The 2017-18 fiscal year is officially here, and the Elks National Veterans Service Commission is excited to kick off another year of serving our nation’s veterans. Thanks to a generous grant from the ENF of nearly $2.6 million, this year we are able to keep our programs going strong, and even expand a few.
Check out the chart below for a snapshot of our programs and partnerships for 2017-18! Click here to learn more.
Dispatches from an Elks Lodge
We received this update from an Elk member in New Jersey recently.
"Last night I delivered furniture to a veteran in Newark. I brought him a mattress, a couch and loveseat and some other pieces.
I took this picture of what he has been sleeping on. This is the kind of stuff we see all the time."
Our nation's veterans deserve better than this.
Through the Welcome Home Kit reimbursement program, your Lodge can help newly housed veterans succeed. We'll reimburse your Lodge up to $200 for every box of home supplies that you provide to a newly housed veteran.
Visit our webpage to access the form, get in touch with local shelters and VA facilities, and read advice from other Lodges.
Military Families
When an individual joins the military, his or her entire family is affected. Deployments, moves and the stress of family separation affects every family member.
Each year, the organization Blue Star Families conducts a survey of their members. In 2016, the survey showed that family separations and stress on children are two of military families’ biggest concerns.
You can read the full survey results at the Blue Star families website. Or, check out the above video for a shortened version.
Then, consider how your Lodge can reach out to local military families in need. A good place to start is by contacting your local Reserve and/or National Guard units. Offer to share your Lodge’s resources and expertise. Invite families to your next event. Expand your existing projects, like food baskets, to include military families in need.
Stay Informed
One of the focuses of the the George W. Bush Presidential Center is helping returning veterans successfully transition. Another is helping veterans nonprofits to understand and address the issues that all our nation's veterans are facing. Whatever your Lodge's next veterans project is, you may find helpful resources on their website.
You are receiving this email because as of 4-26-17, 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.
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