|
History | Board of Directors | Financial Information | Publications
History
PVMSEC was founded in the fall of 1980 with a dual grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the City of Philadelphia. PVMSEC was founded to address the multiple needs of all honorably discharged Veterans experiencing difficulty transitioning back into the mainstream of society. Initially, our organization was formed to help Vietnam Veterans who were having trouble making that transition. Since 1980, our services have grown and diversified to encompass needs from Veterans of all wars and conflict, up to and including the current Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans.
Our Veteran clients experience a wide range of various issues such as homelessness, unemployment, lack of job training, education, substance abuse, military sexual trauma, PTSD, behavioral health and medical problems. Many of these issues stem from experiences endured through military service. PVMSEC strives to create an environment where most, if not all, of these issues can be addressed by our staff and support networks that hold a wealth of understanding in dealing with these assorted areas of need.
For over 30 years, PVMSEC has worked diligently in Philadelphia to address the Veteran's ever changing needs. Our ultimate goal is to effectively transitioning the Veteran back into civilian society, while giving them the tools to live independently and successfully. As an organization, we continually are honored to reach out and assist America's past and present military Veterans and provide them the help they truly deserve.
Below is a timeline of notable events and accomplishments that briefly outline the evolution of the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center.
1980
PVMSEC was founded by Edward J. Lowry, who realized at that time, many Vietnam Veterans were experiencing adjustment problems and needed assistance to access benefits from the VA. PVMSEC was then established to "serve those who served".
1982 - 1987
PVMSEC 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
PVMSEC 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 PVMSEC during this time.
1991
Our Nation's Persian Gulf Veterans begin visiting PVMSEC requesting assistance.
1994
PVMSEC 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, PVMSEC purchased a six floor building in Old City Philadelphia (4th and Florist Streets) to accommodate the growing needs of Veterans and to expand our services.
2000
The Perimeter, our homeless Veteran day service center, was established to provide a full spectrum of services to our homeless Veteran clients.
2001
PVMSEC 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 who served 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.
PVMSEC 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
PVMSEC 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 one of the largest female Veteran specific transitional housing programs in the United States.
2007
PVMSEC was named "Non Profit Organization of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
2009
PVMSEC expands its capacity to serve women Veterans, offering targeted training to women Veterans in the green economy.
2010
Founding Director Edward J. Lowry retires after 30 years of service to our areas Veterans.
Marsha L. Four, former PVMSEC Director of Homeless Services, is appointed as PVMSEC's new Executive Director.
|
|
