Roy Foster
Roy Foster, Executive Director, began his effort with Don Reed US Air Force (deceased 2004) with the development of a non-profit agency called Faith* Hope* Love* Charity, Inc. 1994, and opened the doors of Stand Down House in May 2000 to provide emergency/transitional housing and supportive services for veterans struggling with addictions, mental health issues, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and physical limitations. Since the opening of Stand Down House more than 2000 veterans have received supportive services. In 2013, Stand Down House provided 8,719 emergency housing nights for 102 male veterans; 95% of veterans returned to employment; 96% maintained sobriety; and 100% had saved for independent living and permanent housing. In September 2009, Roy Foster saw the need to expand its services to include a community-based outreach program through establishing First Stop Veterans’ Resource Center, serving veterans and their families that are homeless or in the at risk population for homelessness or other risk factors. This program offer veterans permanent housing support services and emergency financial assistance. In 2013 over 800 veterans and their families received services through this expanded initiative. Mr. Foster has received numerous honors from community organizations. He was named Advocate of the Year by Broward County Board of Commissioners, the Intergovernmental Affairs of Professional Standards and the Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities; The Julius E. Williams Community Service Award presented by the National NAACP; the Jefferson Award for Public Service by Scripps & NEWS Channel 5, Soaring Award -Wishing Well, Inc. (MD), Bank of America Local Hero, Proclamation from PBC Board of Commissioners and Proclamation from the City of West Palm Beach. Mr. Foster was a 2009 CNN Hero. In addition, Mr. Foster was honored at Palm Beach State College with an Award for outstanding community organization; Riverside Bank as the Hometown Hero; Veteran of the Year by The American Health Association and one of the pioneers in establishing Palm Beach County Veteran’s Court Docket. Roy is an honorably discharged Army (SGT – E5) veteran and served during the Vietnam Era. He has been working in the drug and alcohol field for over 18+ years, after being in his addiction for over 15 years. He later went on to work in the Palm Beach County jail substance abuse program for 8 years. In addition, he worked with Abiding Heart Ministry and Faith Farms Ministry in their homeless/substance abuse programs.
