Recently, more than 20 organizations that serve veterans met at the State College of Florida for an event organized by Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota (a Legacy of Valor partner) and an amazing team of connectors in our community. The goal of the event, which was hosted by the Veterans Exchange Services, a chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA), was simple: get people talking to each other to share information and get to know each other. Just one connection can end up with amazing possibilities. Want an example?
Two weeks prior to this event, I went to the
All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota County for a tour and to learn about their Veterans Appreciation Program, which provides food to Veterans. All Faiths Food Bank has been operating the program for more than a year but recently established a specific day and time (
Tuesday mornings from
10 am-12 pm) to give the Veterans Appreciation Program some structure and focus.
The following week, I volunteered at the food bank during the Veterans Appreciation Program. While the program is indeed amazing, it seemed it would be helpful if it could be moved or replicated in a more accessible area. With a quick call to Goodwill Manasota, we made a virtual introduction between two professionals dedicated to supporting veterans in the community and a new partnership was started.
With e-mails, phone coordination and then a personal meeting at that Veterans Roundtable, Goodwill Manasota is working on an agreement that will enable All Faiths Food Bank to use some of their spaces to bring food to veterans. This is what can happen when people talk to each other.
