1. Vets 4 Vets
The bond doesn’t end on the battlefield
Name:
Vets 4 Vets
Headquarters:
3236 Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19141
Mission:
Vets 4 Vets is a non-profit agency located in and servicing the City of Philadelphia. We
aim to help veterans successfully navigate transition to civilian life by providing re-entry
counseling, mental-health services, skills training and job placement.
Branding:
The brand image is that of one individual lending a helping hand to another individual to
overcome the challenge of moving forward up a steep mountainside. The motto is “The bond
doesn’t end on the battlefield”, and the colors are primarily red, white, and blue.
Ownership:
Vets 4 Vets is a private, non-profit organization incorporated under section 501c(3) of
the federal tax code.
Board of Directors:
The agency is overseen by a seven-member board of directors which includes four veterans,
two city government officials, and the treasurer of the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs

2. Department. The board reports to the executive director and meets twice quarterly, as well as
communicating through by-weekly reports.
History:
Late 2013 saw the founding of Vets 4 Vets, whose number one mission is to cut down on
the statistic of 22 veteran suicides per day. The organization established criteria for employing
well veterans, as well as a training program to prepare them for their jobs dealing directly with
their troubled brothers and sisters. In just three short years, Vets 4 Vets has blossomed
tremendously, nearly tripling its original size.
Executive Director:
Gerald T. Williamson
Profile of Director:
A native son of Philadelphia, Gerald T. Williamson hails from a long line of combat
veterans. Immediately upon graduation from Central High School, Williamson attended Army
Basic Training, becoming a paratrooper in the 173 Air Born Brigade of the United States Army.
Over his twelve year career, he would see four combat deployments, win numerous medals,
and become a commanding officer within the brigade. After his discharge from the service,
Williamson attended Temple University, studying Public Health and Sociology, going on to earn
his masters in Public Administration. To date, he has held numerous positions throughout the
city’s Veterans Affairs Department, as well as running his own charity providing homeless
veterans throughout the city with hot meals in his spare time.
Clients:
In almost three years, Vets 4 Vets has assisted nearly 3,000 veterans in the Philadelphia
area with their adjustment to civilian life.
Financials:
Through state and federal funding, grants, donations, and fundraising, the budget has
tripled along with the size, from a mere $5 million upon its founding to just over $15 million
presently.
Employees:
The agency presently employs 70 veterans of various skill sets and backgrounds along
with a dozen clerical staff.
Competitors:

3. N/A
Political Environment:
Much of the agency’s funding comes from government grants, so maintaining good
relations with government officials at all levels (city, state and national), is vital to the
continued success and growth of the organization.
Regulatory Environment:
N/A
Current Situation:
While the agency has experienced significant growth, there is still a long wait list and
application process, as Philadelphia has a large veteran population. Funding, manpower, and
other resources only stretch so far, and individual cases vary in length and need.
Public Relations Needs:
Advertising with understanding: spread the word but make it known that the process
may be a bit tedious/extended. Additionally, improved media
My Role:
Currently finishing up my first year with the company, I was hired as Director of PR with
the mission of continuing to spread the word about and good done by Vets 4 Vets while
maintaining a calm and understanding image about the wait for services. Advertising as well as
relating to the veterans on a personal, understanding level is key, with the ultimate goal being
to give them a sense of comfort and security towards the program. I have two clerical staff
members working for me and receive additional PR campaign pitches from various members of
the company along with my own work.