Mission Statement
What is Operation Stand Down Tennessee, Inc. (OSDTN)?
The military term "Stand Down" describes the movement of soldiers in combat to a safe place. In 1993, a coalition of over 60 Nashville organizations used this concept to organize a three-day event for homeless veterans. Each year, the Annual Event provides outreach, information and a variety of services for this area’s homeless veterans. Some of the many organizations who continue to provide support and leadership are: US Dept of Veterans Affairs, TN National Guard, TN Dept of Veterans Affairs and Metro Nashville/Davidson County Government. The coalition remains committed to helping homeless veterans reestablish their community ties. The coalition for the Annual Operation Stand Down Event has grown to over 125 participating organizations.
In 1996, the IRS granted OSDN nonprofit 501 C 3 status (IRS #62-1638832). All donations to OSDN are tax deductible. OSDN is a United Way Agency, a Combined Federal Campaign Agency and is listed on the Giving Matters website. We have grants with the US Dept of Veterans Affairs, US Dept of Labor and US Dept of HUD. In 1999, OSDN’s Board of Directors expanded services and became a full-time service agency. OSDN operates the only Veteran Service Center (VSC) in Tennessee! Because of our many years organizing the Annual Event, our VSC is able to coordinate a whole person approach of services for each veteran by combining the services we provide with those in the community. OSDN operates a Transitional Housing Program that has grown to seven homes: five for men and two for women - 42 beds. We are Veterans serving Veterans! Our Veteran Service Center and the OSDN Thrift Store are located at the corner of 12 th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue in South Nashville.
Our Vision Helping the community reestablish ties with its veterans Our Mission Operation Stand Down Nashville, Inc. assists Veterans and their families so that they can be self-sustaining and better connected to the community.
Our Goals- Operate a Veteran Service Center providing and/or coordinating a variety of services to honorably discharged veterans with special emphasis on those who are homeless.
- Provide pre-employment counseling, technical assistance, job training, placement assistance,
computer training and job retention counseling.
- Operate a Transitional Housing Program providing the necessary social and support services for homeless veterans to ensure a successful return to responsible living.
- Coordinate an annual outreach event to provide social and support services for homeless veterans.
- Operate a Thrift Store to provide a job-training program for veterans, provide clothes to veterans and generate revenue to support programs in our Veteran Service Center.
Description
Operation Stand Down Tennessee, Inc (OSDTN)
OSDTN is a non-profit organization that serves honorably discharged veterans.
Summary of Services
Veteran Service Center
In addition to being the entry point into all OSDTN programs, the service center provides assistance including: personal ID needs, veterans benefit information, a reliable mail service, military records assistance, clothes, food and personal care items, , referrals to appropriate community agencies.
Employment Services
As veterans serving veterans, our team of employment specialists works to assist veterans obtain and keep meaningful careers with local companies and industries. We teach interviewing skills, resume development, job searching, computer training, money management and more. We provide technical and technological support, one-on-one coaching, moral support and transportation support. We provide all resources needed to find and maintain employment at no cost to the veteran.
Patriot Partnership Program
OSDTN works with agencies and employers for workforce solutions in order to create access to a qualified workforce. Our team of skilled employment counselors works hand in hand with local businesses to ensure that the veteran candidates referred by our agency match the needs of your business.
Transitional Housing Program
OSDN provides transitional housing for honorably discharged women and men veterans dealing with issues in their life who have asked for help. Our holistic approach utilizes a home setting that provides a safe, structured and secure environment. Professional, supportive case management is provided on a 1:10 ratio.
12 th Ave. Thrift
The store provides on-the-job training for veterans who want to learn the retail industry. The store is open to the public 9 am-5 pm Monday thru Saturday.
Stand Down
A major community outreach to inform and provide social services for veterans who are homeless. During this event, veterans receive medical, dental and vision screenings, direct contact with local social service agency representatives, clothing and legal services.
Veteran and Family Services This program provides financial support services and guidance to veterans and their families, assisting them in becoming self-sustaining. Services include child care, rental, utilities, deposits, moving costs, legal aid, temporary financial assistance, financial planning, employment assistance, housing resources, and transportation services.
Volunteer
Volunteerism fosters positive effects on our clients and our community. Regardless of the talent or gift, OSDTN volunteers create a new dimension in their lives and the lives of the veterans they serve.
