to female veterans (in 1994) and the first in the state of Massachusetts to operate a residential Women and Children's Program. Soon after assuming leadership of the organization, Perrone and Leary realized that a 30-day "alcohol and substance free" emergency shelter – even if it put a roof over the veterans' heads and food in their stomachs – was not enough to keep veterans off the streets. First, homelessness couldn't be solved if the veterans had no income. Some veterans moved out only to end up back at the shelter. So the Employment & Training program was created, including partnerships with employers that resulted in better jobs. Furthermore, if mental health support was not provided, or physical rehabilitation, the veterans often couldn't hold jobs, or adapt to living on their own after leaving the shelter. So Health & Wellness services were added. This "triangle of needs" – housing, employment and health – evolved into a comprehensive program of supportive services that addressed the myriad of issues veterans contend with. This model was developed and refined over the years into the nationally recognized clinical model employed at Veterans Inc. today. This holistic approach entails providing every possible service, from legal advice to disability benefit applications, all under the auspices of a case manager, who works with every veteran to create a treatment plan tailored to that individual's strengths and challenges. In 2009, the organization was renamed Veterans Inc. in recognition of its new programs and offices in all six New England states. The grassroots, all-volunteer operation of 1990 has grown into a professional, comprehensive, award-winning organization that provides care to thousands of veterans and their families every year. In 2010, the Employment & Training Program was awarded the Elevate America Veterans Initiative Grant through Microsoft to provide veterans with a comprehensive set of services over the next two years. The program also allows Veterans Inc. to expand employment and trainings services to veterans' spouses and the National Guard and Reserve components of the military. In 2011 and 2012, The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans recognized Veterans Inc. Employment and Training Program as an example of "Top Best Practices". Veterans Inc. was recognized with the 2013 "Seal of Distinction" from the Call of Duty Endowment for their efforts to help veterans in need, and specifically for their effectiveness and efficiency in placing veterans in jobs. The