(KANSAS CITY) – When the VFW Foundation – the charitable arm of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – and Vermont American Power Tool Accessories teamed up to launch the Unmet Needs Program last summer, the objective was simple. The program was designed to help military families overcome the financial hurdles created by the extended deployment of a loved one. Still, no one could have imagined what a profound difference the initiative would make in only its first year.
“I think I speak for everyone involved with the Unmet Needs Program when I say that we are overwhelmed by, and very proud of, the incredible impact of this program so far,” says Chris Connington, Director of Brand Marketing for Vermont American, the brand that made a five-year, $1.25 million pledge to help launch the program in June, 2004. “Our employees are very proud to do whatever we can to help defend our military families here at home, as our military personnel defend our freedom overseas.”
Since the VFW Foundation and Vermont American launched their joint effort in June 2004, the Unmet Needs Program has awarded grants to over 400 families across the country. Those grants total just over $560,000, and they have covered any number of urgent financial needs, such as medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, infant needs, rent/mortgage and more.
“Often, the needs are small – tires for the family car, home repairs, a house payment, clothes for the children – but these needs, along with the stress and strain of being without a spouse or mom or dad to help care for things, can sometimes become overwhelming,” says John Senk, VFW Adjutant General. “As veterans, we understand the sacrifices made by military families during times of deployment, and we are delighted to be able to help through the corporate partnership of Vermont American and donations from people across the country.”
One of the most common needs is rent and mortgage assistance. In the first twelve months alone, the Unmet Needs Program assisted 175 with their rent or mortgage payments. Approximately 25 of those families were saved from mortgage foreclosure or eviction while a loved one served the military overseas. That situation, in particular, has become a personal crusade for national Unmet Needs Program celebrity spokesperson R. Lee Ermey. Best known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket, Mississippi Burning and Seven, and as host of The History Channel’s “Mail Call,” the actor has spent the last twelve months touring the nation to build awareness for the program and for the plight of America’s military families.
“Just try to imagine being stuck halfway across the world sacrificing everything for your country and wondering if you’re even going to have a place to live when you get home,” Ermey says. “I’ll do whatever I can to keep that from happening, and supporting the Unmet Needs Program is a great place to start.”
Administered by the nonprofit VFW Foundation, the Unmet Needs Program is supported entirely by corporate and individual donations. Because a portion of the Vermont American pledge offset the program’s initial operating expenses, 100 percent of all donations go directly to our military families. So far, thousands of people worldwide have made financial donations by mail, in-person during Unmet Needs Program events or using the online donation form at www.unmetneeds.com.
Since January, individuals have also been able to donate their skills and talents to assist families in their communities. Through the Donate-A-Skill initiative, the VFW Foundation is able to link local plumbers, electricians, carpenters, HVAC technicians, landscapers and others with military families who need their services. Already, more than 700 people nationwide have registered online or at select events to serve as Donate-A-Skill volunteers.
“As proud as we are of the courageous men and women serving our country overseas, we are just as proud of the brave sacrifices being made by their families here at home,” says Connington. “Our employees were searching for a meaningful way to help. We feel that we have found it and hope that those people searching for a way to help will join with us in supporting our military families through the Unmet Needs Program.”
To find out more, visit www.unmetneeds.com. Families in need can also apply for assistance online or call 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333). Individuals wishing to help can donate or volunteer online at www.unmetneeds.com or mail donations to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Room 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111.