MISSION – Our mission is to prevent homelessness for female veterans. To empower women veterans to overcome homelessness and achieve economic stability through comprehensive support and advocacy. To strengthen their social and economic status, and to enhance and increase their personal and financial prosperity.
VISION – Our vision is a future where veterans have access to safe, secure, and stable housing, a career or a business, and a sense of community where the community embraces all veterans. A nation of financially secure and prosperous active-duty service members and veterans.
GOAL – The goal of Veterans Preference is to educate our military women in income and wealth building strategies to help increase and secure their finances, as well as the financial well-being of their future generations. To connect women veterans with long-term housing solutions and financial stability. To empower female veterans to become self-sufficient and actively engaged in the community. Once their finances are secure, we will assist them in reaping the rewards of what they fought so hard for – a safe and secure home for themselves and their families.
OBJECTIVES – We expand financial education and outreach to the military community. Participants in our programs will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make informed and effective decisions about their finances and their lives. They will be provided with job, career, and entrepreneurial training, financial and homeownership education and training. At the end of a successful first phase of instruction and training with us, the participants will be able to take advantage of opportunities such as small business creation, an increase in finances, and the purchase of a home.
We are striving to become the leading economic advocate for active military and veterans. We work in tandem with cities and counties, community leaders, public and private sector agencies, foundations and corporations, to deliver financial education, training and other services to our military community.
OUR CORE PROGRAMS
Safe And Sound At Home (SASAH)
Finally Home
Military Women In Arms Emergency Funds
DELORES KOROKOUS, served twenty- five years in the US Army and retired July 1, 2003, with the rank of Sergeant First Class-E7. She was the recipient of Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Medal of Merit and US Army Top Recruiter Medal. She is the founder/ CEO of Waters of Jordan Enrichment Center Inc, a 501c3 human service organization located in Normal Heights, San Diego. The Center provides a variety of services to include women group meetings and Improving your Self- Esteem classes.
CARLA BALANCIER, is a San Diego native and a military brat. She began her mortgage banking career over 30 years ago. She has worked for several major financial institutions in various capacities and departments, to include HomeFed Bank, PNC Bank and SCME Mortgage Bankers. During her tenure at PNC Bank, she was a recipient of the annual "Chairman's Quest for Quality Award". Carla has been a licensed Realtor for over 20 years.
After changing careers, Carla ventured into the Building and Construction Industry, working several years in the construction field in various positions. She ultimately stepped out and started her own construction company, "412 Construction Contracting". Being a female in a male dominated industry, she has had her challenges. However, she is one of only a few to accomplish this feat.
Carla wants to encourage other women to pursue their dreams and become both business owners and leaders. Working with Veterans Preference will allow Carla to assist female veterans to grow, obtain housing/assistance and never be forgotten for their service.
Rae Russell, Coach Rae Russell, a Navy veteran, began her financial services career with Primerica in 1996 while she was still in the military. She attained her state insurance license and held a Series 6 and 63 investment license for many years. She branded herself as "The Financial Coach" because she wanted to educate people on how to play and win at the money game. Over the years, she has successfully educated and mentored thousands of families throughout the state of California and beyond. Coach Rae is the Founder of Financial Coach 4U and Global Financial Literacy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing financial literacy classes and workshops for churches, service members and veterans, and the general community. She provides that well needed financial education for active duty service members prior to their transition out of the military.
Rae is also the Director of the Veteran Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Chapter, where they provide support and resources to veterans and their families. The chamber focuses on collaborative efforts rather than just a membership.
She has committed her life to teaching financial literacy from youth to seasoned citizens.
