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Season 4 of Service Before Self Launching

Season 4 of Service Before Self Launching

“You can find the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.”– Sam Whitehurst, U.S. Army (RET.), Vice President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

We are excited to announce the launch of Season 4 of the Service Before Self Podcast, sponsored by Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. This season we will engage with thought-leaders in the military and veteran community who are on the leading edge of addressing the evolving needs of transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, families, caregivers, and the families of our fallen. Our first episode in March will feature Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder and CEO of Hope for the Warriors. Robin has been a leader in supporting those who have served and their families since 2006 and her organization was recently awarded the 2023 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award.

If you are an individual or organization that is trying to understand the everchanging landscape of how to integrate veterans and their families into your organizations or communities, join us on the podcast as we will have guests who will share their perspective on the challenges facing military-connected individuals, best practices on addressing those challenges, and innovative ways of delivering services and support.You can find the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform—Spotify, Apple Music, iHeart Radio and others. Subscribe to us so you’ll receive notifications when our episodes are posted and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.  

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

Fighting Together for Veterans & Families

“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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Marking 10 yrs of Support from Metzger Foundation

Marking 10 yrs of Support from Metzger Foundation

“Because of Dixon Center, untold numbers of veterans and their families lead productive and successful lives.”– Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation

The Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation has once again stood up for our veterans, with its recent renewal of support to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.  As a World War II veteran, Herbert Metzger recognized the unique and evolving needs of veterans. For over 10 years, through their Foundation, Herbert and his wife, Carolyn, have dedicated resources to addressing these needs to Dixon Center. This continued support has allowed us to build out several of our workforce development programs and allocate more resources to our health and wellness initiatives.Carolyn and Herbert Metzger committed to living a purpose driven life, both by their words and deeds. Today, their three daughters follow the example of their parents and maintain their legacy of generosity. The Foundation’s partnership ensures Dixon Center is a “go to” resource for all who are part of our network and who join us in our noble purpose – to make the lives of veterans and their families better.With deep gratitude, Dixon Center humbly accepts the trust the Metzger Foundation has placed in our work.

Carolyn and Herbert Metzger

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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Freedman Family Foundation Continues Its Support

Freedman Family Foundation Continues Its Support

“Dixon Center brings the most effective partners together to make the lives of veterans and their families better.”– Rick Freedman, Director & Co-President, Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation

Last month, the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation renewed its support of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services with a 4-year grant that will fund our critical work and allow for the expansion of partnerships across our three pillars of Work with Purpose, Heal with Honor and Live with Hope.The Foundation was founded by philanthropists and business leaders Eugene and Ruth Freedman and today is managed by their three children Penny, Nancy, and Rick. The Family’s generosity has made a positive difference in the lives of untold numbers of veterans across the country over the years.This significant, long-term investment ensures success in Dixon Center’s model of moving to crisis prevention, rather than crisis intervention, particularly for women veterans. Dixon Center is deeply grateful and honored to have the continued trust of the Foundation.

Siblings Rick Freedman and Penny Freedman, Directors & Co-Presidents of the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation (pictured right and center), with Dixon Center Chair,David Sutherland (left).

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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A Recap of Heal with Honor

A Recap of Heal with Honor

“Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ are effective and true ambassadors on behalf of our veterans who are dealing with or have succumbed to the invisible wounds of war.”– Anne Dunsmore, Founder & President,Angel Force USA

As we closed out 2023, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services organized, led, and participated in convenings and summits focused on addressing the isolation and disconnection that burdens so many veterans and their families. We joined in frank discussions on how conventional approaches to the high number of veterans dying by suicide are not working, shared new approaches that emphasize the importance of the eight dimensions of wellness, and celebrated in recognizing the sacrifices and service of our Vietnam War-era veterans.At Columbia University during Empowering Veterans-NYC 2023, we brought our expertise in veteran health and wellness to bear by organizing and leading a panel discussion on new approaches to increasing well-being among veterans, and specifically student veterans.

We assisted in organizing and leading the Angel Force USA Stop SuiSilence 2023 Summit in southern California. Over three days, we moderated and participated in thought-provoking discussions on the far-reaching impacts veteran suicide has on communities and how community-based organizations play an integral role in combatting isolation and disconnection among the veteran community. We also recognized dozens of local Vietnam War-era veterans and their spouses in an inspirational ceremony by pinning them with a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative medal.And we advocated for connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with careers that provide purpose and direction, a key component of occupational wellness, in our end-of-the-year Task Force Movement Board and Partner meeting.

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

“Working with Dixon Center opened my eyes to the many issues that impact servicemembers during their transition from military service and after.”– United States Army Retired Colonel,Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki

United States Army Retired Colonel Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki serves as the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow.Kenny has been critical over the past year on five projects: 

  1. Assessing our assistance offered to organizations, individuals and communities.
  2. Analyzing our Women Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance geographic impact.
  3. Supporting the development of strategic planning and priorities.
  4. Applying data and attribution to proposals.
  5. Programs analysis for greatest impact based on veteran evolving needs.

The Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellowship is named in honor of Robert J. McCann (March 20, 1926  –  November 29, 2022), a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. McCann was a native of Pittsburgh, PA who raised two sons and was a lifelong advocate for our nation’s veterans and their families.Kenny is exceeding our expectations in his fellowship, applying research focusing on the evolving needs and solutions impacting veterans and their families quality of life.

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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2024 Priorities and Focus

2024 Priorities and Focus

“We are poised for a breakout year.”– Duncan S. Milne, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

During several Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services gatherings in November & December 2023, our leadership laid out our priorities, goals and key tasks to achieve our noble purpose to make the lives of veterans and their families better in 2024, and beyond.These priorities include Support for our partners who with our ongoing assistance and capacity building integrate veterans and their families into their existing programs. Growth in our team, the numbers of partners we work with, as well as the number of veterans and military families impacted by our work with other organizations. Profitability, which includes a 12% increase in resources each year.Our leadership motivated our team – staff, contractors, consultants, volunteers, ambassadors, and outside supporters – by directing them on four key tasks to achieve our priorities.

  • Programs and Services – Serve as a resource hub focusing on three pillars, thirteen Programs, and a 2024 goal of eighty projects.
  • Awareness and Engagements – Providing leadership for local and national engagements and outreach, building public awareness; encouraging community involvement; and promoting community-based services.
  • Resource Development – Function as team of leaders stressing donor relations and the donor experience vis-a-vis engagement, recognition, acknowledgement, and stewardship.
  • Marketing and Communications – Everyone is involved in creating, promoting, and facilitating compelling, Dixon Center communications that enhance our work, our reputation, and drive key initiatives making the lives of veterans and their families better.

2024 is underway. We are in a position of financial and programmatic strength, and we are concentrating on our priorities and key tasks focusing on our mission.

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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2023 Annual Impact Report Release

2023 Annual Impact Report Release

“Reaching America.”– 2023 Annual Report Theme

Today, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services released the 2023 Annual Report.Download Dixon Center 2023 Annual ReportThis report tells the story of our approach and impact. The 2023 Annual Report shares descriptions and impact across our three pillars, and thirteen programs by using examples of the eighty projects executed in 2023.Based on the evolving needs of our veterans and their families – our tagline since our founding – Reaching America became our 2023 theme.We are Reaching America. Creating synergies between like-minded organizations, expanding programmatic reach, building capacity, all while serving as a resource hub for organizations and individuals seeking to integrate veterans and their families.As our Chair, David Sutherland, said about the report, “Dixon Center is offering the right mix of expertise to assist organizations of all dimensions, sectors and geographies; staying true to our values and culture while achieving their purpose, making the lives of veterans and their families better.”

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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Donors Are Committed to Our Mission

Donors Are Committed to Our Mission

“Our diverse group of donors stepped up in 2023 and enabled our noble purpose.”– Vanessa Stergios,Dixon Center Director of Development 

2023 is in the rearview mirror. As 2024 begins, let’s look at who supported us and how we allocated those resources in our work at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in 2023. Since 2012 more than 2,340 donors who have given to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services have made the lives of veterans and their families better. In 2023, nearly 140 donors didn’t just make an investment, they had an impact with more than 240 donations. These donations include gifts from individuals, major donors, family foundations and corporations. Many individual donations include recurring monthly donors who spread their gifts out over the year and had some of the greatest impact. 

We allocated these resources to our work aligned to our three pillars.  Our most significant growth was in the pillar “Heal with Honor”, followed by “Work with Purpose” and “Live with Hope” respectively. We anticipate this trend to continue and ask that you keep this in mind as you plan for your charitable giving in 2024.  Help us get off to a great start in 2024 by donating now.

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is a member of The Fedcap Group, a global network of top-tier nonprofit agencies. The Fedcap Group serves as the fiscal agent for Dixon Center and as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and provides our back-office support. Our financial and operating results are included in The Fedcap Group’s audited financial statement ending September 30, 2023.

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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End of Year Giving

End of Year Giving

Please consider Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in your annual charitable giving. No gift is too small, and your contribution goes a long way toward enabling veterans and their families to succeed where they live.  

You can make an online donation by clicking on the donate link below. To learn more about giving and financials check out our Ways to Give page.  

As we look ahead to 2024 thank you for all that you have done to assist veterans, through our work. Together, we are making the lives of veterans and their families better.  

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“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is

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Laying a Wreath at Arlington National Cemetery

Laying a Wreath at Arlington National Cemetery

“As the wreath was laid, I was overwhelmed with pride.”– Eileen Greenlay, Manager, Donor Relations,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Arlington National Cemetery in honor of our 2023 achievements and encouragement. You can see a short video here.Three of our Command Council members, Bob McCann, Danny Gardner, and Latrese Dixon, were joined by the 2023 Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Service Award Recipient, and US Amy Veteran, Jennifer Grubb while ten other friends and family looked on.Prior to the ceremony, Dixon Center’s family and friends went on a tour of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tour included meeting with the Guards. The Guards shared the history and daily duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards.For years we have wandered the sacred paths of Arlington National Cemetery. It is our destination for peaceful reflection and solace. Stepping through the gates to these hallowed grounds gives us a feeling of comfort.

 

 

 

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Supporting ESGH & Partners

“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!” Christine Ellery, Program Director,Camps & Case

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“Together we stand strong.” – Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), PresidentDixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is