Elks Veterans Service News: "The Elks, they're innovators."

The latest in Elks Veterans Service News!

The Elks' Turn to Serve

Elks National Veterans Service Commission

June Newsletter

News from the Front

Two years ago, the Elks launched the Welcome Home program, pledging to help end veteran homelessness. Thanks to a generous 4 year, $4 million grant from the ENF, the program has already made a big impact, giving some of our most vulnerable veterans the care, attention and recognition they deserve. The photo below offers a snapshot of one part of the program. Click here to learn more about what we've accomplished so far!

More Freedom Grants than ever!

This year, the ENVSC will award 200 Freedom Grants of $2,000 each. Applications go online July 1, 2017, and due July 31, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Freedom Grants are competitive and awarded to Lodges whose projects are judged to best serve the needs of today’s veterans and/or active-duty military members.

Increase your Lodge’s chance of approval by following this advice.

Elks participation is a must.
Direct interaction with veterans/ military families is ideal.
Ongoing projects are better than one-time events.
Projects should focus on serving veterans in need.

Visit the Freedom Grant webpage for examples and more information!

Are you headed to the biggest little city in the world for convention? Join us at these events!

The Ending Veteran Homelessness: How the Elks Can Help seminar will take place on Monday, July 17, 2017, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM in the Reno-Spark Convention Center, Room F10. From finding project partners to recruiting volunteers and funding projects, we’ll give you all the information you need to get started.

Then, attend the Grand Lodge Business Session on Tuesday, July 18, to hear the ENVSC Report for 2016-17. It was an exciting and productive year!

Finally, stop by and visit us at the ENVSC booth. Visit with our Veterans Program experts, talk with State Veterans Chairs, and pick up Veterans Leather and Playing Cards order forms. Hope to see you there!

Learn more about all veterans-related events in Reno here!

Stay Informed

Adopt-a-VA is a community-based initiative where organizations (aka adopters) partner with their local VA facility to serve the needs of local Veterans.

We know that most Elks Lodges are already huge supporters of their local VAs! Adding your name to this list will allow you to expand your service, as well as to receive emails listing emergency needs and other requests for assistance. These requests come directly from VA Social Workers coordinating with the veterans they serve.

Learn more here. Then, consider adding your Lodge as an adopter.

Are you a VAVS Volunteer? Check out our list of FAQs about the new online reporting system.

Questions? Contact us at 773-755-4736 or Vets@elks.org.

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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.

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