ow.ly/F54t50SljjB #supportvets #Swords50
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LGBTQ veterans and others with bad paper deserve better from the VA. As a veteran advocate, we push for justice - not reform alone. #supportvets #pridemonth
In the darkness of early morning, Mona McGuire startled awake. A fist beat on the barracks door. Her heart accelerated into a full gallop, and then the yelling began. Detectives from the Army’s criminal investigative division had burst into her room. They stripped her bedding, handcuffed her, along with three other female soldiers, and drove them to headquarters for fingerprinting, a mug shot, and hours of questioning. It was May 1988, and McGuire’s interrogators knew everything—her romantic partner, where she hung out, even her menstrual cycle. Eventually, McGuire admitted that, yes, she had been intimate with women. It ended her Army career at the age of 19, and it remains on her record to this day: She pleaded guilty to charges of sodomy and indecent acts to avoid a court-martial and possibly prison. While a much-heralded reform this month could ease restrictions for thousands of veterans denied VA benefits in the past, it won’t help McGuire and an unknown number of LGBTQ veterans still stigmatized with criminal convictions for being gay. https://lnkd.in/gjdRBwKf The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program #thewarhorse #nonprofitnewsroom #nonprofitjournalism #LGBTQ+ #veterans #army #military #discrimination #dontaskdonttell
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The emancipation of slavery in 1865 was an important milestone for our country but did not end the institutionalization of racism. On Juneteenth, we reflect on the historical and ongoing inequities that have shaped our nation’s institutions, including the military and veteran services. We strive for a future where all veterans can equitably access the care and resources they need to thrive. #supportvets Please note that all Swords sites will be closed in observance.
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"It feels like family here." Shirley Brown was a committed and beloved participant in the Recovery Support Group hosted at Swords' Oakland Service Center. Her story proves that resilience is grown in community. Read here: https://ow.ly/2quK50ShuSk #FiftiethFridays #Swords50
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On June 7th, we were at the San Mateo Stand Down connecting with veterans and other providers serving veterans in San Mateo County. Swords' Outreach, Suicide Prevention, and Jobs for Vets teams worked together to engage veterans with resources tailored to them. It was a great way to kick off our summer! #supportvets
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