MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Veterans Outreach Ministry By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Veterans Outreach Ministry (VOM) was created and mentored by John DiMeglio, who wasn’t a veteran. He sought guidance from veterans in his church, and after many prayers, VOM was created. The organization was sponsored by Oasis Church (formerly Friendship Baptist at 2200 Glasgow Avenue, Newark, Del.) and with guidance from Pastor James Chevalier, a discussion began about creating a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in March of 2014. VOM started with four members from the Oasis Church congregation serving as the board of Directors: Tom Hogate, U.S. Navy; Steve Hague, U.S. Air Force; Colin Diggs, U.S. Air Force; and John DiMeglio. As the Board of Directors, they created the Bylaws, Mission, Purpose and Statement of Faith. In 2015, the non-profit became a member of Cecil County Chamber of Commerce n Elkton, Md. This was done to allow greater visibility in New Castle and Cecil Counties and to allow members to attend the Chamber’s outreach events. This enabled VOM to expand its reach to new and existing businesses and organizations, and thus allow them to give greater support to veterans. In September of ,2017, the non-profit became a member of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce in Middletown, Del. and Volunteer Delaware in Dover, Del. Also in 2017, VOM became supporters of Victory Village located at 554 Port Penn Road in Middletown, Del., a transitional veteran’s housing project. They are also a part of the National Veterans Assistance Coalition (NVAC) which has a mission of helping veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned, as well as housing, until they are able to be on their own. Victory Village opened their doors to the first veteran in the fall of 2016. VOM celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2019 with expansion into Delaware, Chester County, and the Philadelphia area. The organization received a certificate for these accomplishments from Cecil County Chamber of Commerce at their 2019 Business Spotlight. VOM has added three more members to the Board of Directors, with a total of seven members now on the Board. New board members are Rebecca Rondone, owner of Pura Vida Yoga and Physical Training, Al Grimminger, retired; and Glenn Ahrens, Christian Ministries Inc. VOM continues their outreach with a variety of events and programs, including the following: Veterans Roundtable Discussion which allows veterans and businesses to come together to support veterans and their families to succeed in their spiritual life in the community environment.
Tom Hogate is chairman of the board for the Veteran’s Outreach Ministry. Hogate is a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1960 thru 1966, with duty stations at Kodiak Island AK, Camp Kisner, Okinawa, and Manila Philipines, with a home base at Port Hueneme CA, the main Seabees base of operations.
Thank You Veterans Brunch held at various locations once a year, with food donated by others in order to thank veterans for their service. It also serves as a meet-and-greet with other veterans. Weekly Bible study and worship group meeting. In January 2019, VOM offered corporate sponsor and partner agreements with a Bronze Tier ($200), A Silver Tier ($400) and a Gold Tier ($500). For more information on becoming a corporate sponsor/ partner of VOM, please contact Tom Hogate at 1-302-229-1819. Hogate said even during the pandemic, God has blessed VOM. “We continue to be blessed. People continue to call, asking for help or to help us. We are happy to work with other organizations any way we can,” Hogate said. “Going forward in 2022, we plan to continue to help veterans and families in our Christ-centered ministry.” Hogate is pleased with the direction of VOM. “Our supporters are happy and we continue to get donations to support our veterans. We distribute a magazine, “VOM News,” to businesses and individuals, sending out 500 copies every quarter. Just call me at 1-302229-1819 and we will send a copy. Our future looks bright,” he said. Please visit the VOM website at: www.veteransoutreachministries.org to learn more about the organization. Veteran’s Outreach Ministries is located at: 2200 Glasgow Ave., Newark, De 19702 tjhogate3@comcast.net | 1-302-229-1819
VOM 2022 Distinguished Partners PLATINUM - Chick-Fil-a Elkton / PolarStar Engineering and Machine / Crouch Automotive GOLD - Elm Properties / Bakers Restaurant SILVER - Brennan Associates BRONZE - Chuck Redstone State Farm Insurance GROWING TOGETHER
www.cecilchamber.com
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