Author: Kayla Cannon

The first-year results of California’s Veterans Support to Self-Reliance (VSSR) Pilot highlight the measurable, life-changing impact of enhanced supportive services for aging and high-acuity veterans. With Swords to Plowshares—CAVSA member and Pilot consultant—leading technical assistance and data collection, and fellow CAVSA members Nation’s Finest and U.S.VETS delivering on-the-ground services across multiple sites, the Pilot is […]

President and COO Darryl Vincent Named Successor U.S.VETS Chief Executive Officer and Marine veteran Stephen Peck will retire at the end of 2024 after more than 28 years at U.S.VETS—14 of them at the helm of the largest nonprofit service provider dedicated to preventing and ending veteran homelessness. As part of a planned transition, the […]

Dear Friends and Supporters, I hope this message finds you well. I joined Swords to Plowshares just two years after its inception in 1976 and have been here ever since. I’ve dedicated my life to veteran advocacy, and as I reach the end of my tenure as the Executive Director, I’m filled with immense gratitude […]

May 29, 2024 By Jeff Jadine Providing access to mental healthcare services and benefits is a key element in CalVet’s vision of ensuring California’s veterans are connected, protected, and respected. The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, presenting a prime opportunity to highlight the statewide programs and initiatives designed to reach and […]

March 21, 2024 California has made history by passing Proposition 1, which will finally provide the mental health and homeless services that we so desperately need. CAVSA is proud to have been a strong supporter of the measure and we look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. This measure means we […]

March 18, 2024 Sacramento, CA – The California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) is thrilled to announce the award of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission funding for Veterans. This $2,010,000 grant will be funded over three years and will allow CAVSA and its member agencies to increase the representation and involvement […]

  The San Francisco Standard By Hani Li March 7, 2024 Michael Blecker meets with Rep. Nancy Pelosi at the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Room before the State of the Union speech on Thursday. | Source:Courtesy Nancy Pelosi’s Office             A longtime San Francisco veteran rights advocate and nonprofit executive […]

The San Diego Union Tribune By Akilah Templeton • Published February 20, 2024 Templeton is the president & CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego and lives in San Diego. For decades, California has been dealing with the consequences of policies that have made life more difficult for our veterans and thousands of Californians suffering from mental […]