This week's guest speaker was Sue Alverson, Development Director, with the VFW National Home for Children. You can find a copy of the full support call notes (including Sue's contact information) here . We also highly recommend taking a few moments to view a video sharing the story of a resident military family here. PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS: Mission: "The VFW National Home for Children's mission is to provide children and families of active-duty military, war veterans, and descendants of the VFW and its Auxiliary, opportunities for growth and development in a nurturing community, and to serve as a living memorial to all veterans." Families are welcomed to the VFW National Home community in Eaton Rapids, MI for up to 4 years. They work to identify what they need and want to accomplish, during which time they are provided: - Housing: A single family home in our community for up to four years with no cost. - Education: Tutoring, classes, secondary financial assistance and more to help accomplish goals. - Daycare: Licensed childcare while at work, school or for respite - Basic Needs: Food, health care and clothing, if needed. - Recreation: Opportunities to help with becoming whole and healthy. - Case Management: A caring professional dedicated to providing the expertise, compassion, support and guidance needed for the family to succeed Currently there are 140 residents (86 kids and 18 veterans)—44% arecouples: There are currently open homes available! Familiesonly on campus; single or two-parent households allowed but no singlechildren under 18 years of age. Calling the Military andVeteran Help Line is the first step in determining eligibility: 1-800-313-4200 (8:00am-4:30pm ET) Eligibility:
1) ActiveDuty Military family, 2) Veteran family, or 3) Descendant of a VFW family member Open tonon-combat veterans. Highlyencouraged to become VFW member if not. Don’t haveto be in crisis, but most are in need of education, employment, etc. (needsupport) Processtakes a few months—exceptions for crisis situations All funding comes from private organizations or individuals (nogovernment funds); 501c3 status--run by Board of Directors EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Allvolunteers who have been with us for at least 1 year are welcome to participatein this month’s new volunteer training on Sunday, January 29th! (contact us if interested) Web resource for locating free and low cost medical and dental clinics in yourarea: www.freemedicalcamps.com We’vestarted a new system in which we log all initial contacts and interactions forreferrals. Look for these contact IDs in emails coming from B2B staff Sign up to participate in the Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors,presented by Toyota or help us to promote it! The Big House 5K will take place on Sunday, April 9,2017 on the UM Academic and Athletics campuses. Buddy-to-Buddy willreceive a portion of the proceeds from each registration. Lastly, please remember to submit your interaction and event/drill logs here. Thank you for all that you do! Heidi Frankenhauser Volunteer Coordinator
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program 1-888-822-8339 | buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu | www.buddytobuddy.org 2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor, MI 48105 STAY CONNECTED
Buddy-to-Buddy | 2025 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105