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From the CEO January - December 2008  IN THIS MONTH OF GIVING
As most of us are aware, the worldwide stage is playing out a sad pageant
this holiday season. War, famine, financial turmoil, political unrest
and hardship with both Veterans and civilians. It is encouraging and
uplifting to see that people are still finding time for family, joy
and generosity while dealing with life's pressures. Here at the CENTER
(Yes, we did change our name on Veterans' Day to reflect the evolutionary
growth of our transitional programs, fostering improved personal situations
that result in jobs and independent living.) We continue to be considered
a charity of choice by many of you. Details on the name change can be
found at our new website address at: www.nechv.org
Please consider the NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
when you plan your year end giving. For those of you who have contributed
in so many ways all year, thank you.
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Dr. James Peake, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, toured the Shelter recently and will be the guest speaker at our Leave No One Behind annual dinner on November 13th. Secretary Peake is a West Point graduate and served in Vietnam as a decorated combat officer. He later graduated from Cornell medical school and went on to become a Lt. General and Surgeon General of the Army prior to being appointed VA Secretary. Dr. Peake also chairs the U.S. Intergovernmental Council on Homelessness. During his service in Vietnam he was awarded the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with “V” device and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. We have many benefactors for which we are very grateful. Many of you
have continued to make the New England Center for Homeless Veterans
a priority in your giving in spite of challenging economic times. Again,
we can not be thankful enough. This November 10th is the 233rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah !  AND
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Even though the financial scenario in Washington is still fluid, we, nonetheless, have to plan for potential cuts to our revenues and how that may impact our operations. Our ongoing policy is to review all spending very carefully, to take advantage of and actively solicit donated services, food and monetary gifts to keep budgets in check. Senior staff, our Board committees and our full Board keep in regular contact to assure that we are ahead of the curve on planning and program execution and are staying within budget.
We continue to need your financial assistance and, now potentially more than ever. The current landscape in Washington and on Wall Street may have a dramatic impact on funding from grants and from our state appropriation. Please make your donation by clicking here to enter our secured donations page.
AND
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
 BACK TO SCHOOL
After Labor Day most folks seem to be focused on daily tasks and non-vacation responsibilities. In many cases this includes back to school.
  In 2007, NESHV entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) to deliver onsite college courses to NESHV residents, while providing further academic support services both onsite, as well as at the nearby BHCC campus. Students enrolled in BHCC classes receive a college ID entitling them to a range of services such as: tutoring, disabilities services, library and financial aid. A second collaboration, with the University of Massachusetts (UMass Boston) Veterans Upward Bound Program provides a "unique opportunity for men and women veterans of all ages to gain access to information about college and career awareness, acquire the academic skills required for entry into higher education and/or to acquire the equivalent of a high school diploma." Our dedicated VTS staff offer a wide range of vocational and life skills training - as well as employment assistance - to all resident veterans of the NESHV. Our Employment Track includes a series of six week employment workshops, along with resume creation, employment counseling and business skills seminars. In the Vocational Track, course selections include: security officer training, a commercial drivers' license course, and the fundamentals of culinary arts. A Computer Track includes an introduction to the basic essentials to computers, as well as advanced courses in website design and UNIX/Linux fundamentals.
Some 250 program participants obtained seasonal, part-time or full-time employment with an overall retention rate of 70%. All of our programs, both clinical and educational, seek to transition formerly homeless Veterans back to the community as contributing members. For more information on our Veterans' Training School, along with frequently asked questions, staff bios and additional course selections, please visit the Veteran's Training School (VTS).. Additional resource information for BHCC and UMass Boston's Veterans Upward Bound Program. We continue to need your financial assistance as well. Fuel costs not only impact our heating, cooling and hot water expenses but also other supplies and materials which bear the cost of fuel surcharges for delivery, therefore your support is needed more than ever before. Please make your donation by clicking here to enter our secured donations page.
AND
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
We are into the new fiscal year with financial and programmatic goals that will require our best efforts and innovation after coming off of a successful FY2008 on both counts. Federal and state initiatives on homelessness and housing and the less than stable economic environment require looking at "Threats and Opportunities" in a way that assures continued success and Mission attainment. Thinking creatively with our Board is what our staff has become noted for and we are all energized by these challenges.
The anticipated return of more clients from Afghanistan and Iraq will require a flexible approach to integrating these Veterans with our mostly Vietnam era client cohort. The challenges are both in the social aspects of the age disparity and the clinical similarities and differences (such as tailored responses to PTSD issues) that each group represents. I am pleased that our Operations, Clinical and Veterans Training School senior staff are attuned to the issues and have plans for appropriate responses.
The full Board offers us a valuable range of professional expertise and counsel. They are:
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
 
The Board voted in a new Director at the June Board meeting. He is Gregory M. MacCune, CPA. Greg is a Partner with UHY LLP in Boston and is a retired U.S. Navy Commander. We are pleased to have his experience on our Board. Please enjoy the festivities of the fourth and the nice weather. Don't forget that summer doesn't slow things down here and we still need volunteers and donations of money and goods all year long.
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
But, June ends our fiscal year and we are gearing up to move into FY2009 with high energy. No hazy, lazy days of summer for us! We are fine tuning our budgets to reflect increased costs due to fuel prices which have a ripple effect on other costs such as food, delivery, and utilities. We are also looking at the impact of the needs of returning veterans from the current hostilities and at state and federal housing initiatives. Our approach is to attempt to be ahead of the trend curve and to be proactive rather than reactive. Our Board is also much attuned to this approach and continues to provide strong policy leadership and guidance.
We are fortunate to have a solid Audit Committee chaired by Dennis Walsh, CPA. Dennis is an audit partner at KPMG and provides invaluable guidance on financial matters. He is joined by Eric Kapitulik, with experience in investment banking; Jack Manning, CPA and President of Manning Associates who specialize in recruiting executives for finance and accounting; and Bill Papp, Managing Director at Pacific Crest Investment Bank.
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
Since our inception, the NESHV has been particularly active in its mission to appreciate our nation's military veterans, paying distinct attention to those veterans who have fallen on hard times, and need our support, by extending a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans who are addressing the challenges of: addiction, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unemployment. This month, I would like to highlight the appreciation of some extraordinary young men and women who exemplify their support of the veteran's served by the NESHV, through their unique efforts to help raise money and awareness for the Shelter. Jamie Holden and Ali Palmer, both served in the US Army, and are presently MBA candidates at Harvard's Business School (HBS). In April, these two individuals, together with 50 other members of the HBS Armed Forces Alumni Association (AFAA) pitched a tent on the lawn of the business school and through their campaign raised over $8,000 to benefit the NESHV. To view a full report of the extraordinary efforts of these young men and women veterans at HBS, please view the link at: www.nechv.org/hbs_tent_drive.html Another extraordinary example featured this month comes from a young man named Joshua, who is the elder son of a disabled Vietnam veteran, and is running races and marathon's all across the country this year in honor of America's Veterans and in particular support of the NESHV. A full report on Joshua's extraordinary run can be found at: www.nechv.org/runningbull.html
The examples set forth by these young people offer encouragement and inspiration to all of us, as we pause to reflect this month on the people who comprise our nation's collective military history. All of us at NESHV remain continuously grateful for the ongoing support from our community and for the many ways in which our supporters pledge their assistance.
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
Our Veterans Training School (VTS) continues to be a solid performer and our "secret weapon" for assisting clients to become financially responsible and able to live independently. Our program includes 17 classes arranged by tracks: Life Skills, Business, Computers and three Vocational Courses: Security Officer Training, Commercial Drivers License (Class B) and the Fundamentals of Culinary Arts. All our part-time instructors are highly-accomplished professionals with significant credentials.
Frank Boback, Veterans Training School Manager and Registrar, is responsible for conducting student intakes, enrolling and tracking student progress, and referring students to the VTS Employment Department or Information Resource Center for additional program support. Frank has extensive veteran- and education-related employment experience, having worked as a Veterans Representative for the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development and as graduate and undergraduate academic advisor at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Sarah Sanchez, Employment Retention Manager at VTS, provides comprehensive student assessments and employment assistance to job seekers. A significant part of Sarah's job includes providing nine months of continuous outreach and follow up services to veterans after their date of hire. Sarah has significant experience in the field of human services, where she has worked for ten years. She specializes in assisting veterans with multiple barriers to find and retain employment.
The Veterans Training School's most recent initiative is the renovation of the Information Resource Center (IRC). This spring, we plan to upgrade our resource library, add six (6) state-of-the-art computer workstations to support our computer track and offer business classes in the newly-renovated center. For more information on the Veterans Training School, we invite you to view the section page on our website at: www.nechv.org/veterans_training_school.html
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
In this edition, I am pleased to present our fiscal year 2007 Annual Report, with a lot to be grateful for and another opportunity to add more depth to our already broad array of services. We finished our fiscal year with a positive fund balance as we have in the recent past. This, in part, due to the generous contributions of our many benefactors. The Annual Report, which contains details of our sources of Revenue and Expense, is located on our website at: Annual Report. As many of you know, we not only offer emergency shelter, food and clothing here at our ten story facility at Court Street in Boston but also the following services within our building:
FY 2008 will bring additional challenges for increased funding needs and enhanced initiatives projected due to returning Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and subsequently may become homeless. We continue to anticipate and plan for the changing dynamic of our client population and rely upon the support of our benefactors to further our efforts. Since our founding in 1990, the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans has been home to Veterans from every state in the Union and, currently less than 50% of our clients are from Boston. In 1991 the Shelter was recognized by President George H.W. Bush as the 142nd Point of Light. As a supporter of our work, I am pleased to provide you with our fiscal year 2007 Annual Report and to convey my deepest appreciation. We strive to perform in such a way as to maintain your confidence and trust.
Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
SUPER BOWL ENTHUSIASM
This same excitement is felt by the Board and Staff of NESHV as we advance the play downfield into the second half of our fiscal year. We too face formidable obstacles. The economy and rising costs, many fueled by rising energy costs, put increasing pressure on fund raising and cost containment. While we recognize that discretionary income may be tight for the general donor community, we hope that some will choose to support us in this very competitive atmosphere. It is our job to convince them of our worthiness. This challenge is met with great enthusiasm by those of us responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of services to our Veteran clients in transition. Some current events stimulate donor interest. Our Annual Report will be out shortly to our current donor base and others. Calliope is putting on a musical benefit on February 16th and our website www.nechv.org has further information. A promotional video for the event may be found at www.calliopemusic.org . Also, Steve Wilkos, host of the nationally televised show, taped a segment here which is tentatively scheduled for February. Please check our website for the exact date when it has been determined. We also rely on our corporate and individual supporters to spread the word on what we do, why we do it and how we do it. AND Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere!
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
TIME FOR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
Ted is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. He is a retired Coast Guard Captain. Volunteers also are part of the fabric of what makes things work here and the following were major contributors to the festive seasonal celebrations as well as to the regular routine daily operations: Members of Raytheon Corp's Human Resource Division, who helped to assemble and trim our Christmas trees; Staff from John Hancock Financial Services, who helped to wrap presents; State employees from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who greeted our Adopt-A-Vet sponsors and received in our client's holiday gifts; Mike and Nancy Solomon, who together with volunteers from the Clarendon Hill Tower Association and Major General Henry Knox Lodge; sponsored the annual holiday dessert party; and Lori Frankian, who generously sponsored our Christmas Eve dessert party again this year.
We look forward with confidence to a solid 2008. AND Thanks, as always, to our Board for their support, the Gold Star Mothers, staff, volunteers and our generous benefactors. And, to our respected clients, keep up the good work that you are doing and take advantage of what is offered here including the training programs. Stay strong and persevere! HAPPY New year !!!!!!!!!
Laurence D. Fitzmaurice
2010 Archived Letters from the CEO
2009 Archived Letters from the CEO
2008 Archived Letters from the CEO
2007 Archived Letters from the CEO
2006 Archived Letters from the CEO
2005 Archived Letters from the CEO
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Mike
and Nancy Solomon, along with members of their family, have been
providing an elaborate holiday dessert spread and gifts for many years
and will be here again this year. Joining the Solomon's each year, are
a dedicated group of volunteers from the Clarendon Hill Tower Association
and Major General Henry Knox Lodge. They also provide gifts and
raffle prizes for our clients, along with musical entertainment and
karaoke sing-a-long, courtesy of Joey Scott & the Connection.
They are our quiet, unsung heroes. 
Dr. Peake will be introduced at the dinner by Major General John Altenburg, U.S. Army (Ret). He also served in Vietnam, as an enlisted infantry soldier. Later, he received his law degree, was commissioned and went on to become the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Army. 
Please mark your calendar for our "Leave No One Behind" Annual Fund Raising Dinner on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Seaport Hotel. Our guest speaker will be Dr. James Peake, Secretary of the US Department of Veterans' Affairs. See this website for details. For tickets and table sponsorships, call Karl See, Director of Development at (617) 371- 1729 or by email to 
These courses prepare our clients for independent living and employment. Our statistics are solid, with almost half of our Shelter residents enrolled in a VTS course, 200 having graduated during the 2007-08 academic year, along with 264 certificates of course completion granted.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
We are in the process of sending out "SAVE THE DATE CARDS" for our November black tie event. Please see here that we have an all star cast for the evening: 
Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine
As I write this, the outcome of Super Bowl 42 is yet to be determined. The enthusiasm for the match up is contagious even for those who may not be regular fans.
January
2008. It seems like it snuck up faster than usual this year. This is the traditional time to "take stock" of our lives and our priorities and resolve to improve our condition. Sometimes easier said than done but, nevertheless, worth the effort. Our Board is invaluable in helping me and our staff to focus on the Mission and goals. Our Chairman, Dan Daly and our Vice-Chairman, Ted Flynn were just reelected to their respective posts. Dan is the President of Daly & Company, Inc. He was a naval officer in Vietnam in command of a swift boat.
We are also grateful to the many folks who contributed the holiday music and performances, including: Tim McHale and the Boston Minstrels, Joey Scott & the Connection, for providing our clients with musical entertainment and karaoke sing-a-long's; comedian's Steve Sweeney, Tony V and Jim McCue, whose humor also helped to make our season especially bright. To each of them, along with the scores of other volunteers and supporters, we are most appreciative.