Executive Summary
A nonprofit ambassador acts as a representative and advocate for the organization, raising awareness, inspiring action, and encouraging support for our mission. They help bridge the gap between our Foundation and the wider community, often through social media, networking, public speaking, and everyday conversations.
Having passionate supporters who share our organization’s vision is a critical factor in driving success and support for our programs. This enthusiasm creates meaningful experiences and connections that keep people coming back. Mission ambassadors are folks on the ground who share stories about their experience with our organization, whether they are supporting a delivery mission, a community event, or simply having a conversation with someone. These types of interactions help to create more awareness and advocacy.
Mission Ambassadors can be a valuable asset to our organization, both in fundraising and raising awareness. Our ambassadors are dedicated to building connections that foster an emotional bond between donors and supporters, and they share their knowledge and stories about the cause. Through their advocacy, they help create a strong, passionate community that supports the Vets on Track Foundation. Having mission ambassadors involved increases our chances to grow our supporter base and provides a platform for people to share their voices and experiences.
By participating in activities such as volunteering, hosting fundraisers, or organizing events, Mission Ambassadors can be at the forefront of promoting our cause. They essentially become the voice of our organization and help motivate others to make a difference in their communities. Additionally, by giving mission ambassadors ownership of their efforts, we foster a personal connection with those who support our cause.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization…and the Vets on Track Foundation needs your help. Without the support of individuals from our local communities, we could not provide the support needed to get our military and first responder veterans back on their feet.
Who We Serve
When you hear the term “veteran,” most people immediately think of those who have served in the military. While that is true, the word veteran also describes those who have served our nation as law enforcement and fire and rescue professionals. Collectively, these groups of heroes ensure our country is protected both here at home and abroad. There is a real sense of camaraderie when you put military veterans and first responders in the same room…together they become America’s 9-1-1 Force!
While military personnel are the backbone of our national security and work to keep our borders secure, first responders are the backbone of our communities. Without hesitation, America’s 9-11 Force answers the call to serve… especially in times of crisis.
There are roughly 25 million military veterans in the United States, along with millions more who have served as first responders. After bravely serving their communities and country, many now live in poverty, face homelessness, and are in desperate need of assistance. Millions are disabled, many struggle financially, and a large number require treatment for depression and other psychological issues.
Their families are under stress. Divorce rates for America’s 9-1-1 Force are at record levels. Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and suicides are at all-time highs, and these conditions are starting to affect their spouses and children.
As an organization, the Vets on Track Foundation works diligently at the grassroots level with organizations nationwide to help those we serve get the support they need to get their lives “back on track.”
For years to come, America’s 9-1-1 Force and their families will continue to face unique challenges, but they also have great potential to keep contributing to their community and country. As a nation, it’s important that we all do our part to understand their perspective and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever we can… after all, they have risked their lives for each of us!
Despite the sacrifices of America’s 9-1-1 Force, this exceptional group of citizens is not seeking special treatment or a hand-out… instead, they are seeking a “hand-up” – they simply want to be part of their community and continue to lead a productive life. There is no shortage of support in this country for our veterans, first responders, and their families; the challenge has always been “how do we connect” those in need with those who can provide the necessary support? The Vets on Track Foundation offers carefully designed programs that bridge this critical gap.
Background
It is a fact that less than 1 percent of Americans today serve in any type of military or first-responder uniform, yet they bear 100 percent of the burden of protecting our streets and borders. Despite this small number, their impact is significant. Currently, more than 2.2 million service members make up America’s all-volunteer force in the active, National Guard, and Reserve components, and 1.5 million belong to our first responder ranks.
Fifty-five percent of America’s 9-1-1 workforce is married, and 40 percent have two children. Multiple deployments, combat and street injuries, and the challenges of balancing work and family can have widespread effects not only on America’s 9-1-1 personnel and their families but also on our communities. These issues should be a top priority in our national discussion…”Working Together – We Can Make a Difference.”
Mission
Our mission is to end veteran and first responder homelessness, significantly reduce suicides, and support the families of our fallen. We turn houses into homes and inspire hope, healing, and purpose for those facing a crisis. We work to rebuild self-worth, dignity, and pride, helping our clients rediscover their purpose. We provide the support our veterans need—right in their own backyard!
Vision
To establish our support and outreach programs in multiple locations throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and the rest of the country. From our Beyond the Streets, Resiliency Among Warriors, Fallen Heroes Initiative, Community Connection Project, and Armed Forces Motorsports, we want to support America’s 911 Force – no matter their crisis…no matter where they live!
Foundation Outreach Programs
Through our Outreach Programs, it all boils down to this: “Improve the Lives of our Veterans, first responders, and their Families.” Our main focus is to raise awareness about the critical needs facing America’s 9-1-1 Force and their families; directly deliver support where it is needed, and help our homeless veterans with their transition back into permanent housing.
- The Vets on Track Foundations featured program, “Beyond the Streets,” focuses on connecting America’s 9-1-1 Force with essential support. From local, state, and federal support agencies to non-profits and companies that assist veterans and first responders, we bring all parties together to address specific needs.
- The Resiliency Among Warriors Program partners with veterans, first responders, and their families to assist with the transition from homelessness to stable housing. As we travel across the country with our motorsports teams and engage in grassroots outreach programs, we will seek community support in gathering essential items to furnish each new veteran’s home with the basics that turn a house into a home!
- The Armed Forces Motorsports Program offers outreach support for America’s 9-1-1 Force and their families. AFM provides a program that these heroes can rally behind—a program they can call their own. Whether in military, law enforcement, or firefighter uniforms, AFM works to unite these organizations, fostering a spirit of camaraderie never before seen in a public setting.
- Through our Fallen Heroes Initiative, we recognize and support the exceptional youth who have lost a parent within our first responder or veteran communities by encouraging their pursuit of higher education. These individuals represent the future leaders in both public and private sectors, dedicated to selfless service. Education is a cornerstone in shaping the future leaders of our nation, and we are proud to serve as a catalyst in their growth.
- Our Community Connection Project serves as a key part of The Vets on Track Foundation. We believe in bringing people together, understanding that teamwork can lead to great achievements. We also highlight that increased community awareness and engagement with military veterans and first responders help strengthen our community.
- Virginians Give Back is a statewide initiative that honors, appreciates, and supports military veterans and first responders across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifice of those who protect our nation and communities while addressing practical needs that affect their long-term stability and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
of an Ambassador
- Raising Awareness: Ambassadors help promote our work, mission, and impact through different channels such as social media, events, and personal networks.
- Inspiring Action: Ambassadors motivate others to participate through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.
- Connecting with the Community: Ambassadors develop relationships with potential donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders, promoting a sense of community around the organization’s cause.
- Promoting the Nonprofit’s Message: They effectively convey the nonprofit’s mission and values, ensuring consistent messaging across various platforms.
- Fundraising Support: Ambassadors can assist with fundraising by using their networks and encouraging donations.
- Advocacy: Some ambassadors actively promote policy shifts that align with the nonprofit’s mission.
- Building Relationships: They cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community members, according to Nonprofit Insights.
- Representing the Organization: Ambassadors embody our values and serve as a positive reflection of our work.
The Ambassador Program
Volunteers are essential to our organization, and the Vets on Track Foundation depends on your support. Without people from communities nationwide, we couldn’t offer the help needed to assist our military and first responder veterans in rebuilding their lives.
We are working to establish Ambassadors across the country, with a “State – Team Lead Ambassador” for each state and subordinate Ambassadors under the State Team Lead. Currently, Phil and Wanda Robinson serve as our National Ambassador Team Leads based in Virginia. Would you consider stepping into a team leader role in your state?
Organization Summary
The Vets on Track Foundation was established in early 2015 to provide direct support to our veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization is a federally and state-certified 501(c)3 non-profit, with Federal ID number EIN 46-3805203. We advocate for all military veterans, first responders, and their families through proactive outreach efforts.
In Summary
It is essential that American communities better understand what America’s 9-1-1 Force and their families are experiencing—and use that knowledge to simply, positively, and effectively support those families in overcoming the challenges that service to our country has placed on them. Through our Community Outreach Programs, we are taking a step forward in providing the assistance they need. We remain optimistic about the future of our veterans and first responders—regardless of the uniform they wear—and are encouraged by the positive reactions from communities nationwide supporting the Community Outreach Programs. We must sustain that momentum so our ability to connect veterans and their families to existing programs, as well as develop impactful services, remains a vital part of the greater success of our veterans and this nation.
Our program is open to everyone – we serve all veterans, first responders, and their families. By working together, we can address the challenges faced by this respected group of people… one-on-one!
VoTF exceeds industry standards for financial accountability. We are proud to have received some of the top nonprofit charity ratings available today. Our donors should be confident they are supporting an organization that is financially healthy, accountable, and transparent.