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Executive Director, Akliah Templeton, Chats with WSS News on the vision and mission of the U.S. Vets Program
By Naomi K. Bonman
Executive Director of U.S. Vets Inglewood, Akliah Templeton
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Memorial Day is on Monday, May 28 and to commemorate it, the U.S. Vets organization will be celebrating its 25thAnniversary by honoring the veterans who have served for our country. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 25 at U.S. Vets-Inglewood located at 733 S. Hindry Avenue in Inglewood.
U.S. Vets is the nation’s largest non-profit provider of direct services to homeless and at-risk veterans. The organization currently has 20 residential sites and 9 service centers across the country, as well as national homeless prevention programs. U.S. Vets provides housing, counseling and career development services to help veterans and families successfully transition to civilian life.
WSS News recently caught up with the executive director of U.S. Vets, Akilah Templeton where she chatted on her overall mission and vision for the organization.
Check out the interview below:
As executive director, what is your vision for the future of U.S. Vets?
Ultimately, it is imperative that my vision aligns with the collective vision of the organization’s leadership. My Vision for U.S.VETS Inglewood involves a commitment to ensuring excellence in service delivery, continued growth and more collaboration with those who are concerned with improving the quality of life for our nation’s heroes. This means using evidence-based interventions to address the challenges faced by veterans. It includes expanding programs and services to reach more veterans and veteran families. It requires coalition building so that we are part of a community-wide response to solving a set of complex problems.
I am certain that as an organization, we cannot do this alone. Veteran homelessness is a humanitarian issue. It is an issue that shouldn’t exist. When we talk about expanding housing programs, we have to involve the community. The community must make the connection between the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and the freedoms we enjoy as a result.
For those who are unfamiliar what id U.S. Vets and what does the organization do?
Simply put, U.S.VETS rebuilds lives. Every service we provide, every bed we fill and every meal we serve in some way contributes to helping a veteran gain stability. Services include transitional housing and now permanent housing in some areas, help with re-integration into the labor force, targeted case management, therapy, substance use treatment, social activities, help with strengthening independent living skills, family services, legal services and assistance with finding a permanent place to call home. U.S.VETS is the largest non-profit provider of veteran specific housing, employment and case management services in the country.
How can veterans who aren’t apart of the organization become involved?
Veterans who are seeking services can contact their nearest U.S.VETS location for more information. The Inglewood site is located at 733 S. Hindry Ave. in Inglewood. We accept walk-ins. You can also reach us by phone at 310-348-7600.
Veteran’s wanting to offer support or simply get involved can find us at usvetsinc.org for information on donating and volunteering.
What other upcoming events does the organization have?
We are looking forward to our first annual celebrity basketball game in August. We hope to raise funds to cover gaps in existing programs and to expand service delivery.
Author: Naomi K. Bonman
Naomi K. Bonman is a Digital Content Curator, Journalist, Marketing Manager, and Editor. She is the editor of the westside Story Newspaper. She is also the Founder and CEO of Awakened Lounge (www.theawakenedlounge.com)
