Veterans Inc
They were there when we needed them. We must be there now that they need us.
Mission
To be there for our veterans and their families in their time of need with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness among veterans. To help our veterans regain self-sufficiency through the provision of holistic supportive services including housing, employment and training, case management, food security, health and wellness, family support programs, and women and childcare services.
Ruling year
1991
Principal Officer
Mr. Vincent J. Perrone
Executive Director
Mr. Denis Leary
Main address
69 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605 USA
EIN
04-3098024
NTEE code
Homeless Services/Centers (P85)
Employment Training (J22)
Temporary Shelter For the Homeless (L41)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Veterans Inc. aims to end homelessness among veterans. There are many reasons for homelessness, such as lack of livable income, shortage of affordable housing, and lack of access to health care, but veterans often have additional barriers including the devastating effects of mental illness and substance abuse, as well as lack of family and social support networks. Veterans suffer from PTSD, often with co-occurring conditions such as traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, sleep disorders, etc. Many have difficulty transitioning successfully into the civilian workforce. Close to 100% of the Veterans who access Veterans Inc. services live at or below the federal poverty level and nearly 78% of residents suffer from substance abuse and/or mental illness. There is clear indication of a need for holistic, comprehensive services in order for veterans to become stably housed, treated for physical and mental problems, and gainfully employed.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing
As a VA designated provider of Supportive Services for Veteran Families, we assist low-income veterans and their families throughout New England who are at risk of homelessness. Supportive services case managers assist veterans with eligibility and application for benefits and provide a host of other services directly or by referral. Veteran families that meet eligibility criteria are also able to take advantage of limited temporary financial assistance payments made on their behalf to third parties for such purposes as rent payments, utility payments, security deposits, moving, and other costs.
Employment & Training
The Veterans Inc. Employment & Training program works to train and place veterans in jobs where there is high demand and growth potential. We assess each veteran's career interests, employment history and abilities. We provide training directly or through training partners and assist in translating military experience into civilian workforce jobs. Our case managers also follow-up with veterans and employers after placement to identify issues before they become problems. The program is offered across New England and in Montana and North Dakota.
Case Management
In order to achieve our primary goal of preventing or ending homelessness among veterans, most often many obstacles need to be overcome. Veterans Inc. case managers work with each client to develop an Individual Treatment and Action Plan and coordinate the provision of services in the areas of Housing, Employment and Training, and Health and Wellness. Homeless veterans in our housing programs develop an ongoing relationship with an assigned case manager who oversees services that include medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment and relapse prevention and employment goals.
Resource Connections
Our outreach case managers advocate for and provide services to veterans and their families residing within the community. Case managers provide a wide array of services and referrals including: assistance accessing benefits, mental health counseling, support for PTSD, suicide prevention services, education and employment assistance, a food pantry and free clothing, legal assistance, health and wellness programs, support groups, family counseling and reunification, and transportation to appointments. Additionally, case managers offer specialized outreach and assistance programs for Post 9/11 veterans, including peer support, and elderly veterans.
Supportive Housing Program
We provide transitional housing, assist with securing permanent housing, and provide supportive services to help clients sustain housing. We enable and equip homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness to address medical and mental health issues, substance abuse issues, obtain and maintain suitable employment, and to access services and resources to help veterans reach their individual goals. All of our residents are offered health and wellness sessions and recreational activities. Our main site in Worcester, MA has a cafeteria style meals program onsite that provides three nutritional meals a day for our 85 nightly residents and is open to other veterans in need throughout the community. We also prepare meals to go at our other local housing program sites. We serve approximately 2,000 meals per week to residential clients across multiple locations.
Independence Hall Treatment Center
As opioid prescription use and dependency among the veteran population has become an increasing concern as identified through the VA, Veterans Inc. opened Independence Hall, a fully state-licensed treatment center in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Independence Hall includes; 32 Level 3.5 Clinical Stabilization Services inpatient beds for post detoxification stabilization, 16 Co-Occurring Enhanced Residential Rehabilitation Service beds for individuals with the dual-diagnosis of addiction and mental illness, Intensive Outpatient Programming, Medication Assisted Treatment, and Outpatient Counseling, as well as 23 transitional housing beds for Veterans provided under a clinical treatment model which provides a full array of clinical services, with programming specifically designed for participants with a substance addiction and/or a mental health diagnosis.
Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Program
The Veterans Inc. Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Program is designed to modify and rehabilitate the primary residences of eligible veterans. Our mission is to enable veterans with a disability to continue to live in their own homes and sustain independence, while continuing to play an active role in their community.
Project and activities supported by this program include, but are not limited to:
Adding a wheelchair ramp
Widening interior or exterior doors
Re-configuring or re-equipping bathrooms
Removing doorway thresholds
Adding new lighting
Adding electrical outlets/ service
Installing appropriate flooring
Lowering countertops
Replacing appliances with approved energy-efficient alternatives
Creating additional space to accommodate a live-in caretaker
Services are available to New England veterans who:
are disabled
whose incomes do not exceed 80% of their area median income as determined by HUD
the program is based on need; not on credit worthiness
Where we work
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International 2015
Awards
2020 HIRE Vets Medallion Platinum Award for recruitment, hiring, and retention of America’s veterans 2020
U.S. Dept. of Labor
Employment & Training Program - "Best Practice" 2011
U.S. Dept. of Labor/Nat'l Coalition of Homeless Veterans
Outstanding Service Provider Award 2009
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Outstanding Member Award 2015
National Coalition of Homeless Veterans
Breakfast Club Award 2009
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Employment & Training Program - "Best Practice" 2007
U.S. Dept. of Labor/Nat'l Coalition of Homeless Veterans
Award of Merit to Veterans Inc. President & CEO 2007
Worcester County Armed Forces Committee
Unsung Heroine Award to Veterans Inc. Dir. of Finance & Development 2007
MA Commission on the Status of Women
Employment & Training Program - "Best Practice" 2004
U.S. Dept. of Labor/Nat'l Coalition of Homeless Veterans
Nonprofit Sector Achievement Award 2001
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Harvester Award 2001
Worcester County Food Bank
Extra Mile Award 1997
MA Housing & Shelter Alliance
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal to Veterans Inc. President & CEO 1995
U.S. Air Force
Vision 2000 Community Service Award 1991
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Seal of Distinction 2013
Call of Duty Endowment
Outstanding achievement in the employment of veterans 2016
Veterans Employment and Education Commission of The American Legion
2019 HIRE Vets Medallion Platinum Award for recruitment, hiring, and retention of America’s veterans 2019
U.S. Dept. of Labor
External reviews
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of participants who gain employment
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Homeless people, Veterans
Related Program
Employment & Training
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Last year, 629 homeless or at-risk veterans received employment and training services. Over 80% retained their employment beyond the 6-month benchmark.
Number of patients who received inpatient treatment for substance use disorder
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Independence Hall Treatment Center
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
In 2021, 271 individuals received substance use disorder treatment at the Veterans Inc. treatment center Independence Hall.
Number of Post-9/11 veterans receiving employment and training services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Employment & Training
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Last year 182 Post-9/11 veterans received employment and training services
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
At Veterans Inc., our ultimate goal is to end homelessness among veterans and their families. We provide emergency shelter and supportive transitional housing for veterans, as well as supportive services designed to help veterans regain control of their lives and prevent homelessness in the future. At Veterans Inc. we focus on improving the quality of life for veterans and their families.
Veterans Inc. serves veterans and military members, including those who are not eligible for Veterans Affairs services, such National Guard members. These individuals are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or otherwise in need of services.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Veterans Inc. is a leading provider of support services to veterans and their families. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the organization’s single-minded mission is to be there for our veterans in their time of need. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Our work towards the ultimate goal of ending homelessness among veterans is multifaceted. Veterans Inc. provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for veterans. At Veterans Inc. we don't focus solely on putting a roof over a veteran's head but work to help them regain control of their life. We provide a wide array of programming and supportive services that aim to address every need a veteran may have.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Veterans Inc. has over 30-years of experience providing services and is led by credentialed staff who have not only exceeded all licensing requirements, but have led the agency to be identified as a national leader of veteran's services and a prominent example of best practice compliance. In both 2009 and 2015, the agency received the Outstanding Member Award from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in recognition of “leadership in America's homeless veteran assistance movement and the success of the organization's housing development program." In 2013, Veterans Inc. received the Call of Duty Endowment Seal of Distinction for efforts to assist veterans in need and specifically for its effectiveness and efficiency in securing employment opportunities for veterans. Over the past decade, the Employment and Training program has been cited multiple times by the U.S. Department of Labor and National Coalition for Homeless Veterans as a Best Practice, and serves as a model for similar programs nationwide. In 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs selected Veterans Inc. from over 1,000 nationwide organizations serving veterans to receive the “Outstanding Service Provider Award."
Veterans Inc. has substantial experience assessing and providing for the needs of veterans and their families. Since 1990, Veterans Inc. has provided emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing to homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness. Over the past ten years, Veterans Inc. has dramatically expanded its scope and service area to include all six New England states; Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as Montana and North Dakota.
We have developed a time-tested assessment process that evaluates the veteran's needs in a comprehensive fashion, and develops an individual service plan, one of the first steps to stability.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Incorporated in 1990, Veterans Inc. has helped more than 85,000 veterans in need and today operates offices and programs in all six New England states as well as Montana and North Dakota. Our services include housing, employment & training, counseling, family support programs, benefits counseling and advocacy, temporary financial assistance, health and wellness, food services, post-9/11 support and women & childcare services. Additionally the organization opened the Independence Hall substance abuse treatment program, located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the first substance abuse treatment facility prioritizing veterans outside the VA system in the United States.
Last fiscal year we were able to provide services to over 5,000 individuals. Through our housing program 76% of residents who obtained permanent housing were stabilized in that housing at the 6 month program follow-up. Our employment and training program was able to provide 82% of program participants with further job skill training to better equip them to find meaningful employment.
Since inception of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program in 2011, Veterans Inc. has provided services to thousands of Veteran households with continually high rates of success. Last year Veterans Inc. had a 94% success rate in the prevention of veteran family homelessness and an 88% success rate rapidly rehousing Veteran households, successfully transitioning them out of homelessness and helping them to remain stably housed. Additionally, our outreach program provided supportive services and connected hundreds of veterans in the community with vital services. Through the food pantry, enough food was distributed to prepare over 225,000 meals and the food services program prepared an additional 100,000 meals during the year.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
Veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk for homelessness.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Paper surveys, Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Case management notes, Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Suggestion box/email,
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
Implementing more online forms and telehealth access to assist with social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,
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How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?
The veterans and families we serve have definitely expressed positive feedback towards our outreach - many have said that their input has led directly to making resources/key contacts more accesible.
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive,
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We don’t have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Veterans Inc
Board of directorsas of 08/05/2022
Lt. Colonel Vincent Perrone
Veterans Inc.
Term: 2017 - 2022
George Bourisk
FM Global
Roland Bercume
Director of Pharmacy, UMass Medical Center (retired)
Dr. Barbara Rugo
Pediatrician, Kids on the Common
Edward Burkart
Veterans Services Coordinator, Vermont
Victoria Vitucci
Triunity Engineering & Management
Patrick Murphy
Community Volunteer
Denis Leary
Veterans Inc.
Ralph Sabatino
PerkinElmer Inc.
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 11/04/2019GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
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