Claybaker Center for Veterans 


The Claybaker Center for Veterans (CCV) will be based out of a location that allows easy access for persons utilizing public transportation and in close proximity to government service offices (ideally downtown St. Petersburg) with ample parking for facility vehicles, facility staff, and veteran residents.  In support of CDF’s mission to give back to and establish itself as a pillar of the community, CCV would seek out occupancy in a building structure that is historically significant to the area. The CCV will allow us the opportunity to house several of our ongoing projects under the same roof, effectively cutting overhead costs without sacrificing the quality of any project and providing the convenience of a single location to veterans to utilize all the resources we have to offer.

VETERAN WELLNESS CENTER (1st FLOOR)
  • Gym facility
    §  Heated physical therapy pools
    §  On staff physical therapist
  • Hobby rooms
    §  Creating passive therapy outlets for veterans is essential.  CCV would offer many options such as art supplies and studio space, wood-working areas, and outdoor gardening. 
  • Mike’s Coffee
    §  In honor of SSG Claybaker’s late friend and fellow ranger comrade, CPL Michael D. Jankiewicz (KIA 04/09/2010)
    §  A free cup of hot coffee each morning for veterans (includes CCV residents and visitors) 
  • Pet Rescue
    §  Adoption fees will go directly to operational costs of the center.  The pet rescue will be primarily staffed by our veteran residents.  Veteran residents will be urged to spend time with the animals in exchange for invaluable physical and mental therapy.

OFFICES AND CLASSROOMS (2nd FLOOR) 

  • Therapy classrooms
    §  Drug/Alcohol/Substance Abuse
    §  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Career classrooms 
    §  GED classes
    §  Vocational training
  • Business center 
    §  Computers and printing services 
  • Office space
    §  CDF business offices
    §  Space for rent made available to other non-profit, veteran-focused businesses
 
SHORT-TERM TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (3rd FLOOR) 
  • “Barracks” style housing for single soldiers 
    §  Separate male and female corridor
    §  Approximately 75% dedicated to single males and 25% to single females (may be adjusted based on expressed need)
  •  “Apartment” style housing for veterans with dependents