BRADENTON – The Turning Points Yellow Ribbon Veterans Program, and its partners, are hosting the 23rd annual Stand Down on Saturday, November 6th, 2021, at 8:00 am to 12:00pm at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. West in Palmetto. This year’s theme is “Never Alone. Always Together”.
This event focuses on helping homeless and potentially homeless veterans and their families, but also helps non-veterans and their families, receive critical needs services. These services include: hot lunch, showers, distribution of hygiene products, clothing distribution, haircuts, general and mental health screenings (including flu & COVID-19 vaccinations), dental and vision services, veteran services, bus ticket raffles, employment services, and Amnesty Court.
During the past few years, the Stand Down Amnesty Court by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court has dismissed over $60,000 in fines and court fees for our local veterans.
Veterans Amnesty Court can assist with:
– Unpaid court fees/fines (closed cases)
– Unpaid traffic fines/fees
– Driver’s license assistance
Manatee County and Sarasota County veterans are asked to bring their VA card or DD-214 and a driver’s license.
Opening ceremonies start the Stand Down at 8:00am with services following thereafter. Maverick from 92.1 CTQ is emceeing the event. The Open Door Band (a renown local rock band) will perform all morning at the main stage. Jessica Cary will sing the National Anthem. Prizes will also be raffled off at 11:30am. COVID19 protocols will be in place and enforced.
Turning Points is partnering with over 25 local organizations including: Bay Pines VA Medical Center, The Salvation Army, Centerstone, CareerSource Suncoast, MCR Health Services, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Manatee County Health Department, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Walgreens, LECOM, Goodwill Manasota, Family Resources Inc., Hope Family Services, Whole Child Manatee and many Veterans, religious groups, and other organizations. There are over 200 volunteers from the community that assist in registration and providing services.
Stand Down is a life-changing event for many of the veterans we will see on November 6th. It is absolutely amazing to see the transition that can occur in a homeless veteran’s life upon accessing the Yellow Ribbon Program at Turning Points, as he/she gets off the street, is placed in a home, is given exposure to job opportunities, and starts a new life!
About Turning Points
Turning Points provides a remarkable variety of services designed to assist individuals and families on their path to financial stability and independence. Turning Points is the one stop shop for preventing and reducing homelessness in our community. We provide day resource services (such as hot showers, laundry services, clothing, food), employment services, rental and utility assistance, veteran’s services (employment, housing and childcare), and free medical and dental care for the uninsured and underinsured. Over 7,000 people received help last year with critical services targeted to the essential needs of people in crisis.
For more information, visit http://tpmanatee.org/
