It is always great to hear good news in support of veterans. They often struggle in their post military experience whether they are dealing with homelessness, post-traumatic stress, physical injury, or emotional issues. I thought it important on this Memorial Day week when we acknowledge those who have died in service for our country, to share this announcement of Obama administration’s Joining Forces initiative in which 34 different foundations are providing more funding towards helping our veterans
Vital support for military and veterans
The Joining Forces Initiative becomes an increasing source of help for millions of veterans who vitally need support in so many different ways. This article was released by Philanthropy News Digest on May 13, 2015. The article follows.
The Council on Foundations has announced more than $106 million in new commitments to strengthen services and support for millions of veterans and military families across the United States.
Launched last year in response to the Obama administration’s Joining Forces initiative, the Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge includes commitments from thirty-four foundations, nonprofits, and corporations in the areas of education, employment, homelessness, community integration, and wellness. The commitments include pledges from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which is supporting efforts to eliminate homelessness among veterans; the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey which is supporting a funding and community education initiative that addresses issues unique to women veterans; the Lockheed Martin Corporation, which will assist organizations serving military members, veterans, and their families; the New York State Health Foundation, which is working to strengthen behavioral health providers and evaluate emerging partnerships between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private healthcare sector; Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, which are focused on strengthening regional and state systems serving veterans and military families; and the WebMD Health Foundation, which is supporting mental health initiatives that address the needs of veterans and military families.
The council also released its first Impact Pledge progress report on the efforts of current pledge members. In support of the effort, the council created the Veterans Philanthropy Exchange, an online platform designed to facilitate the sharing of best practices, the identification of emerging needs, and additional donor support.
“Returning soldiers face serious, often simultaneous challenges, like adjusting to a new routine with their families, looking for new jobs and homes, starting college or training courses, and receiving physical and mental health treatment, among others,” said Council on Foundations president and CEO Vikki Spruill. “Today’s announcement shows philanthropy’s ongoing commitment to meeting these challenges with significant action. In addition to the pledged funds, these organizations are committing to the information sharing, relationship building, and ongoing engagement that will make a lasting difference in the lives of our country’s veterans and their families.”
This is a great step towards more help for our veterans and their families.
We often forget that not only are the veterans impacted by their respective issues, but also millions of parents, spouses and children are also victim to these difficult circumstances. I am deeply appreciative of these new streams of funding and hope that they will be effective utilized on behalf of our veterans and their families.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO, Lakeside Educational Network
