When we value the sacrifices made by brave men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, there are plenty of ways to give back. Saying a sincere “thank you for your service” can go a long way towards reminding them that people care. There is a lot more you can do, however, to support the veterans you know and those in your community.
In our practice we work with senior veterans and their loved ones to obtain valuable veterans pension benefits. We know this is just the first step, however, when it comes to all that we can be doing to help the veterans around us. This Veterans Day, let us share five organizations that make giving back to veterans not just easy but effective.
1. Directory of Veteran Services Organizations
Unfortunately, there are a lot of groups that claim to help veterans while failing to actually deliver. Some might have high administrative costs where only a small amount of funding ever makes it to a vet, and others might be outright scams. The best thing to do is to choose from the approved list of organizations offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers many legitimate groups to choose from, and finding some that fit your interests could make a huge difference for a veteran who needs help.
2. Purple Heart Homes
Purple Heart Homes is a nonprofit that was founded in 2008, by two combat veterans who were injured in Iraq. They set out to help fellow injured vets and today they provide safe and accessible housing for disabled veterans all over the country.
3. Four Block
Four Block is an organization that provides educational support for student veterans who are studying to acquire good jobs. A great way to support Four Block is by earmarking any donations you make to your alma mater so that some portion goes toward funding Four Block’s student-veteran scholarships.
4. Veterans Success Resource Group
The Veterans Success Resource Group provides professional and personal resources for veterans, their families, and their caregivers. It does this by bringing together hundreds of veterans at events all over the country that are designed to help them interact with potential employers, universities and local government representatives. Consider volunteering your time to help, or attend an event in your area to help connect a veteran to your professional network.
5. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is ideal for attorneys looking to expand their law practice, and for those who just want to help former service members. The program provides free training and veterans law experience for attorneys who agree to counsel or represent at least one veteran who needs help with a Veterans Court appeal.
We know these organizations are just a start to all the great groups out there working to improve the lives of veterans and their families. If you have groups that you work with, we would encourage you to share them with us as well! Do you have questions? Do not wait to contact our office to ask them or to schedule a consultation with Attorney Anne’ Desormier-Cartwright.