International Union of Elevator Constructors

International Union of Elevator Constructors

Last week, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services participated in the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Veterans Assistance Program 2024 Summit, an opportunity to review lessons learned and share best practices gained since the launch of IUEC’s Veterans’ Assistance Program last year.  

Dixon Center moderated a panel discussion on “Mental Health and Wellness,” demonstrating our leadership in addressing crucial mental health concerns within the veteran community. 

This panel provided a valuable platform for open discussion and resource sharing on vital topics affecting veterans and their family’s mental well-being.

We also added our understanding of the challenges that veterans face and the importance of developing collaborative solutions to discussions throughout the two-day summit. This is one example of our approach to capacity building within the veteran community, which is equipping IUEC-VAP with the tools needed to better support veterans and their families.  

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Collaborating to Empower Veterans and Military Spouses Entrepreneurs

Collaborating to Empower Veterans and Military Spouses Entrepreneurs

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services visited The Veterans Future Lab. Our team is collaborating with The Veterans Future Lab to assist participants achieve their goals in entrepreneurship and business ventures. 

Leveraging our work and network, our objectives are to connect opportunities to access financial capital, direct services, and financial wellbeing. 

Veterans Future Lab is housed in the New York University School of Engineering in Brooklyn. Its 9-month, no-cost Apex program provides mentorship, support, and resources needed to start and grow high-impact companies. 

A bonus: with a generous donation we will provide a limited number of the book Atomic Habits  to program graduates. 

Pictured left to right: Col. Duncan Milne, President; Alexa Modero and Jack Wilson with NYU Tandon Veterans Future Labs; Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Reimagining Veteran Wellness

Reimagining Veteran Wellness

During an innovation workshop, this week, at The Fedcap Group, in New York City,  Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services spent time determining how we can reimagine veteran and military family financial wellness. 

Working and collaborating with THRUUEAlphaROC, and the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN), we focused on the pain points of financial wellness and how we can best leverage artificial intelligence, networks and educational programs. 

We will use the data and information, systems, and partners discovered to maximize capacity building, crisis intervention and long-term services to address veteran satisfaction with their current and future financial situations. 

We will publish our findings and proposed plan in the next few months. Stay tuned. 

From left to right: Chris Fitzpatrick, CAN; Duncan Milne, Dixon Center; Daniel Forrester, THRUUE, Sam Whitehurst and Eileen Greenlay, Dixon Center; Harris Wekselblatt, AlphaROC. 

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Advocating for Veterans in Farming Communities

Advocating for Veterans in Farming Communities

Recently, Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development for Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services attended the NAREB (National Association of Real Estate Brokers) Black Wealth Tour in collaboration with the USDA in Philadelphia. The event brought together federal, state and city agencies, local businesses, nonprofits and the faith-based community to discuss challenges and share best practices in farming. There were several interesting sessions on land acquisition, financial programs, the impact of farming on the economy and food access, and mental health challenges that farmers and rural communities face. Our partner, Teresa Watson, President of the Minority Professional Truckers Association, offered insights on how farming issues such as disruptions with distribution hubs and food processing impact small businesses and the mental health of minority truckers. 

Dixon Center leveraged the opportunity to enhance our capacity building and advocacy efforts within farming and trucking as these industries have a significant number of veterans. This included consulting with the Office of Veterans Affairs with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services on how veterans can access their mental health resources in the Philadelphia area. Also, Eileen received her certification in QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.), a universal suicide prevention method.

Eileen Greenlay (left), Director of Development, with Courtney Johnson Rose (middle), President of National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and Teresa Watson (right), President of the Minority Professional Truckers Association (MPTA). 

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Patriots Day and Reflecting On 9/11

Patriots Day and Reflecting On 9/11

“…we will share the history and lessons learned with a new generation, teach them about the ongoing repercussions of the 9/11 attacks, and inspire the world with memories of our fortitude, strength, and resilience.”

– 911 Memorial & Museum 20 Years Later

During the week of the 23rd Anniversary of 9/11, and on Patriot’s Day itself, our team is very active. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is recommitting ourselves and our work building capacity with organizations, individuals, systems, and movements to make the lives of veterans and their families better.

This year in New York City, the Center will serve as a resource hub of influence, ideas, and actions helping 23 organizations build capacity to better integrate veterans and their families.

Across the nation, our team will leverage technology to provide strategic support to communities and movements that are improving the lives of veterans and their families.

In the Midwest and the eastern seaboard, we will be bringing together people, resources and expertise to build capacity with our partners.

Lastly, as a recognized and visible network and voice for military and veteran services we are participating in events in 10 States and the District of Columbia remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 

By participating in local and national events and ceremonies, we recognize, remember, honor, and mourn those who died, and their families affected by the heinous actions of 9/11. The heinous actions that set off the Global War on Terrorism that is still being fought today.

As the American people forget about the post 9/11 wars, we cannot forget about those who fought in those wars. We hope you have the chance to reflect and remember on the anniversary of 9/11.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Welcome Dwann Wagner

Welcome Dwann Wagner

“We would like to welcome Dwann Wagner
to our team!”

– Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

We are thrilled to announce that Dwann Wagner has joined Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services as our new Manager of Marketing and Communications. Dwann brings a wealth of experience and a passion for supporting veterans and their families, making her a perfect fit for our mission.

She has successfully led numerous campaigns that have significantly increased awareness and engagement for various organizations. Her strategic vision and innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact.

Her expertise will help us better connect with veterans, their families, and increasing the capacity of organizations that support them. “Dwann is purpose-driven and we are excited about integrating her leadership and approach in our work making the lives of veterans and their families better,”  said Colonel Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services, “She’ll be a great team member!”

Please join us in welcoming Dwann Wagner to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. We are excited about the future and the positive changes that her leadership will bring. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

Welcome aboard, Dwann!

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Capacity Building Locally

Capacity Building Locally

 “Dixon Center is a great partner and is instrumental in increasing the impact of the TV+FA Coalition in supporting veterans and their families in Houston.”

– Christine Ellery, Veterans, Emergency Assistance, Camps, and Adult Program Director,
Easterseals of Greater Houston

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is building capacity in Greater Houston and Southeastern Texas.

For the past several years Easterseals of Greater Houston and the community rely on Dixon Center’s expertise and influence. Again, this year on 21 August, during the 2024 Texas Veteran and Family Alliance (TV+FA) Convening our team shared grassroot innovative solutions and cutting edge initiatives that are working  to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families.

By building capacity, our aim is to strengthen the community’s military and veterans services structure, systems, information sharing and leadership development pipelines.  This year, TV+FA partners heard ideas from Dr. LaShondra Jones from the Houston Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and from Dr. John Laslund from Harvard University, to create greater access to wellness programs for veterans.   

In the coming months we will be supporting our partners and increasing their impact in the Greater Houston area ensuring our veterans and their families can thrive where they live.

2024 TV+FA Convening, Houston, TX – August 21, 2024

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Building Capacity with the Fedcap Group

Building Capacity with the Fedcap Group

“Building capacity within The Fedcap Group, and across the nation, is one of our objectives.”

– Colonel Duncan Milne, U.S. Marine Corps (RET.), President,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military Services is building capacity with The Fedcap Group’s growing number of top-tier nonprofit agencies dedicated to advancing the economic well-being of people with barriers, including veterans.
Dixon Center is:

  • Assisting Fedcap Rehabilitation Services achieve business outcomes and a competitive advantage integrating veterans and their families in their workforce. This includes collaboration opportunities with numerous stakeholders with common goals. 
  • Serving on The Fedcap Group Tiger Team, we are sharing opportunities to access resources that organizations need to adapt in the fast-changing world of veterans and their families.
  • Collaborating with Single Stop and Fedcap Rehabilitation Services on multiple grant proposals.
  • Collaborating with Community Work Services in the Greater Boston area creating new outcomes for pathways to employment.
  • Sharing resources by presenting a matching gift to Maine Veterans Forward to address basic needs for Maine’s veterans and their families.

We are building capacity. We are strengthening ongoing collaboration with partner organizations and stakeholders that address, or want to address their impact on the evolving needs of our nations veterans and their families.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Summer Development Update

Summer Development Update


“August allows us time to dream.”

– Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development

Summer is busy for Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. In May, we honored our fallen heroes with our annual Memorial Day mailing. In June, we expanded the Development Team. In July, we reached out to over 900 friends and donors to request funding for our Women Veterans Program.

So far this summer, we had meetings with 12 new potential partners, submitted/are actively working on 20 letters of inquiry or grant applications (six of which are collaborations with other partners), had numerous one-on-one conversations with individual donors and prospects and attended three large conferences/events.

Additionally, we have completely revamped our donor management process, and we are utilizing new digital tools to be more efficient and effective. It’s been invigorating.

August allows for a little catch-up time in our lives. We spend time with family, and we get more organized with our work. We also dream big about the future of Dixon Center. It’s exciting.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

Partnerships Creating Work with Purpose

Partnerships Creating Work with Purpose

People from different walks of life can achieve opportunity, to change generational wealth for their families, in a matter of months.”

– Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., President,
Denmark Technical College

Last week, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services visited Denmark Technical College with one of our partners, Fusion Cyber. It was an opportunity to see first-hand the impact of the Fusion Cyber Bridge Program, a program that is providing critical career pathways for underserved communities, including veterans, in rural South Carolina.

Fusion Cyber’s Cyber Bridge Program connects veterans and underrepresented communities to Minority Serving Institutions/Historically Black Colleges and Universities to facilitate education and training in cyber fields and Security Operation Centers to spur long-term community development.

Dixon Center is assisting them in expanding and rapidly deploying this model into communities across the U.S. by connecting these programs with supportive services, reducing barriers to entry into the cybersecurity sector for our veterans and their families.

This is an exciting opportunity to transform the lives of veterans and their families, especially in rural communities across the country. Stay tuned for updates as we expand this program into other communities in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with