PVR Bulletin – February 2017
WE NEED YOU…
The demand has increased as more people learn about our newest Legion progam. In just the first 6 months of our fiscal year we have already helped 127 military families with financial assistance through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund and National’s Temporary Financial Assistance program.
We are tracking to more than double the number of cases we did last year! Take a look at the graphs below showing the level of support given through the PROJECT: VetRelief Fund. You can see the drastic change in the number of support cases that we have provided to our service members.
They need us! And, we need YOU!
Now, more than ever, we need the support of the Legion Family to help us continue our mission of providing assistance to our service members in their time of need!
Here’s how you can help – If you are a Florida Legion Family member, get your Post involved in the PVR Challenge that was initiated at the Fall Conference. Posts can make a one time donation or hold a fundraising event to meet their Challenge Goals. Be sure to check out the PVR Challenge Central for details and leader board of participating Posts and Squadrons!
If you are a supporter of PROJECT: VetRelief outside of the Legion Family, join in one of our upcoming fundraising events, or make a donation to impact the lives of our service members.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
- 2/18/17 – Coral Head MusicFest, Marathon, FL – Come rock out during a full day concert event. Featured bands include: Molly Hatchet, and the Georgia Satellites. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Hosted by the Riders Chapter 154
- 2/18/17 – Clam Bake, Hollywood, FL – Only 100 tickets available for this event. Contact Jennifer Cooper to reserve your seat today! Hosted by SAL Squadron 92
- 4/15/17 – Fundraising Event Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Hosted by American Legion, Department of Florida 3rd Vice Commander Rick Johnson. Details TBD.
Click here for more information on our upcoming events.
PVR CHALLENGE CENTRAL
Each month a leader board will be posted of all donations that has been turned in.
- The Challenge is Simple – Raise $1 per member of your Post
- Donations can be sent to:
PROJECT: VetRelief
1912A Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810
- Donations must be turned in by May 31, 2017 to count towards recognition awards
- Money raised during Post fundraising events will also count
By now, your Post should have received your Challenge packet from your Area or District Commander. If you have not received it, please contact them or Jennifer Cooper at the Department Headquarters.
Thank you to the following Posts and Squadrons for participating during our Challenge! Way to go SAL Post 148 for staying in first place for the second month in a row!
OUR SERVICES
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
We support our service members and their families with immediate financial assistance. The funds we provide are not a loan. We grant funds during a financial crisis, no strings attached. Our hope is to keep food on the table or the lights on while a family works through a trying time in their lives. By providing this temporary relief, we are able to deter the possibility of homelessness, malnutrition, loss of basic utilities, termination of employment, or deteriorating health and get them back on their feet.
Learn more about our Emergency Assistance Program
BENEFITS SUPPORT
PROJECT: VetRelief assures that our active and retired military members and their families can properly access and utilize the benefits earned with service. We can do this because we have been there. Our VetRelief Advocates have experience walking through the sometimes-tedious process of assessing benefits earned, applying for benefits, and then accessing those benefits properly. So, let those who have come before you light your path.
Learn more about our Benefits Support Program
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Whether transitioning from military to civilian lives, or during other heightened periods of adjustment and turmoil, we have been there. We have walked in the same shoes and we believe that no service member should have to face these challenges alone. PROJECT: VetRelief is committed to walking with our service men and women in both times of crisis and in times of celebration. We also provide opportunities for our veterans to then take the lead, when ready, to assist the next generation of veterans.
Learn more about our Community Engagement Program
FUNDING GUIDELINES:
1. Veteran, Active Duty Military, or Immediate Family Member (Spouse, Legal Guardian, or Child)
2. Honorable Discharge or General Under Honorable Conditions
3. Must be a Florida Resident for at least 120 days
4. Show Sustainability
5. Provided for necessities: shelter, food, utilities, and some emergency transportation and critical medical expenses
6. Application / Interview does not guarantee funding
6. Funds are awarded on a case by case basis
7. Funds are granted one time annually