Michelle Jameson, executive director of U.S.VETS-Phoenix, will address JWV Post 619 members and guests where she hopes to leave with a van filled to the top with coffee. The veterans facility consumes 1,000 cans of coffee yearly.
Nancy Stutman
Michelle Jameson, U.S.VETS executive director, will address the issues facing veterans experiencing homelessness at the Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 meeting on Sunday, Feb. 22, in Ballroom A at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes. Complimentary lox, bagels, donuts, and coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m., with the speaker at 10 a.m.
JWV’s much-loved Coffee Drive, which means the world to the veterans who love their coffee, will culminate at this meeting. Anyone wishing to donate a can of regular ground coffee may bring it to the Feb. 15 meeting at the above location between 8:45 and 9:30 a.m.
This year, JWV Post 619 reached out to its many partners to participate in the campaign. Organizations collecting cans of coffee for U.S.VETS are JWV Posts 619 and 210, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, East Valley JCC, Gila Butte Chapter NSDAR, VFW Auxiliary #1433, Army Women United #68, American Legion Post 64, ARC Support the Troops, and Veterans Affinity.
Michelle will talk about U.S.VETS programming, issues facing veterans experiencing homelessness, and changes in homeless services. Their mission is to empower veterans and families through housing, comprehensive services, and advocacy with the goal that all veterans and their families shall have their needs met to regain and maintain independence.
U.S.VETS and JWV have a long, outstanding relationship. According to Michelle, “Over the years, JWV has stood by U.S.VETS-Phoenix in every way possible: providing financial support during critical moments and hosting countless on-site BBQs and special events for our veterans. JWV is not just a partner—JWV is family to U.S.VETS, and their support has made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of the veterans we proudly serve and to me.”
U.S.VETS-Phoenix has served thousands of veterans since opening in 2001. Last year alone, Phoenix provided 51,841 nights of housing, 116,642 meals, 9,888 mental health assessments, 276 job placements, and successfully moved 551 veterans into permanent homes.
They recently transitioned into a larger facility, the M.D. Hawkins Veterans Center in Phoenix, where JWV provided lunch to the veterans on moving day. The new facility has 142 beds of Transitional Housing where veterans receive case management, behavioral health counseling, substance-use support, and workforce development to help them become independent.
Michelle Jameson is an accomplished nonprofit executive with more than two decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations through transformational growth. As the executive director of U.S.VETS-Phoenix, she oversees the entire facility and its programs, serving hundreds of veterans each day. Under her leadership, the program has expanded significantly in both size and impact. Michelle brings deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, program design, and risk management.
JWV Post 619, which meets on the third Sunday of every month from September to June, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths. To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Arthur Uram at 702-884-4175 or uramarthur@gmail.com.