Central Valley Veterans Operation Stand Down

OPERATION STAND DOWN

(16th Annual) FRESNO'S OPERATION STAND DOWN

September 23-25, 2009 (VFW Post 8900 - 3585 N Blythe Ave Fresno, CA 93722)

"Stand Down" is a military term used when battle fatigued troops relieved from active duty for a period of rest and relaxation. Operation Stand Down offers a respite to those disadvantaged veterans engaged in a fight for survival of themselves and their families. Stand Down is an intervention that was conceived from the ground up specifically for veterans. It is designed to transfrom the despair and immobility of homelessness into the momentum necessary to get into recovery, to resolve legal issues, to seek employment, to access health services and benifits, to recconnect with the community and to get off the street. A very tall order for a three-day event.

Yet year after year we have witnessed many successful transformations of down trodden veterans returning to society with new purpose to their lives.

We are greatful to have the support of the VFW Post 8900. Their facility is providing a perfect Stand Down Site.

"It is a tragedy that any American should be forced to live on the street: It is a travesty and insult when those who fought the wars to preserve this nation's freedom are forced to do so." --- written by Boston Globe

"Serving those who have served"

Approximatley 1/3 of total homeless are veterans (compared to 13% of the general population)
89% Honoably Discharged
47% Homeless Veterans are Vietnam Era
67% Served 3 or more years
85% Have high school or higher educations
39% Report some form of mental stress or illness
46% Report chronic health conditions such as high blood preasure, diabetes, or cancer

Community involvement is paramount to a successful event.
The following is a partial list of this years participants.

Social Security Administration
Goodwill
Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital
Red Cross
CA DMV
Community Food Bank
Fresno County Veterans Service Officer
VA Homeless Veteran Outreach Program from Menlo Park VA
WestCare
Arts & Crafts
VFW Post 8900
Catholic Charities
Fresno CDF
PAYCHEX
SPB

Contact San Joaquin Valley Veterans for more information (559) 255-8838 or E-mail us through the SJVV contact form

The staff of San Joaquin Valley Veterans, a project of WestCare would like to thank all of our troops currently in battle and all who have served for their dedication and sacrifices.

We hope you've enjoyed your visit here at sjvv.org and we sincerely wish you well. If you have any comments or stories that you would like to share, Inspired by our Heroes or otherwise Veteran Related please Contact Us. Thank You!