Any number of factors can lead to suicidal ideation. Some of the most common challenges newly transitioned veterans face include social isolation, lack of routine, unemployment, housing instability, lack of a sense of purpose, and identity change. 

While this change brings new opportunities, it can also be overwhelming, from finding a new career to adjusting to a different daily routine. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to combat these challenges is to help veterans build connections. Connections to new friends, communities, and resources.

That’s where YOU can help! 

Endeavors has partnered with Onward Ops to offer a Transition Support Program (TSP) to Texas veterans. The all-virtual program connects transitioning veterans with volunteers who can provide emotional support, practical guidance, and encouragement during this critical time. Sponsors don’t need to be veterans or have any military connection (just a big heart for others!). Volunteering with TSP for just two hours a month can have an incredible impact on a veteran, their family, and their future.

What Does a Transition Support Program Sponsor Do?

Volunteering with the Transition Support Program is simple—but life-changing:

• Be a friendly connection for veterans as they adjust to civilian life.
• Offer encouragement and a listening ear.
• Help veterans navigate critical resources like VA benefits, job support services, and housing assistance

Where Can You Participate?

Since this program is virtual, we’re looking for compassionate volunteers who live anywhere in Texas! 

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Sponsor?

• Complete the Onwards Ops Sponsor Application
• Complete a certification training through the Department of Veterans Affairs (don’t worry–this is free, and Endeavors will get you set up once your sponsor application is approved!)
• Reliable internet access
• 2 hours/month for a minimum of one year
• No military affiliation or prior knowledge is required! 

Apply as a sponsor and join us in our mission to help ensure that veterans have access to the support they need to build the lives they deserve. Together, we can make the journey to stable civilian life smoother for those who have served our country.

About Endeavors Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org.

The post Volunteers Needed! Help a Veteran Transition to Civilian Life appeared first on Endeavors®.

The average cost of school supplies per child in Uvalde is $240, according to back-to-school lists that were reviewed by the Endeavors team. To lessen the stress of school shopping, the organizations took action.

From May 20^th to July 19^th, 80 San Antonio-based Starbucks locations and the Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center collected over 1,500 new school supplies for the children of the Uvalde community and of Endeavors’ Bexar County housing program clients. Endeavors volunteers filled more than 220 backpacks with supplies, and Uvalde residents are invited to collect them at a drive-thru event. Located at the Uvalde County Fairplex, the Endeavors team will start handing out backpacks at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 1^st.

Education through community feedback supports positive change, and the organizations are honored to assist wherever they can.

“We are thrilled to partner with Starbucks in support of children in our housing programs here in Bexar County and kids throughout the Uvalde community who are preparing to go back to school,” said Endeavors assistant director of philanthropy, Elizabeth Higgins. “Rising costs of living and safety at school have become major concerns for families across our community and the nation. It is our hope that delivering kindness, and much needed supplies, can alleviate some financial stress and allow families to get excited for the back-to-school season.”

“With every new school year comes unique challenges, opportunities, and successes. It is difficult to overcome challenges, take advantage of opportunities to grow, and leverage success to support one’s goals without the right tools. We want to empower students to achieve their academic dreams.” said Area 61 community ambassador, Victor Sanchez Jr.

Residents seeking more information on receiving supplies for their school-age children are encouraged to reach out to info@endeavors.org.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information visit: www.endeavors.org.

About Starbucks

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Seattle Washington, Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. With a diverse menu and coveted seasonal offerings, Starbucks offers a signature coffeehouse experience while supporting various internal and external communities through accessibility to education, sustainable harvesting practices, disaster recovery support, global impact grants and more. For more information visit: https://www.starbucks.com/####

Contact:

Munji Nfor

Endeavors

munfor@endeavors.org

210-275-7783

The post PUBLIC SERVICE MEETS COFFEE AND COMPASSION TO PROVIDE FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES appeared first on Endeavors®.

In 2023, less than a quarter of the disabled population was employed—nearly three times lower than those without disabilities, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Endeavors Unlimited is bringing its expertise in resume-building, career mapping, financial education, and interview training to this powerful new collaboration, ensuring that every MAC member has the tools and support needed to thrive in the workforce.

Additionally, Endeavors Unlimited provides on-the-job supportive services for those with disabilities. Salary and schedule negotiation, work accommodation implementation, and transportation planning can support the comfort and fair treatment of clients throughout their career.

Equipping individuals with these strategies for success, wellness is also considered and implemented through Endeavors Unlimited’s services. The organization understands the importance of emotional stability and confidence in the workplace and offers anger management, anxiety management, and conflict resolution courses to ensure job security, productivity, and social growth for their clients.

As a national non-profit with over 30 years of experience serving adults with disabilities, Endeavors, along with several other organizations that combat barriers to equity for the disabled community, have called San Antonio home. Proud to continue this legacy of equal opportunity, Endeavors Unlimited is excited to further aid in the success of those with disabilities in our community.

For non-MAC members seeking employment assistance, Endeavors Unlimited offers Job Supportive Services at 6391 De Zavala Rd Suite 111, San Antonio, TX 78249. Residents seeking more information on Endeavors Job Supportive Services can reach out to info@endeavors.org. For Morgan’s MAC offerings, contact MACInfo@morgans.org.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information visit: www.endeavors.org.

About Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center)

Revolutionary Morgan’s MAC is a center that improves the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs through comprehensive and coordinated navigation services. Morgan’s MAC uses a family-centered approach with full collaboration from the family, MAC member, and community partners.####

Contact:

Munji Nfor

Endeavors

munfor@endeavors.org

210-275-7783

The post JOB SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR SAN ANTONIANS WITH DISABILITIES JOIN MORGAN’S MULTI-ASSISTANCE CENTER appeared first on Endeavors®.

According to the Washington Post, on September 11^th, 2001, the United States was forced to close its airspace. As a result, 38 planes were redirected to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. Nearly 7,000 travelers from more than 100 different countries, were stranded in the small town of 10,000 people. The community’s infrastructure was not built to support this sudden increase in the population.

Despite these barriers, the people of Gander placed cots in their schools, churches, community rooms, and even their own homes. Bakeries produced as much as they could, and the almost 20 dogs and cats and two great apes on the planes were cared for as well.

This inspiring story encapsulates Endeavors’ drive to serve. As the largest Veteran services provider in Texas, the organization is proud to provide access to mental health resources, emergency housing and employment assistance, disaster relief and recovery offerings, and more. Dedicated to providing a helping hand to any individual during any stage of life, the non-profit is excited to collaborate with an organization that has done the same for almost 50 years.

“This is our second year of partnering with Meals on Wheels San Antonio in support of their Veteran and military spouse clients, and it is our honor to work alongside amazing community partners like H-E-B and WellMed, to give back to those who have given so much to us,” said Endeavors assistant director of philanthropy, Elizabeth Higgins. “In the spirit of the community service and human connection that developed after the events of 9/11, we hope to spread love and compassion to our heroes this fall.”

“Thank you to Endeavors and their community partners for prioritizing veterans and their spouses we serve for this National Day of Service,” said Vinsen Faris, Meals on Wheels San Antonio CEO. “We serve one of the most vulnerable, yet amazing, populations, who should not be forgotten because most in society don’t see them every day. That’s what makes what we do so special because they know their community cares about them when we ring their doorbell.”

Residents seeking more information on Endeavors Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families can reach out to info@endeavors.org. For Meals on Wheels San Antonio offerings, contact 210-735-5115.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information visit: www.endeavors.org.

About Meals on Wheels San Antonio

Meals on Wheels San Antonio was established in 1977, in conjunction with Grace Place Alzheimer’s Centers. Through public-private partnerships, Meals on Wheels San Antonio volunteers and staff visit more than 4,000 clients’ homes in Bexar and eight surrounding counties each weekday to deliver more than a meal. In 2023, more than 1,800,000 nutritious meals were delivered in our community. Through a variety of services, Meals on Wheels supports at-risk, isolated clients by providing them nourishment, independence, and care that enables them to stay safe and comfortable in their own homes. For more information, visit mowsatx.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @mowsatx.####

Contact:

Munji Nfor

Endeavors

munfor@endeavors.org

210-275-7783

The post NON-PROFITS PARTNER TO PROVIDE COMFORT KITS AND MEALS TO OUR NATION’S HEROES appeared first on Endeavors®.

While assisting those impacted by the storms in 2024, Endeavors was inspired by the work of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. From repairing homes to creating rehousing action plans, the organization’s efforts to support the resilience of the community were remarkable. Driven to serve and inspire hope in vulnerable populations, the Texas-based nonprofit donated its own funds to their Florida neighbor, to maximize the reach of resources this year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton set records for catastrophic impact. Tropical Storm Risk has predicted the 2025 Hurricane Season to be within the average range of storm seasons, but still holds many uncertainties. With many survivors still grappling with the catastrophic impact of the storms in 2024, and the ambiguity of the 2025 hurricane season, the organizations are determined to raise awareness of the resources available to those who are still in need of help, and what will be available when the time comes to seek safety.

With offices in Port Richey and Tallahassee, Endeavors’ Disaster Case Management program is designed to provide personalized, one-on-one case management services to assist survivors in navigating available resources and creating a recovery plan. Services include connecting clients to grants, housing solutions, essential household goods, mental health resources, and other community services. 

In the immediate aftermath of a storm, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay works to muck and gut flooded homes and tarp damaged roofs to prevent further deterioration. As the only nonprofit in the region dedicated to long-term disaster recovery, we go beyond initial relief efforts—helping displaced low-income residents return home and restoring stability for those whose homes have suffered storm damage.

“Our goal is to empower disaster survivors by guiding them through the recovery process and helping them regain stability,” said Endeavors Disaster Case Management Program Manager, Michael Helmstetter. “With offices in Port Richey and Tallahassee, Endeavors is equipped to support up to 1,925 clients at any given time and has already verified hundreds of cases while continuing to work tirelessly to ensure Floridians receive the resources and support they need to rebuild and recover.”

“Disaster recovery is a long road, and it takes a united effort to support families as they rebuild their homes and regain stability,” said CEO of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, Jose Garcia. “Endeavors’ support ensures we can continue providing critical repairs and resources to those still recovering from last year’s hurricanes while preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.”

Taking a note from the history of resilience, strength, and community of Floridians during disasters, the goal of these organizations is clear: healing the wounds of yesterday while preparing for the work of tomorrow.

Residents seeking assistance can reach out to DcmIdalia.portrichey@endeavors.org, 727-777-5440 and learn more at https://endeavors.org/hurricane-idalia-group-2/. Those affected by the hurricanes can apply online at www.rttb.org/apply or to learn more can call us at 813-878-9000.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information visit: www.endeavors.org.

About Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

RTTB’s mission is “repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.” We achieve this by providing members of our shared communities with imperative home repairs, housing, education, and other forms of assistance free of cost, bringing their homes to not just a habitable state but one that is safe and healthy and that they and their families can thrive in. 

RTTB addresses critical issues such as leaking roofs, problematic ducts aggravating asthma symptoms in children, and installing safety features like grab bars for elderly residents. We also construct new homes, providing homeownership opportunities to those who may have never deemed it possible. Following Hurricane Ian, RTTB was designated the lead affiliate for statewide response and recovery efforts, extending our service area to heavily impacted communities in Southwest and Central Florida, where we assist the most vulnerable in repairing and rebuilding.

Find more information at www.rttb.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.####

Contact:

Munji Nfor

Endeavors

munfor@endeavors.org

2102757783

The post NONPROFIT NEIGHBORS COMBINE EFFORTS TO CARE FOR FLORIDA COMMUNITIES appeared first on Endeavors®.

Endeavors, a national nonprofit dedicated to assisting populations in need, has been named one of those employers for the second year in a row by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). Established in 1982, NOD is driven to create an equal opportunity society for people of all abilities, and the award stands as a testament to a company’s strides to make their workplace equitable.

As a 2024 Leading Disability Employer, Endeavors is among the less than 100 prestigious organizations across the nation that have created work cultures to support the professional growth of employees with disabilities. From providing access to ASL translators for meetings and Town Halls, to offering no-questions-asked Mental Health days, Endeavors is proud to be an open door to a community that has been historically disenfranchised and continues to face hiring bias.

Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has protected the rights of millions who have physical and or mental health conditions in the workforce. For just as many years, Endeavors Unlimited, a branch of Endeavors with a mission to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities, has provided professional advancement opportunities via their Job Supportive Services.

Endeavors Unlimited employees have become Area Managers and Supervisors, won WorkQuest and SourceAmerica awards, led company-wide American Sign Language classes, and more. With a commitment to making a positive impact, compassionate care, and accountability, Endeavors will continue to build career launchpads for differently-abled workers.

Residents interested in joining the Endeavors team or seeking employment assistance, can reach out to info@endeavors.org or learn more at https://endeavors.org/endeavors-unlimited/.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information visit: www.endeavors.org.####

Contact:

Munji Nfor

Endeavors

munfor@endeavors.org

210-275-7783

The post ENDEAVORS RECOGNIZED ONCE AGAIN FOR INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES appeared first on Endeavors®.

 In recent days, there has been media attention surrounding our agreement with the federal government to provide operational readiness at Pecos, Texas, in the event there was a need to serve unaccompanied migrant children. Last week, the government ended the agreement due to a decline in the number of children needing care — an expected shift given current border conditions and a decision to reduce taxpayer spending. Given the current situation at the border, we understand this decision. 

I want to take a moment to share more about this so that if friends or family ask, you are confident explaining the facts. 

First and foremost, let me be clear: any claims of corruption or mismanagement are completely baseless. That is not who we are, and that is not how we operate. As a faith-based nonprofit founded more than 55 years ago, we have always been called to serve those in need, whether that be homeless veterans, disaster survivors, first responders, or children facing crisis. 

For over a decade, multiple administrations have asked Endeavors to provide direct care and support for migrant families and unaccompanied children in government-run facilities. We have always answered that call with integrity, operating under the laws, policies, and directives of our federal partners. In 2021, we were again asked to assist the government during a historic surge at the border, providing temporary shelter and care in Pecos, Texas. We were one of 15 organizations awarded contracts for this work, alongside both nonprofit and private sector providers. 

Since 2021, there were months when our team cared for thousands of children, while other months we stood ready, should the need arise. Our contract required 24/7 operational readiness—essentially serving as an insurance policy to ensure that vulnerable children could receive immediate care in a crisis. Throughout this effort, federal officials were onsite daily, providing direct oversight and ensuring full compliance with all contractual obligations. Our team provided medical and mental health care, education, recreation, food services, and facility maintenance—all required under our contract. 

Because border conditions are dynamic, the contract also required round-the-clock operational readiness, known as “cold status” — meaning the facility had to remain maintained and ready to activate at a moment’s notice. The costs associated with this readiness were primarily allocated to vendors for facility operations, IT, security, infrastructure, and a small core team of staff, ensuring that care could be provided immediately if needed. While our work in Pecos has ended, there is still one other organization that has the same operational readiness type of contract who remains in cold status, prepared to respond if necessary. 

We should all be proud of the work we did at Pecos. Because of your dedication, 40,000 children in crisis received shelter, compassionate care, and the support they needed. Your work was recognized by receiving the highest ratings under the federal Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) — a reflection of our commitment, integrity, and excellence. 

While this chapter is closing, our work is far from over. Our work is not defined by a single contract – it is defined by our mission. Our focus remains on serving vulnerable communities, including active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders — along with their families — as well as caregivers, children, disaster survivors, and individuals facing homelessness. 

As we look forward, I can’t help but reflect on how incredibly blessed we’ve been as an organization. Our impact and service to those in need have grown because of your deep belief in and commitment to our organization and its mission. Over the past four years, thanks to your dedication, faith, and hard work, we have been blessed with the ability to expand our impact in life-changing ways: 

• Opened a Domestic Violence Prevention Center in Pecos, offering safety to survivors and their children. 

• Launched state-of-the-art Veteran Wellness Centers in San Antonio and El Paso to serve veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families. 

• Rebuilt hundreds of homes in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, partnering with faith-based organizations nationwide. 

• Deployed teams to provide resources after Hurricanes Idalia and Ian, helping families recover and rebuild. 

• Converted our San Antonio Wellness Center into a temporary warming shelter, providing safety and support for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme winter conditions. 

• Expanded our partnership in the Face the Fight initiative, working alongside veteran-serving partners toward the goal of reducing veteran suicide by 50% by 2030. 

• After the Robb Elementary School shooting tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, we expanded our support to that community by opening a wellness center and providing scholarships. 

• Increased scholarship opportunities for future social workers in Texas and North Carolina. 

• Expanded job services for individuals with disabilities through Endeavors Unlimited. 

• Expanded food assistance programs to support families facing hunger in vulnerable communities across Texas. 

• Continued to provide housing solutions for veterans, ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much have a place to call home. 

I know that some of you may not have known about all these initiatives—but that’s because we don’t do this work for recognition. We do it because our faith calls us to serve. We let our work speak for itself. 

Over my 35 years of service — as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, in government, and now at Endeavors — one truth remains: people are at the heart of everything we do. Here at Endeavors, I have the privilege of working alongside a team of people who show up every day to support veterans, house the homeless, respond to disasters, and provide hope to those in crisis. 

While the world may have its differences, we will always stand firm in our mission to serve, to love, and to care for all in need. 

I cannot thank you enough for what you do each and every day. Your commitment, compassion, and faith in our mission continue to change lives. As we move forward, we will remain steadfast in our work, walking together in service, guided by compassion, and strengthened by our faith in God. 

May God continue to bless each of you. 

With gratitude and faith, 

Chip Fulghum 

Endeavors Chief Executive Officer 

The post Standing Together in Service: Celebrating our Impact appeared first on Endeavors®.

We’ve always known that Endeavors Unlimited provides top-notch cleaning services, but now, it’s official! We’re proud to announce that we’ve earned the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification, which proves our commitment to quality, professionalism, and excellence.

This achievement isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about creating jobs for people with disabilities. At Endeavors Unlimited, we believe everyone deserves the chance to build a career they love. By choosing our services, businesses get reliable, high-quality cleaning while supporting an inclusive workforce.

What is CIMS and Why Does It Matter?

CIMS is the gold standard for cleaning service providers. It ensures companies follow strict policies to maintain clean, safe environments while running an efficient and well-managed business.

For Endeavors Unlimited, this certification is a confirmation that we are moving the needle for disability employment. And for keeping Texas spaces healthy, safe, and beautiful! It assures our clients that working with us means:

• High-quality, professional cleaning for businesses in Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
• A commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction.
• More job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Beyond Cleaning: A Mission to Empower

Since the 1990s, Endeavors Unlimited has been more than just a cleaning service—we’re a mission-driven nonprofit. Our goal is to help adults with disabilities gain competitive, integrated employment while delivering top-tier services to commercial and government clients.

With this certification, we continue to set the bar for both industry excellence and workforce inclusion.

What does this mission look like in the real world? Take Marine Corps veteran Javier, for example. For Javi, life after service was anything but easy. After returning home from deployment, he struggled with PTSD and severe anxiety, which led to job loss, homelessness, and isolation.

“I went from a proud officer in the Marine Corps to a proud police officer to living in my van,” Javi shared. “I was homeless.”

That’s when he found Endeavors Unlimited. Through our Job Supportive Services and Direct Employment programs, Javi was able to get back on his feet, secure stable housing, and find meaningful employment in custodial and landscaping services.

“I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy the people I work with,” Javi said. “Endeavors helped me build my self-esteem and my confidence back up. Now, I see the sun every day.”

Javi’s story is proof that employment is more than just a paycheck—it’s a path to stability, purpose, and healing. Today, he manages administrative operations for our Endeavors Health & Wellness Center in San Antonio, helping connect other veterans and first responders to a wide variety of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness services.

(Read more about Javier’s inspiring story here.)

How You Can Support Inclusive Employment

Want to keep your business spotless while making a difference? Here’s how:

• Hire an Award-Winning Team: If your business needs custodial or landscaping services in Houston, San Antonio, or Fort Worth, partner with Endeavors Unlimited. You’ll receive professional, high-quality service while supporting an inclusive workforce.
• Support Career Growth for People with Disabilities: Our Job Support Services provide training, job coaching, and career support to help individuals with disabilities gain confidence and thrive in the workplace.
• Help Spread the Word: The more businesses that know about our mission, the more jobs we can create. Share our story and be part of building a more inclusive workforce.

Let’s Work Together

By choosing Endeavors Unlimited, you’re not just getting expert cleaning services—you’re helping create sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your business or employment goals. Visit endeavors.org/endeavors-unlimited/ to get started.

The post Certified for Excellence: How Endeavors Unlimited’s Cleaning Services Create Jobs appeared first on Endeavors®.

Why is this important? This isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a testament to the life-changing impact we make in communities across Texas. CARF accreditation signifies that we provide safe, effective, and well-managed programs that truly transform lives.

Community Impact: The Ripple Effect Of Our Work

CARF is an independent nonprofit that sets rigorous standards for health and human service organizations. Achieving this accreditation means Endeavors not only meets but exceeds these high-quality standards in the critical programs we provide for children, families, and veterans. This recognition assures our community that the support we offer is not only compassionate but also proven to be effective.

From helping individuals transition from homelessness into permanent housing, to providing vital mental health care, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention, our accredited programs are making a tangible difference. 

• The Austin Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program, and Endeavors’ similar programs across Texas, have given many people the stability of a safe home. In 2023 alone, Endeavors provided housing support to over 4,500 people throughout the state, including more than 1,100 veterans. 

• Our Community Behavioral Health Services have provided crucial mental health support to children, veterans, first responders, gun and domestic violence survivors, and others in crisis across the country.

• Our Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics, located in San Antonio, El Paso, and Killeen, delivered over 26,000 clinical therapy sessions to post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in 2023, filling a much-needed gap in compassionate, high-quality mental health care.

• Meanwhile, our Zero Suicide Initiative supports those we serve through services that address their social determinants of health, as well as provides suicide prevention training to the public. 

This accreditation is a promise to our community. It signifies that every individual who walks through our doors will receive care that meets the highest standards.

CARF Accreditation In Action: Amelia’s Story

What does all of this actually look like in real life? CARF accreditation isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring people like Amelia receive the support they need to reclaim their lives.

After fleeing an abusive marriage, Amelia found herself homeless, navigating between temporary shelters and sleeping in her car. With no support system and little hope, she turned to Endeavors’ Austin Rapid Re-Housing program.

“When I started with Endeavors, I thought it would take a long time to get stable, but it didn’t. It just took a few months,” Amelia shared. “They found us an apartment and helped us fill out the application.”

But the support didn’t stop there. Endeavors covered Amelia’s rent and utilities for a year, allowing her the time and security she needed to heal, return to school, and rebuild her life. Today, she proudly holds her GED and is working toward a degree in Computer Information Technology.

“This experience built my self-confidence back up. It’s made me happier, more motivated, and determined to keep moving forward,” she said.

This is CARF accreditation in action: safe, ethical, and effective support so that people like Amelia don’t just survive—they thrive.

(Read more about Amelia’s inspiring story here!)

Moving Forward: How You Can Be Part Of The Change

While we’re proud of this achievement, our work isn’t done! CARF accreditation isn’t a finish line—it’s motivation to keep improving, growing, and finding new ways to serve our community.

We’re always looking for people who want to make a difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or share our story, your support helps people like Amelia find stability, healing, and hope.

About Endeavors Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org.

The post Endeavors Earns CARF Accreditation: A Commitment To Life-Changing Impact appeared first on Endeavors®.

In the Houston region, specifically, 50% of homelessness is caused by economic crises, such as job loss or bills becoming higher than earnings, which debunks common stereotypes that homelessness is overwhelmingly caused by substance use.

In short, it can happen to anyone. In this case, it happened to Joe.

Gone In a Flash

Joe has always been a family man. For years he lived a peaceful life, just outside Houston, with his mother and two daughters. Until a house fire turned their world upside down. 

He recalls, “Mom said she wanted to listen to the news, so I went to lay down. I dozed off, and the next thing I knew, she was screaming, ‘House on fire!'” 

The entire house was up in flames, and smoke drowned every room. 

By some miracle, Joe and his family escaped the burning building unhurt.

But the fire consumed everything they owned, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. 

No shelter. 

No paperwork to file insurance claims. 

Absolutely nothing.

“Everything was a total loss…”

The devastation was total. Joe describes the immediate aftermath: “We just had to pay all the bills and I didn’t even have shoes on my feet. Everything was a total loss.” 

On top of that, Joe had to leave his job after a hospitalization and prolonged health concerns prevented him from working.

With nowhere else to go, Joe found temporary housing for his family while he lived in his truck for six months, calling Houston’s 3-1-1 line daily to try and navigate the complexities of rebuilding his life without any of the essential paperwork that had been destroyed in the fire. 

Joe couldn’t apply for recovery or housing assistance without documents proving home ownership. 

But then, one day — “I woke up, walked into the burnt house, and found the paperwork I needed inside a bag. The bag was burnt on the outside, but the paperwork was untouched. Everything I needed was right there.” This discovery was the first step toward recovery.

A Fresh Start

The real breakthrough came when the 3-1-1 program referred Joe to Endeavors’ Houston Rapid Rehousing program, which provides a caring, stable, and healthy environment for individuals like Joe experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties. 

We work with local emergency shelters and homelessness prevention groups to enroll qualifying residents through coordinated entry. Our support includes behavioral health services, referrals to community resources, and basic needs assistance. 

A case manager from the program quickly conducted the intake process, and within two months, Endeavors found a two-bedroom apartment for Joe and his family.

“She told me, ‘I’m going to find you somewhere to stay,’ and she did. She gave me an address and asked if it was okay with me. I said, ‘Man, it’s inside. It’s all right with me.’ I was so happy.”

The day Joe received the keys to his new apartment, his case manager was waiting for him with furniture and a welcome box of items to make his new place a true home.

“When I’m here, I’m at home…”

Joe’s new home symbolized more than just a roof over his head; it was a beacon of hope and stability after months of uncertainty. 

That hope soon multiplied when Joe’s application for assistance from the Texas General Land Office was approved!

This meant that Joe’s home would be rebuilt on his family land, right next to his beloved family tree. 

Within a year, Joe and his family moved from the apartment Endeavors had found them into their brand new home complete with a wheelchair ramp. 

Reflecting on his journey, Joe said, “I know when I’m here, I’m at home. I lost everything, and this is a blessing. You’re a real blessing.”

About Endeavors Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org.

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