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Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program

Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program

“Dixon Center’s ideas and leadership have been key to increasing the impact of the organizations that are part of the Texas Veteran + Family Alliance Easter Seals Greater Houston Collaborative.”    – Elise Hough, CEO, Easter Seals Greater Houston

On August 22, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted the annual convening for the Texas Veteran + Family Alliance Grant Program for Easter Seals Greater Houston. With our partners, Combined Arms and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, we planned, led, and facilitated discussions focused on sharing best practices and overcoming obstacles, organized and coordinated training for the 11 grantees of the program, and created a platform for the different organizations to share their experiences over the last year in order to make the program stronger and more effective in the next grant cycle.

Through our extensive network of organizations and communities, we exposed the Texas Veteran + Family Alliance grantees to emerging research and practices that will improve how these organizations provide services to veterans and their families throughout the Gulf Coast of Texas, an area that includes over 200,000 veterans.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Summer Development Update

Summer Development Update

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services always kicks off summer by formally honoring our fallen heroes on Memorial Day weekend with an annual mailing that we send to 631 of our donors and friends. They have our sincere gratitude for their generosity and the trust they place in us. Since then, we have personally spoken with 71 of our current donors and received gifts or commitments from 105 of them.So far this summer, we had meetings with eight new potential partners, wrote and submitted 21 letters of inquiry or grant applications (two of which were collaborations with other partners) to various foundations, and had numerous one-on-one conversations with individual prospects. Almost all were with foundations, corporations or people that we have not interacted with previously. We proudly knock on every door in service to our veterans and military families. This summer, we are just doing it in short sleeves.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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UWUA’s 32nd Constitutional Convention

UWUA’s 32nd Constitutional Convention

At the Utility Workers Union of America’s 32nd Constitutional Convention from 26-29 July,    Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, a valued partner of the UWUA, engaged with hundreds of UWUA leaders and members from union organizations across the country. Along with our partners, Breakthrough 22 and EMB Consulting, both on the convention floor and our booth, we shared innovative strategies on how to best integrate veterans and their families into the UWUA’s program, organizations, and their communities. We also reconnected and strengthened our relationship with the UWUA’s Veteran Committee, successfully advocated for a veteran-focused resolution, and forged new relationships with Power4America, Union Sportsman Association, Guide Dogs of America, Veterans Archives, and many other organizations.One of the highlights for us during the three days was the presentation by Dixon Center that inspired and motivated the audience on the importance of veterans inclusion, and member leadership as essential elements of the UWUA’s continued growth and success.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Episode 21 of the Service Before Self Podcast

Episode 21 of the Service Before Self Podcast

On a recent episode of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ “Service Before Self” Podcast, Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst interviewed Carl Cricco, the CEO for K9s For Warriors, and John Tappen, a Navy veteran who has been paired with a service dog from K9’s for Warriors.The podcast kicks off with the inspirational story of Shari Duval, and how a mother’s love for her son became the catalyst for the founding of K9’s For Warriors, the largest provider of service dogs for service members and veterans in the country.John Tappen candidly shares his personal story of struggle after his service in the Navy and how at the lowest moment of his life, K9s For Warriors, stepped in and paired him with a service dog, Henry, that has literally transformed his life. John’s story is not unique—too many veterans encounter isolation and disconnection after military service. Carl Cricco describes K9’s approach in detail and the role that a service provider like K9s for Warriors can play in addressing that isolation and disconnection.To hear more about how K9s for Warriors is changing the lives of veterans and their families, like John, in communities across the country, listen to Episode 21 of the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Save the Date Annual Holiday Reception 2023

Save the Date Annual Holiday Reception 2023

Save the DateDixon Center for Military and Veterans ServicesAnnual Holiday ReceptionTuesday Evening, December 12, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm ESTWashington, D.C.

Please Save the Date of our Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony.

About this Event

We hope that you will save the date for our annual holiday reception and award ceremony. We use this time every year to thank our friends, families, supporters, and donors. Every year we recognize special individuals and organizations with our four awards: 

The Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award

The Herbert and Carolyn Metzger Service Award

The Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award

The Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award

 

Please Save the Date and we look forward to another successful event. Watch for more information and announcements.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Thank You Menasha Corporation Foundation

Thank You Menasha Corporation Foundation

Thank you Menasha Packaging and Menasha Corporation Foundation for the $5,000 contribution to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.Dixon Center spent time with over a hundred leaders attending Menasha’s National Sales meeting.We used the opportunity to share stories of courage and valor. We revealed combat stories and examples of unconventional leadership in the trenches of war. These stories came to life in a very personal way. And in addition to generating inspiration to those in attendance, we connected them with our work enabling veterans and their families to succeed where they live. Clearly we tapped into their desire to make the lives of veterans and their families better.Dixon Center’s Development team worked directly with the Menasha Corporation Foundation to easily fulfill their goal of making a very generous $5,000 donation. Their check arrived recently and was processed immediately by our parent organization, The Fedcap Group.We continue to make our giving process very easy so we can ensure donors goals are met and funds are available for programs and services.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Utility Workers Union of America Donation

Utility Workers Union of America Donation

Thank you Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) for the $5,000 contribution to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.For more than 11 years Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services and the Utility Workers Union of America remain enduring partners.The UWUA is increasing access to an array of training and support services through the Utility Workers Military Assistace Program (UMAP). UMAP and Dixon Center collaborate on creating pathways to careers where veterans earn a family wage and have affordable healthcare and benefits.We are especially thankful to President James T. Slevin, and Secretary-Treasurer Michael Coleman for their leadership as well as all the UWUA members for their commitment to those touched by military service.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Return from Poland – Independence Day

Return from Poland – Independence Day

July Fourth celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a showcase for patriotism. But what does all of this really mean? 

The president of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has perspective driven by appreciation because from June 25th to the 30th, he joined members of the Kaplan Public Service Foundation in Poland visiting Ukrainian refugees.  

But refugee assistance was simply one aspect of this visit. He and the other members of the group received briefings from our US Embassy in Warsaw, Polish Economists, and Poland’s Defense Ministry. They visited a Polish Military Base in Powidz which is now hosting 1,600 American troops. Colonel Milne also participated in guided walking tours of Old Town Warsaw and the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews. 

Patriotism comes from the heart. It’s what you believe and what you care about. It’s a sense of belonging and part of the culture one embraces. 

During this visit to understand the challenges facing Ukrainian war veterans, Colonel Milne returned with solutions to address these challenges and ways Dixon Center can provide influence, ideas, and actions.

While our team spent the holiday weekend at places like Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, who led the military movement for independence, or with family and friends, we all embraced the message shared by Col Milne when he said, “I have a new appreciation for our freedom.”

Embrace the day! What will you be reflecting on while you recognize our nation’s freedom and your own patriotism?

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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Group Coaching/Leadership Development Opportunities

Group Coaching/Leadership Development Opportunities

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is excited to partner with Medley to include veterans and their families in their programs. Medley is a group coaching platform and community to help leaders grow their impact at work and in life. Dixon Center has been working with the Medley team on an approach to provide access to high-quality coaching and inclusive leadership development opportunities for more veterans and their families. Together, we are aligned that the greatest impact is not achieved by creating a separate initiative exclusive to veterans interacting with veterans, but one that can give veterans and their families the experience of being part of the whole. Medley’s Membership model matches individuals into groups of 6-8 peers across organizations and industries. Groups are guided by a certified Medley coach and curated curriculum through 8 sessions over four months, helping emerging leaders practice and strengthen critical, foundational skills – including self-awareness, communication, and relationship-building. The next Medley Membership cohort kicks off in September. If you are interested in learning more about how Medley can support your people, please register for this Info Session and join us on Weds, July 19th from 12-12:30pm ET. During the session, we will introduce the Medley team, share more about how the program works and simple next steps if you are interested in nominating your people to join and benefit from group coaching. If you are unable to attend the info session or have any questions, please reach out to membership@withmedley.com.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

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New FAQ Page to Answer Your Questions

New FAQ Page to Answer Your Questions

We have added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on our website designed to provide a quick reference for the most common questions we receive.There, you will find a comprehensive collection of answers to questions ranging from Dixon Center history, how we operate, and it also includes a dedicated section with answers to on how you can donate to support our work. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or require further clarification, please contact Vanessa Stergios at vstergios@dixoncenter.org.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for