Nelson testimony: accountability for organizations serving military families
Nelson describes experiencing disrespect within an organization serving military families, including poor treatment of Gold Star, White Star, and Silver Star families and their children. She calls for stronger oversight, confidential complaint procedures, independent evaluation, and trauma-informed staff training for organizations receiving city funding.
This is something that's real deep because we all experience it as a military connected community.
We also need to hold, and you guys spoke a little bit about this.
We also need to hold accountability in the organizations that serve us.
I have personally experienced disrespect within an organization.
With other Gold Star families, White Star, Silver Star families, even the children, with how they're being treated.
I chose to leave.
I actually had a personal experience on 9-11 two years ago, but it just doesn't stop there.
There's so many of us that go through it, even in the military community that's working with us as military to help us with our paperwork, our benefits, our children's scholarships.
I went through that whole process, and I just helped a family member with their grandchild because they thought their grandchild wasn't going to go to college because of the service they was receiving.
Horrible service.
Veterans and military families deserve fair,
understanding that they should be a protected demographics, meaning that dignity should never depend on someone's personal preference.
I ask that council to strengthen oversight within its authority and encourage coordination.
with state and federal partners.
That would include meaningful feedback from people, receiving services, accessible complaint procedures, independent evaluation and staff training, and respect trauma-informed communication.
No family should have to fight.
To be treated with dignity by an organization established to support them.