In The News: Veterans Turning to Charity
It is no secret that one of the most difficult parts for veterans is returning to a normal, civilian lifestyle when their tours of duty end. Since 9/11, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many veterans are finding that transition more and more difficult. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the more common psychological ailments that affects these vets, while more and more returning combatants are left dealing with their injuries sustained while serving.
Charities are playing a large role in helping veterans acclimate themselves back into civilian life, and more and more veterans are turning to charity in their time of need. In Ohio, organizations like AMVETS and the VFW of Ohio Charities are helping to lead a charge that is spearheaded by groups like Semper Fi Fund, a charitable organization founded by Marines, and Give an Hour, an organization focusing on providing free mental health care to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The need for such organizations is very high.
The veterans often must wait months for their first disability check, a period when they can be without income, she says. Compounding circumstances is the ever-present struggle to re-connect with family after physical or mental health has been altered by war.
‘We’re there to get them over that hump, to make the transition,’ [Semper Fi Case Manager Christine] Jones says.
The OVFCC is proud to follow in the footsteps of organizations like Semper Fi and Give an Hour, while partnering with local veterans organizations to help those who have sacrificed for our country. By using OVFCC resources, local organizations are able to give to important charities. In fact, in partnering with the OVFCC, over $2.6 million has been raised in the last 15 months. That’s money that goes right to these organizations and their selected charities.
Our veterans are among the most important population in this country, and the OVFCC is proud to support groups that support these veterans. By joining with the OVFCC, your organization can help play an integral role in assisting veterans, too. For more information, use the “Contact Us” link on the left to learn more about how you can get involved with the OVFCC.