Welcome and
Thank you for Visiting SouthFloridaVets.org
The South Florida
Veterans Multi-Purpose Center (VMPC), is
unique. It was started by Veterans in 1989
out of a single desire to help and benefit
all Veterans and their families in South
Florida.
Since
the granting of its IRS 501(c)(3)
Tax Exempt status in 1991, the
Center has been involved in a broad
base of Veteran services. The Center
works closely with the VA and other
government agencies as well as the
public and private sectors to
provide quality services and
benefits to Veterans throughout
Florida.
We are proud that we are the only
Veterans organization in South
Florida with an IRS 501(c)(3) status
that:
Provides professional
referral and outreach services to
Veterans utilizing public, private, and
government organizations.
Owns and operates a
Mobile Veterans Center that travels
throughout the state and participates in
community based Veterans' events.
Funds food programs
for Indigent Veterans and their
families.
Partnerships with
other non-profits for the sole purpose
of providing transitional housing for
homeless veterans.
Provides a substance
abuse and recovery program for Veterans.
Doesn't have special
eligibility requirements for veterans to
receive services.
Our position is to work
towards making a change in the life of
veterans who have suffered from the trauma
of war or any other duty-related issue. Our
goal is to provide veterans of all ranks,
backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses with
the services they need and deserve.
We recognize that substance abuse and
alcoholism is alarmingly prevalent among
veterans. For this reason we dedicate a good
portion of our programs and projects to
those suffering from the trauma of war (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD) and those
who may need ongoing counseling and special
assistance.
War-torn Troops Soothed
by Horses’ Spirit
(zootoo.com)
MIAMI -- The science of the
human-animal bond is proving very effective in a
new arena: on the home front of a new war.
Returning veterans are finding help, as well as
healing in therapy that involves a saddle and a
set of reins.
"It feels pretty good. I feel
tall," said U.S. Marine Gene Calonge, who
recently returned from his deployment. Learning
to ride again is strengthening the bodies and
minds of young vets here at the South Florida
Veterans Multi-Purpose Center in Davie, Fla.
The last time Calonge mounted
a horse, was his service with the Marine Corps.
This time around it's Sam, a 4-year-old Arabian,
giving him a much-needed boost.
"It's different bonding with
an animal, you feel like you're not going to be
judged so much about anything so ... you and him
just have a good time,” said Calonge.
