Operation Stand Down empowers veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life.
Beginning in 1993 as a part-time volunteer organization, Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) has been helping veterans as a full-time agency since 1999. Originally focusing on supporting homeless veterans and homelessness prevention, OSDTN’s services have grown to include veterans’ benefits education and access, job readiness and placement, financial counseling, legal assistance, housing, family support, basic needs and service referrals.
OSDTN also operates 12th Ave Thrift, a discount store employing veterans. The organization helps veterans who have just out-processed, as well as those who completed their service years ago.
There are four core programs: 1) Career Services helps veterans with job placement assistance, computer training, résumé development, professional development workshops, interview preparation and budget counseling. 2) Clinical Services provides transitional housing for 42 homeless men and women veterans who are experiencing life-controlling issues. 3) Support Services provides a wide variety of services for all veterans and their family members through our service center, including legal assistance, VA benefits counseling, financial coaching, basic needs, VA home loan workshops, military records assistance, notary services, project healing waters, reboot combat recovery, sounds of acoustic recovery, life skills programs, computer resources, networking opportunities, family support and service referrals. 4) The Thrift Store offers quality products of used clothing, furniture, household items and small appliances for sale to the general public generating revenue to help support OSDTN’s programs to assist veterans.
The Mission
OSDTN’s mission is to provide and connect Veterans and their families with comprehensive resources focused on transition, employment, housing, benefits, peer engagement, volunteerism and connection to the community.
What would you do with 100 volunteer hours and $5,000?
OSDTN would replace the outdated stoves in our seven transitional homes for 42 veterans with seven GE free-standing electric ranges with self-cleaning ovens at $600 each. Remaining funds would provide landscaping materials for the seven homes. Volunteers would help with lawn cleanup for the seven homes.