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Elks National Veterans Service Commission
May Newsletter
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Last month, we emailed a year-end survey to Lodge Veterans Chairs. Our goal was to get a better sense of what Elks accomplished at the local level, and to hear how volunteers struggled and how they succeeded. Well, the results are in! And, they’re enlightening.
With some things, the results were universal. Nearly 87% of people thought the Elks programs were relevant and serving the needs of today’s veterans. (The other 13% answered “somewhat.”)
On the other hand, the responses about what Lodges needed to succeed varied wildly. Some Lodges reported an abundance of volunteers and donations. More reported a lack of funding, and a few reported feeling overwhelmed by veterans’ requests for support. The average number of veterans events run by a Lodge last year was 15, but individual responses ranged from 0 to 90, with 11 Lodges reporting 50 or more.
Click here to learn more. Thanks to all the Lodge Veterans Chairs who participated!
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Are you new to Veterans Service? Are you looking to recruit volunteers to join your Veterans Service Committee? We've got just the thing!
Check out our new ENVSC 101 slideshow, which gives an overview of our programs and partnerships, as well as ways for new Elks and volunteers to get involved.
Then, visit our Volunteer Resource Center where you can you can order brochures and supplies, read a suggested activity list, view resources for veterans and more.
Finally, call or email us anytime with questions or suggestions!
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Lodges in the Washington, D.C., area are taking advantage of the Welcome Home program to assist formerly homeless veterans transition into new homes and get back on their feet.
Recent recipient and Vietnam veteran Greg Dalton couldn't be more thankful.
“It makes me feel human again. I used to feel like an animal. And now, I don’t. I feel like I can fit back into society."
The Elks involved, for their part, feel the same way. “It’s a brotherhood. We all are taking care of each other the best we can,” says retired Army Sgt. and Elk Wayne Blake. “I can’t give enough out to make them feel better."
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Stay Informed
The Caregiver Resource Guide, put together by the Department of Defense and many of their partners, is a very comprehensive directory of resources for veterans and their family members. It covers everything from mental health needs, benefits assistance, military family programs and adaptive equipment. Print up a copy to keep at the Lodge, or keep this link handy for the next time a veteran in need approaches the Lodge for help.
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Follow us on social media!
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Questions? Contact us at 773-755-4736 or Vets@elks.org.
You are receiving this email because you are listed as a State Veterans Chair, Lodge Veterans Chair, VAVS Representative or VAVS Deputy Representative. If you are no longer in this position, please inform your Lodge Secretary and the ENVSC office.
This email is sent once a month, and includes program updates, stories and other ENVSC news. It may contain information essential to veteran volunteers.
You may unsubscribe at any time using the link below.
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