The date for the VALOR Clinic Stand Down under the Fahey Bridge, Sand Island, Bethlehem (same location as last time) has changed from the 18th to the 25th of October. ### As of 17 September 2014
Mini-Stand Downs for our homeless veterans continue to be active in our area for good reason. VALOR Clinic Foundation will have its next one on 18 October under the Fahey Bridge, Sand Island in Bethlehem, the same location as last time. It continues to alternate a Lehigh Valley location with the one at Dansbury Park, East Stroudsburg, on a monthly basis.
A little further afield are the efforts of the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club in Reading. See the flyer below. (more…)
We can’t exactly describe what is presented below as a job and it is for a pittance, but is that new to many of us ex-soldiers? And is finding a job the only thing that determines a meaningful and rewarding life? Some things appeal to higher reasoning: the wife wants you out from underfoot, you are bored and looking for something to do … or you want to do some good for others.
Well, stand up and give Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, a member organization, a try. Don’t let the homebuilding construction knowledge requirement deter you from applying. Show them the value of a “military education” — we know how to lead, learn quickly, can adapt ourselves to the situation, and continue to give more of ourselves than money can pay.
For the younger of you, it won’t hurt the resume, either. (more…)
For the first time, the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation (PVF) “… is seeking to assist approximately ten Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that help military veteran with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Specifically, the PVF is asking County Directors of Veterans Affairs and other community leaders to identify noteworthy organizations that are doing tremendous work yet need some extra resources to expand their effectiveness and reach,” states Mike Gould, the foundation’s Chairman of the Board. (more…)
Persistence pays. VALOR Clinic Foundation, a member of the Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee (an LVMAC alliance) is conducting another one of its mini-stand downs in the Lehigh Valley. This time it will be on 16 August at Sand Island in the City of Bethlehem. It is its second attempt to reach out to the homeless in the Bethlehem area and its fifth stand down in the Lehigh Valley this year — the three other ones were conducted in the Allentown area. As related in a previous article, this nonprofit will serve any homeless person, not just veterans … but getting to our homeless veterans is its first priority. If you know of one, contact Bob Rapp (see flyer below). Transportation can be arranged. (more…)
It may not be as fashionable these days to talk about transition shelters for the chronic homelessness, with all the new emphasis on Housing First models (permanent housing with at least initial case management) and preventive services, but like shoes for feet, “one size does not fit all.” There is a place for this service which wraps itself around a chronically homeless veteran and assists him/her in recovery to the point that he/she resumes a productive life – and being concerned about the continuum of care often needed afterwards. (more…)
The Rotary Club of Bethlehem, via a fundraiser in the Fall (5 October), has decided to support the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in its efforts to help military veterans who could use special assistance. The Council is thankful to them for their willingness to help us in serving this important segment of our society and our local community; and their effort neatly dovetails with needs being generated by some of our alliance efforts. (more…)
On 22 June, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., VALOR Clinic Foundation is once again conducting a mini-stand down for the homeless, veteran and non-veteran alike. This time the event will be held at the Monocacy Park in Bethlehem. For more details, see the flyer below. (more…)
Summer approaches. Your neighbors are anticipating seeing your knobbly knees once again. Surprise them and beautify the community at the same time. Donate your shorts for use by the VALOR Clinic Foundation and help a homeless person (with better knees). Don’t forget the T-Shirts from Hawaii, either.
Hope for Veterans and the Lehigh Valley Business Group are assisting VALOR Clinic Foundation in collecting clothing items for its stand downs. You can drop off items to them directly at our monthly Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council meetings or at one of their drop-off locations below. Simple kindness matters. (more…)
Victory House has a long tradition of doing the right things to recover those others would consider lost. It works closely with our local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health clinic which manages the VA’s local homeless programs. It is its only officially supported veterans transition shelter in the Lehigh Read more…