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History
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History
The Center was founded in the fall of 1980 with a dual grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the City of Philadelphia to address the multiple needs of all honorably discharged veterans experiencing difficulty transitioning back into the mainstream of society.
Our clients experience various problems such as homelessness, unemployment, need for training, substance abuse, PTSD, behavioral health and medical problems.
For the past 28 years, the Center has worked tirelessly to address our veteran's needs and ultimately transition them back into the mainstream of society. We are prepared and stand ready to greet and assist America's best and give them the help that they truly deserve.
Below is an outline of our key achievements and growth from 1980 to present.
1980
The Center was founded by our Executive Director, Edward J. Lowry, who realized at that time, many Vietnam Veterans were experiencing adjustment problems and needed assistance to access benefits from the VA. The Center was then established to "serve those who served".
1982 - 1987
The Center was the headquarters and resource center for fundraising and development for the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at Front and Spruce Streets. The memorial was dedicated in October of 1987, honoring the 646 Philadelphians who gave their lives for their country during the Vietnam War.
1985 - 1991
The Center was one of the first veteran service providers in the eastern region of The United States to receive funding to provide services to Vietnam Veterans and their families who were experiencing physical and related problems resulting from exposure to agent orange. Over 5,000 veterans and their families received critically needed services from the Center during this time.
1991
Our Nation's Persian Gulf Veterans begin visiting the Center requesting assistance.
1994
The Center was incorporated as a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization.
1997
Our transitional housing program, (LZ II) opened on the grounds of the Coatesville VA Medical Center to provide 50 beds for homeless male and female veterans.
1999
After years of renting and limited space, The Center purchased a six floor building in Old City Philadelphia to accommodate the growing needs of veterans and to expand our services.
2000
The Perimeter, our homeless veteran day center, was established to provide a full spectrum of services to our homeless veteran clients.
2001
The Center expands it's transitional housing (LZ II) program to provide 95 beds to our homeless male and female veterans.
We began to provide a variety of services to our nation's newest veterans fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2002
Recognized by Glaxo Smith Kline to receive the Glaxo Smith Kline International Impact Award for making a substantial contribution to the medical and mental health status, outcomes and improved general life situations of countless veterans in the Philadelphia and its surrounding communities.
The Center was also presented the US Department of Labor Exemplary Public Interest Award. Presented yearly to a community and constituent organization
that exhibits outstanding accomplishments that support the office of federal contract compliance programs.
2005
The Center separates its transitional housing program in Coatesville, PA into gender specific housing. LZ II is now designated as an all male program.
The Mary E. Walker house, a separate transitional housing 30 Bed program, opens on the grounds of the Coatesville VA Medical Center for female veterans who have found themselves in difficult life situations and without a home. The Walker House is the largest female veteran specific transitional housing program in the United States.
2007
The Center was named "Non Profit Organization of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
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