Advertising Supplement to The Pentagram, Journal, Standard, Joint Base Journal, Tester, Waterline, Andrews Gazette and South Potomac Pilot
CFC 1
1038539
2
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Christ House Providing Healing and Hope for Washington’s Homeless Since 1985
Thousands of people in the Washington, D.C., area experience homelessness each year. They wander the streets in all kinds of weather, sleep in overcrowded shelters and are extremely vulnerable to illness. Hospitals treat homeless patients for emergencies, but when they are discharged they must return to the street where they cannot rest and recuperate. Many people with non-emergency, chronic conditions—wounds, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental illness, heart disease, liver failure or hypertension—have difficulty accessing care. Fortunately, homeless patients can come to Christ House for medical treatment and hope. Christ House is a 34-bed residential heath care facility in Washington, D.C., where homeless men and women may stay as long as their illness requires. Here they get plenty of rest, nutri-
tious meals, medical care and other crucial support services. Because most homeless patients lack such a sanctuary, they often see small medical problems spiral out of control. The staff at Christ House recently got to know Kent, a diabetic for whom one small injury created a domino effect of problems. Kent, an armed forces veteran, had been working long and often unpredictable hours continued on 4
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST HOUSE
Combined Federal Campaign 1 is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, under exclusive written contract.
9030 COMPRINT COURT GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877 DCMILITARY.COM ADVERTISING SALES No. VA/DC (703) 658-1788 PG/Anne Arundel (240) 473-7538 Maryland (301) 921-2800 Classified (301) 670-2505 New Homes (301) 670-2683
Contents are not the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. Everything advertised in this supplement must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
www.ArmyFisherHouses.com
01040349
01040361
September 2013
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
3
American Friends of Tel Aviv University Changing Lives to Change the World The future is being forged at Tel Aviv University—today. TAU is Israel’s leading center of higher learning, independently ranked among the top 90 in the world. Israel’s largest, most comprehensive and most sought after university, it provides a worldclass education for more than 30,000 students a year. In science, business, medicine, government, the arts and the art of scholarship, TAU is internationally recognized for excellence in research and scholarship. TAU is at the forefront of today’s most exciting new
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
fields of multidisciplinary research, from bioinformatics and nanotechnology to the neu-
rosciences, ranking 22nd among the world’s universities for the number of patents it holds.
TAU has the only space observatory in the Middle East, and an on-campus research zoo is one of only two in the world. TAU attracts the best and the brightest—150 of the world’s leading academic and corporate institutions conduct joint programs on campus. The university is one of Israel’s most important research centers, engaged in more than 5,000 innovative projects in both classic disciplines and cuttingedge fields of study. Many of the world’s most respected business, government, military and academic leaders come to Tel Aviv University to develop new ways to approach their work. In the world of state-
craft, scores of TAU faculty members have been called on to serve as government ministers, Knesset members and international ambassadors. At TAU, students and faculty do more than think about Israel’s future. With the help of committed friends worldwide, they help to shape and expand possibilities for the benefit of mankind. TAU helps shape Israel’s social future, too, opening the doors of knowledge and opportunity to all. American Friends of Tel Aviv University is pleased to support Tel Aviv University’s vital role in expanding the future of Israel— and the world.
CHRIST HOUSE, continued from 3
as a custodian. He was diagnosed with diabetes 20 years ago and understood the basic facts of his condition, but his low income and long work hours made controlling his illness difficult. Kent was making just enough money to get by, paying a friend to let him sleep on an armchair to avoid life on the streets, while he continued to pay monthly child support. One day on the job, Kent stubbed his toe and lost his toenail in the process. The hospital told him he should have the toe amputated to prevent further infection, but the thought of taking such a drastic measure scared him. Kent took prescribed antibiotics instead, but soon after he returned to the hospital by ambulance with fever, chills and vomiting; the infection had spread. Now, he could no longer delay the inevitable, and his toe was amputated. A hospital social worker discovered that Kent had no place to live and referred him to Christ House. Here, Kent received careful monitoring and dressing changes of his surgical site. He also worked closely with
the nursing staff to test his blood sugar levels and improve his dietary habits. It was a slow road to healing, but as Kent’s blood sugar levels stabilized, the staff watched the wound finally disappear. Beyond the medical care, though, Kent was naturally drawn to the pastoral life of Christ House and often participated in outings and activities; his favorite pastime was attending Saturday morning art classes. After nearly three months at Christ House, Kent was medically ready to move on. He was cleared to return to work, and with the help of his case worker, he entered a long-term, transitional work program for veterans. Without the needed respite of Christ House, our patients would experience slower healing and more complications from conditions like diabetes. Through a holistic, patient-centered approach, we see amazing physical and spiritual transformations every day. (CFC: 34256)
1038078
4
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Capital Caring Making Life Better for Those with Serious Illness Garry Johnson was a strong, active, hard-working man. Known as “Poppa G” to his 12 grandchildren, he was used to taking care of everyone else. After moving to the Washington metro region to be closer to family, Garry found a new job and was settling into life with his wife Cynthia. Then, a short time later, he began experiencing troublesome symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss and shortness of breath. Garry visited his physician and was told that he had gastrointestinal cancer. He and his family were absolutely devastated. Because Garry had started a new job just before receiving the diagnosis, his health insurance was not yet effective, so what little money he had saved soon went to cover his costly medical bills. Then, when a cure for Garry’s cancer was not possible and his pain was increasing, Capital Caring was brought in.
Cynthia recalled the first day the Capital Caring social worker came to their house. Garry told her, “Get out of my house, I don’t want you here.” But she persuaded him to let a hospice nurse check on him once a week. By the end of the nurse’s first visit, Garry fell in love with her. Silently, Cynthia worried about how to pay for Garry’s hospice care. Their savings was long gone, but the medical bills kept coming. That’s when they learned about the Patient Care Fund Program, which enables Capital Caring to care for patients without insurance. Founded 35 years ago, Capital Caring believes that everyone living with serious advanced illness deserves comfort, care and dignity in their final days and to receive that care wherever they call home—whether in
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPITAL CARING
their own home, an assisted living center, a nursing home, hospital or our inpatient center in Arlington, Va. As the Washington area’s largest and oldest nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider, we serve close to 1,200 patients every day in D.C., Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. We offer patients quality comprehensive care to enable them to stay in their home through our hospice service, which is an approach to caring that addresses the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of anyone living with serious advanced illness. It also provides support to their families. Through our palliative care service, we offer medi-
cal care to relieve the symptoms, pain and stress of advanced illness. Because of donors like you who support Capital Caring, we’re able to help people like Garry receive the care they need, regardless of their financial means. To find out more about Capital Caring’s Patient Care Fund Program or our services, or to make a referral, call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 855-571-5700, or visit us on the web at www.capitalcaring.org. Thank you for designating Capital Caring—CFC # 39664—as your charity of choice through this year’s Combined Federal Campaign.
01040750
September 2013
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
5
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington Homeless? That’s No Excuse to Miss Your Prom! Kevin had a secret he didn’t want his mom Tasha to know: he really, really wanted to go to his high school prom. The family had been through a lot lately. For the safety of herself and her three kids, Tasha turned to Catholic Charities’ Angel’s Watch Shelter, a safe place for families overcoming domestic violence and homelessness. Because of his mom’s delicate situation, Kevin knew going to prom was too expensive.
“He wouldn’t come out and say it, but I could tell he wanted to go,” Tasha said. “I didn’t know what to do.” She mentioned the problem to her case manager Dayon Jackson, and Dayon talked with Dora Carter, program manager at Catholic Charities’ Angel’s Watch shelter. “First thing we did was make a list,” Dora said. “Everything he’d need—a tuxedo, tickets for him and a date, a haircut. We were getting really excited about the prom, and we weren’t even the ones going. “Once we knew what was needed, we turned to the Southern Maryland Women’s
01040061
6
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON
League, who are big supporters of our work, and they came through with the funds Kevin needed.” When Dora and Dayon told Tasha the news, she burst into tears. And when Tasha
told her son, he started crying, too—but not for long. He had a lot of planning to do: picking out a tuxedo (black with midnight blue trimmings), arranging a ride, and—the hardest part of all—asking a date, one of his classmates. She said yes! “Kevin’s been shy during his time at our shelter,” Dora said. “It’s hard on kids, and we make sure we protect them as much as possible, and make sure they can engage with the world, and not miss out on important things just because of their family’s situation at that time. For a kid in high school, the prom is really important. You can see this opportunity gave Kevin a lot of confidence and boosted his self-esteem. It was really moving.” Tasha agreed. “It was wonderful for me to see my son so excited and feeling positive,” she said. “He took so many pictures
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
and had the most wonderful time. He even danced the two-step with his date!” Angel’s Watch is one of 26 housing programs Catholic Charities runs—all locally—that help adults, children and families overcome homelessness and rebuild. Our programs help people overcome an addiction, find employment or training to begin a new career, and provide safety from abuse. Your support through workplace giving (UW#8054 and CFC#83997) to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington helps families from all walks of life here in our community. We have been working in Washington, D.C., and surrounding Maryland counties for more than 80 years to meet the needs of those who are struggling most. September 2013
Central Union Mission
Serving Neighbors, Changing Lives
Central Union Mission is the oldest social service agency in the District of Columbia. It was founded in 1884 by the Rev. Latham Douglass, a young man filled with compassion for the thousands of homeless and neglected men who wandered Pennsylvania Avenue, many of whom were Civil War veterans. Since 1884, the mission has continuously operated an emergency shelter for homeless men and has been a place to be spiritually uplifted and to find recovery. Today, Central Union Mission is a faithbased 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with five locations throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Its current programs serve homeless men, underprivileged women, children, seniors, veterans and the growing Hispanic community. The programs include: Overnight Guest Services – men’s emergency shelter and related services
Community Services – the Food PLUS Center provides free food, clothing and furniture for underprivileged families, homeless men, seniors and veterans
Camp Bennett – located in Montgomery County, Md., is a 220-acre retreat center and camp providing rural experiences for children, residential training for men and rental facilities to the community The mission is continually developing its programs to meet the changing needs of the community. One life at a time, the mission works to help transform the area’s toughest rehabilitation cases, including drug addicts, gang members, criminal offenders and the chronically homeless, into productive members of society. The mission’s programs have an extremely high success rate at helping individuals overcome addiction and homelessness and achieve independent living. Today, more than ever, the economy is very hard and seems hopeless for the multitudes of people living in desperate need who can’t make ends meet. “I want you to share your bread with the hungry, open your homes to the homeless poor, remove the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.” -Isaiah 58:6-10
Family Ministries – serves the growing Hispanic community
Designate CFC # 85786 / United Way #9617. Thank you.
Spiritual Transformation Program – our 18-month residential recovery, rehabilitation and family reconciliation ministry. This also provides professional and educational services, social service support and employment preparation
ONE LIFE AT A TIME, THE MISSION WORKS TO HELP TRANSFORM THE AREA’S TOUGHEST REHABILITATION CASES, INCLUDING DRUG ADDICTS, GANG MEMBERS, CRIMINAL OFFENDERS AND THE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS, INTO PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.
01040618
September 2013
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
7
Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries Association of the United States Army Family Programs 2012 Family Pavilion Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries (MCYM) has been serving military teenagers at installations in Europe, the Pacific Rim and in the continental United States for more than 30 years. Club Beyond deploys committed, healthy-subject-matter experts providing effective youth services to military middle and high schoolers. Club Beyond features a community of leaders with an exclusively military focus. MCYM staff members are committed to healthy relationships with teens and with local adult volunteers who participate in the delivery of fun youth programs with a nurturing and developmental edge. MCYM/Club Beyond leverages strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations for greatest results. We work with the chapel staff and with youth services staff to
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUB BEYOND
offer optimal access to teenagers on and off an installation. Club Beyond has more than 100 staff members serving on more than 50 military bases around the world. Staff members tutor students, and they
lead regular—usually weekly—fun club gatherings. Summer camps and service projects create developmental opportunities to foster a sense of serving others and to help teens mature. They learn to
lead their peers, a skill which is among the most challenging lessons to learn in life. Club Beyond creates resiliency in young people through thoughtful mentoring relationships and via engaging discussions of issues that are on the minds of our teenagers. The Club Beyond program, so named by the teenagers it serves, offers enduring programs and resources for military teens and their families during these long days of multiple deployments. A young person can move from one installation to another and find consistency in the anchor that is Club Beyond at the new base or post. Our resources include The Resiliency Playbook as well as The ReZilient Life website (rezilientlife.org). Both of these are designed specifically for military teens to help them deal with issues such as deployment, loneliness, isolation and transition.
1034891
8
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Coalition for the Homeless (D.C.) Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities
Our Mission The mission of the Coalition for the Homeless is to provide supportive social services and housing to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The coalition’s goal is to help the homeless to regain their dignity, to become as economically self-sufficient as possible and to return to independent living. PHOTO COURTESY BY THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS (D.C.)
Family Homelessness Prevention The prevention of homelessness is an important strategy in our national and local efforts to reduce the incidence of homelessness in our community. It is far better to help keep families with children in their current housing than to allow them to enter the homeless system. Families that may benefit from prevention assistance are those who encounter shortterm financial problems, such as unemployment or medical/ family emergencies; are about to be evicted from their current housing for nonpayment of rent, foreclosure of the property or utilities arrearages; or families at risk of becoming homeless living in unstable housing. Since 2000, the coalition has provided housing assistance to more than 740 homeless families with children.
1036245
September 2013
How You Can Help The Coalition for the Homeless needs donations to continue to fund the Emergency Housing Placement Assistance Program, which is administered from the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (FRC). Money donated to the housing assistance program helps to prevent family homelessness or to shorten the length of stay for families placed in a shelter by the FRC. For these families, the coalition may pay rent or utility bill arrearages or provide the first month’s rent/ security deposit to help them move into permanent housing. Helping a Homeless Family A husband and wife went to the Family Resource Center to apply for emergency shelter for themselves and their two
sons. They recently had to vacate their home immediately when it was destroyed by a storm. The family tried to get help, but ended up staying in a motel. Although one member was employed, money was dwindling and soon the family could no longer afford the motel costs. The couple tried again to get help with housing and eventually were referred to the FRC. The caseworker at FRC called the American Red Cross and they were able to assist the family with the cost of staying in a motel until they could find permanent, affordable housing. The husband soon became ill and was hospitalized. The caseworker provided emotional support and assistance with helping the family navigate apartment leasing and inspection issues. The family later moved into their new home while the husband was still hospitalized in intensive care. Through the wife’s tears, she expressed her gratitude to the FRC staff for helping her through a very difficult time. Information You can receive copies of our annual report and audit reports by writing to us at 1234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., by calling 202-347-8870 or by faxing 202-347-7279. Please visit www.dccfh.org. Help the coalition continue rebuilding lives and strengthening our communities.
01040337
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
9
DAV Charitable Service Trust Christy Gardner’s Story: Back On Top, Thanks to DAV
Christy Gardner was serving in what many people call “the most dangerous place in the world”—the border between North and South Korea—when the unthinkable happened: she suffered a direct gunshot wound to the forehead. In the blink of an eye, this hero’s life changed forever. The bullet fractured Christy’s skull and damaged her brain and spinal cord. She lost her memory and her ability to walk and talk. She started having seizures and lost hearing in one ear. It was a devastating ordeal, but Christy met it head-on. After countless surgeries and months of rehabilitation, she had regained her speech, her mobility and some of her independence. But then, doctors delivered another blow. They told Christy that she’d never
play sports again. Christy was devastated; she didn’t know how she could face such a loss. Christy then got a life-changing invitation to participate in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, an annual event sponsored by the DAV Charitable Service Trust. As she watched other injured vets literally conquer mountains, she learned an incredible lesson—that the only real limits were the ones she placed on herself. That realization changed Christy’s life, opening up a world of possibility and hope. Today, she inspires other veterans to see all they can achieve as an awardwinning member of the Trust-sponsored DAV Warriors ice hockey team. Christy is deeply grateful for the support she and her fellow veterans receive from the DAV Charitable Service Trust. “While you may be hurt, there’s still so much you can achieve. Life can be absolutely amazing if you work for it,” she said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAV CHARITABLE SERVICE TRUST
Rebuilding Lives – Strengthening Communities
HOMELESSNESS IS A PROBLEM
But it was never meant to be permanent With your help, we can turn it around For more than 30 years, the Coalition for the Homeless has been committed to reducing homelessness in the District of Columbia. The causes of homelessness are many and complex – but the solution to homelessness points to one goal: HOUSING.
Everyone needs permanent housing. Families with children need a stable, warm and caring environment. During these tough times we cannot overlook the thousands of homeless men, women and children who are counting on you. Many of them are veterans. They need your help. We need your support. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite C-1015 Washington, D.C. 20005 For more information about giving opportunities please call Sheila Baker at 202-347-8870. Please visit www.dccfh.org 1034855
10
1034853
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Habitat for Humanity Over the past 30 years, five of the Habitat for Humanity affiliates located in the National Capital Area have provided affordable home ownership opportunities to more than 400 low-income families. Over the past several years, these five affiliates have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the sale of donated vehicles. Cars for Homes is Habitat for Humanity International’s national vehicle donation program that provides donors with an easy way to donate cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles to help build homes in partnership with local families in need of affordable shelter. If you live in the National Capital Area, please donate your car, truck, boat or RV to Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program and help these five affiliates continue to partner with more local, low-income families. Vehicles donated from ZIP codes in D.C. and Arlington, Fairfax, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Loudoun, and Prince William counties will automatically be directed to the local affiliate. If your residence is outside the area, you can still designate one of these Habitat affiliates to receive the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle if you donate it by phone. Call 877277-HFHI (4344) or visit www.carsforhomes.org to arrange for a pickup.
01040603
September 2013
As with the Cars for Homes program, area Habitat affiliates enable community members to make taxdeductible donations of unwanted goods to be used in Habitat homes or to be sold in the ReStore. ReStore is a retail outlet that accepts donations of new and used building supplies, furniture, appliances and home furnishings and sells them at discounted prices to the public. Area ReStores have diverted millions of tons of waste from local landfills while providing Habitat affiliates with much needed operating funds. To find a ReStore near you, visit www.hfhi.org/restores. The National Capital Area generates more than 5.4 million tons of waste each year. By donating any unwanted vehicle, building supplies and other household items, you can turn your waste into a new home. If you are interested in donating, volunteering or advocating for your local Habitat affiliate, visit a website: n Washington, D.C.: www.dchabitat.org n Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Fairfax: www.habitatnova.org n Metro Maryland, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties: www.habitatmm.org n Loudoun: www.loudounhabitat.org n Prince William County, including Manassas: www.habitatpwc.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
01040604
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
11
House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary Senior Dog Sanctuary Will Melt Your Heart In 2006, Sher Polvinale and her late husband Joe created a senior pet sanctuary in their home. Sanctuary residents are dogs who have lost their families and homes through no fault of their own. Because of their advanced age and various medical conditions, they have little chance of being adopted. When asked what the biggest challenge has been, Polvinale said: “My first thought is how to say NO to so many dogs that need help. The biggest challenge for me is knowing that I need to control how many residents we have . . . and always being tempted to help just one more. Another challenge for a different sort of person would be that you lose all of your freedom to come and go. For me, it is not a problem as I am totally happy here caring for the dogs, but I know that would not be the case for most folks.” “With the proper care and a little adjustment, senior dogs can be wonderful companions until it is time to let them go,” she said. “Caring for them can be a lesson in patience, love and giving and selflessness. A dog’s life is relatively short, so when someone wants to give up a dog that is 14, 15, 16, I wonder why not just continue to love this pet until it’s time to send it on. House with a Heart (HWAH) is full of dogs that other people said were too much trouble, or woke them up at night, or peed on the floor . . . each and every one of them is a gift and brings us joy.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSE WITH A HEART
House with a Heart is not a foster home or rescue group. Once a dog becomes a resident, it has a loving home for life. Polvinale devotes herself full-time to caring for the pets and maintaining and improving the sanctuary. She found the task to be more than one person could handle alone. Fortunately, the residents of Montgomery County and the surrounding Metro area came forward to walk, bathe and care for the residents, as well as clean and maintain the house and 2-acre property. By 2013, 55 dedicated volunteers had joined the HWAH family.
HWAH allows owners to visit their former pets. If owners are not mobile enough to visit, HWAH eases their concerns about giving up their beloved companions. Residents often suffer from blindness, heart disease, severe arthritis and a myriad of other disorders. But each and every one is happy, well cared for, and in a loving forever home. Learn more about House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary at www.housewithaheart.com, and please mark # 69166 on your CFC pledge.
Lupus Foundation of America Working to Solve the Cruel Mystery of Lupus While most adults can likely describe the warning signs and health risks associated with breast cancer and heart disease, a recent survey found that 72 percent of Americans between 18 and 34 have either not heard about lupus at all or know little or nothing about the disease beyond its name. The statistic is particularly disturbing because this is the age group at the greatest risk for the disease. To address the problem, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has redoubled its efforts to fight lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and dev-
12
astating diseases. The LFA is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus while providing education and support to the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with lupus.
Lupus is Unpredictable and Misunderstood Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with and a challenge to treat. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90 percent of the people living with lupus are females. AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women are at an especially high risk. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
continued on 13 September 2013
LUPUS, continued from 12
Diagnosis Can Be Difficult Symptoms of lupus come and go, change over time, and often imitate other illnesses, making lupus difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, overwhelming fatigue, and fevers that last for days or weeks. More than half of those who have it suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Building awareness of lupus is essential to improving early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Through national awareness campaigns, celebrity engagement and online and social marketing, the LFA works to bring greater attention to lupus and to rally public support to end its brutal impact. Advancing the Science and Medicine of Lupus We know more about lupus than we did 10 years ago. Advances in research have led to a better understanding of the underlying causes and who is at risk. There are more treatment options available, and more than two dozen pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are developing potential therapies for lupus. However, no two patients
with the disease are alike. Lupus will require an arsenal of new, safe, tolerable and effective treatments to improve the quality of life for all those affected by it. Through its comprehensive national research program, the LFA is leading the effort to help expand medical research on lupus to drive meaningful advances in the understanding and treatment of the disease. Providing Education and Support No one should have to face the suffering, frustration and uncertainty of lupus alone. The LFA provides answers and support. It collaborates with lupus medical experts to review research findings and produce information and programs to help people with lupus and their doctors better manage the disease. Trained health educators and volunteers are available to answer questions about lupus, provide tools and resources and guide individuals and families through the complexities of living with lupus and toward a better quality of life. For more information about lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America, visit www. lupus.org or call 800-558-0121. (CFC Agency #10566)
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Military teens know that freedom isn’t free. So do we. Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries walks alongside military teens, helping them to face the unique challenges that characterize life as a military “brat.”
10536
# 01040360
September 2013
Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries | 540 N. Cascade Ave. #300 | Colo. Springs, CO 80903 toll free (800)832.9098 | www.mcym.org
01040799
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
13
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America Only 5 years old, Jorge leads his three brothers toward the gates of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Together, they will spend a day as Marines. Jorge was diagnosed with retinoblastoma—a rare cancer of the eye. Make-A-Wish offered Jorge the chance to wish for anything, and he wished to be a Marine for a day. The military is just “in his blood,” said his mother Carmen. Today’s experience will help him find strength to overcome the hardships of his medical condition. An Oath to Defend Jorge’s wish begins with a rite of passage as old as the Marine Corps itself. Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, swears him in. By reciting the Oath of Enlistment, he becomes part of the Marine Corps family—past, present and future. The general and his staff have a surprise for Jorge: He’s not just a Marine today, he’s a general. He’s hesitant with his new authority at first, but Gen. Coglianese soon
Living the Marine Life It’s time for Jorge to find out how Marines develop the skills to defend their country. He rides in assault vehicles. He takes a Marine Corps boxing lesson and flies a helicopter simulator. Everywhere he goes, Marine Corps personnel take extra steps to make Jorge’s day unforgettable. He receives challenge coins, stickers, patches and other memorabilia.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Jorge, 5, who has retinoblastoma, gets his wish to become a Marine.
has him issuing orders, taking charge and inspiring his subordinates. Then, Gen. Coglianese is ready to dismiss Jorge to meet other Marines—“I have just one order for you, Jorge: Have a good time!”
Inspiring His Heroes Jorge’s presence adds something special to the everyday duties of the Marines at Camp Pendleton. “He’s just a brave little guy, full of life and energy,” said Sgt. Daniel Mullis, a formal marksmanship training course instructor. Jorge’s visit is a reminder to the Marines at Camp Pendleton that they do more than defend a nation; they are a force of hope
and a source of transformative power that helps kids like Jorge find the will to overcome the challenges in their lives. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Wishes help kids feel better—and sometimes when they feel better, they get better. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness. With each new adventure on his wish, Jorge stands taller and smiles wider. Each year, around 27,000 kids are diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Last year, we granted nearly 14,000 wishes. Our vision is to someday grant the wish of every eligible child, every year. We believe that kids battling the odds can benefit mentally, emotionally and physically from wish experiences. In fact, according to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can influence the physical health of wish kids. By selecting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, CFC #11375, you can share the power of a wish!
VFW Unmet Needs Dedicated Warrior Receives Needed Assistance
The Burns family knows what it means to face challenges. Michael, the patriarch of the family, has gone through multiple deployments resulting in numerous injuries. The first incident involved his vehicle hitting an improvised explosive device (IED). The second occurred when he was flung out of the gunner’s turret. He sustained a third set of injuries during his second tour, this time due to shrapnel from an IED. After being transferred to a medical
14
center to heal, he returned to Iraq just one month later. Michael is a dedicated fighter for his country, but after returning home to the nation he gave so much to, he wasn’t able to maintain a civilian job due to his injuries. His family was in a tight spot and needed help, so he sought advice from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs representative. The representative pointed him to the VFW Unmet Needs program. The program approved the Burns family for a grant,
ensuring funds for the family’s rent and utilities. Michael’s wife, Robyn, was overwhelmed with relief once the assistance came. She was so grateful to have an organization understand what their family was going through. “It was so great to feel like we were not being judged and people understood my husband’s injuries,” she said. Since 2004, VFW’s Unmet Needs program has provided more than 3,200 emergency financial grants for military families during troubling times. To learn more about the Unmet Needs program or other VFW National Military Services programs, visit www.vfw.org/NMS.
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW UNMET NEEDS
September 2013
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION
1038091
September 2013
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was created by the U.S. Congress in 1992 with the mission of honoring and remembering America’s fallen firefighters and assisting their families with rebuilding their lives. That mission has expanded to include prevention of line-of-duty firefighter fatalities. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides yearround programs for the survivors of all fire service personnel who gave their lives in service to their communities. Scholarships help children, stepchildren, spouses and life partners with postsecondary and vocational studies. Peer support programs match survivors so they receive ongoing emotional support from someone who truly understands. The Hal Bruno Camp for Children of Fallen Firefighters is a bereavement camp exclusively for children, ages 7
to 17, of fallen firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. An annual Fire Service Survivors Conference brings families of fallen firefighters together to attend life skills workshops and make lasting connections with each other. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend includes a welcome dinner, family day activities with group counseling sessions, a candlelight service and the national memorial service with flag presentation on Sunday morning. The NFFF provides travel, lodging and meals for three days so all immediate family members may attend the national service to witness a nation celebrating and honoring the sacrifice and life of their firefighter. Visit the foundation’s website at www. FireHero.org for information about programs that target firefighter safety.
01039901
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
15
Animal Welfare Institute Working to End the Slaughter of American Horses Brittany Wallace, a high school student from Harwich, Mass., went online last November to do research for a paper on the topic of horse slaughter. While viewing a social media page, she came across images of a severely injured horse that had been slated for sale at auction and was to be shipped to slaughter in Canada. Imagine her shock and distress when she realized that this horse—bleeding and near death— was once her horse. She sprung into action. Brittany’s family had purchased the horse, a brown mare they named Scribbles,
for her as a riding horse she was 8. When Brittany outgrew her as a rider, the family searched for a new home for Scribbles—a tranquil space where they thought the horse could be happy. They found what they believed to be an ideal spot—a nearby farm where Brittany could visit Scribbles and the horse would be used as a beginner western riding lesson and pony camp horse. They were assured the horse would not be resold. Instead, the new owners broke their word, sold the horse, and Scribbles entered the seedy and terrifying world of horse slaughter. Callous treatment left her badly injured. Were it not for the notice of horse advocates at the auction, she would have died, frightened and in agony. Because of the extraordinary timing of Brittany’s discovery, and the timely intervention of a rescue facility, Scribbles was saved, and Brittany and Scribbles eventually reunited—never to part again, Brittany said. Many former companion horses are not so lucky.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) seeks to end the cruel practice of horse slaughter. The notoriously inhumane horse slaughter industry in the United States has been shuttered since 2007—thanks in part to the efforts of AWI. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of American horses are still shipped each year to Mexico and Canada,
It happens much too often.
The American Red Cross supports the men and women of the military and their families at home and around the world. Please consider donating to the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.
House with a Heart gives senior pets a second chance by giving them the home, love and medical care they deserve.
How can you help?
CFC 96686
Volunteer, Donate or Board your Friendly Dog at HWAH.
1036286
Visit our website www.housewithaheart.com Even a small donation makes a difference!
It is frightening enough to face serious disease or injury when you have a home to call your own...
Pick HWAH on your Federal Employee CFC-NCA pledge – 69166 https://my.cfcnca.org House with a Heart is a non-profit, all-volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. Our two-acre sanctuary is home to senior dogs and cats with nowhere else to go.
01040801
Where do you go when you are homeless?
6409 Stream Valley Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20882 • 240-631-1743
CHRIST HOUSE
THE ONLY RESIDENTIAL MEDICAL FACILITY DEDICATED TO HEALING THE LIVES OF SICK, HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN IN D.C. SINCE 1985
UW#8385 • CFC#34256
We love them for a lifetime!
16
continued on 17
Give something that means something
Imagine if the senior dog or cat in your life became homeless, facing euthanization in a shelter…
1859534
where they are killed under barbaric conditions so their meat can satisfy the palates of overseas diners. While a handful of horses are purposely sold into slaughter by irresponsible owners, most arrive at the slaughterhouse via livestock auction, where
Thank you for your support! 1717 COLUMBIA ROAD, NW • WASHINGTON, DC 200009 • WWW.CHRISTHOUSE.ORG • (201) 328-1100
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Wounded Warriors Family Support ‘When America Goes to War ... Our Families Go to War’ Wounded Warriors Family Support is a family-oriented organization. Our programs serve the families of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways—some financially, some psychologically. Our programs provide support to the families of wounded service members with dependent children and widows with dependent children of service members killed in action or as a result of wounds sustained while serving. Receiving the Purple Heart award is preferred, but not required, for wounded veterans to qualify for our programs.
1038366
September 2013
Brett, whose family was helped by the program, told us: “I wanted to let you know that our family had an awesome experience visiting Yellowstone and were in awe of its absolute beauty. We can’t thank you all enough for providing my family this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Old Faithful lodge was absolutely beautiful and we really enjoyed being able to watch the geyser erupt every few hours from one of the lodge’s spectacular views. “Some of our most fond memories will be spending time together as a family and enjoying the mystique of the Old Faithful lodge while we played cards together and listened to music being played on the piano. The beauty of God was everywhere we looked and a constant reminder of his wonderful creation.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT
ANIMAL, continued from 16
unsuspecting owners often sell the animals to slaughterhouse middlemen known as “killer buyers.” This past March, Wallace joined AWI in Washington, D.C., to share her experience and to advocate for a permanent ban on horse slaughter in the United States and an end to the slaughter of American horses abroad. A few months later, Wallace joined an AWI-cosponsored “Horses on the Hill” event that brought together legislators, celebrities, local school children, young equestrians and horse advocates to urge Congress to permanently protect our nation’s horses from inhumane slaughter. For more than 60 years, AWI has been dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. Brittany Wallace and AWI will continue to fight on behalf of American horses, and to seek better treatment of animals everywhere—in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home and in the wild.
1038364
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
17
Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIAF) puts combatwounded Purple Heart recipients on the path of healing by showing them that the nation truly thanks them for their sacrifice. Providing much more than a handshake or an ovation at a ballgame, WWIAF takes these heroes on weekend-long events in small group settings for world-class hunting and fishing experiences with other wounded warriors, allowing them to heal mentally and physically through the power of the great outdoors. It gives them a chance to remember the camaraderie of shared soldier experiences in the military, as well as a much needed confidence boost when they succeed at something new or fulfill a lifetime goal of bagging the big fish or getting a 9-point buck. WWIAF has had the honor of serving many wounded warrior heroes in 35 states and British Columbia since 2007. Most of our heroes are struggling financially and would not be able to otherwise afford this once-in-a-lifetime healing opportunity. One hero mentioned that the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWIAF
chance to be around other soldiers who shared some of the same experiences truly helped with his healing process. When he further considered the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the hunt and the fact that Americans had not forgotten his sacrifices, he said it was an “awesome life experience.”
Another hero commented that he came to this hunt “depressed about life,” but came away “encouraged to live his dreams and strive to always do the right things.” Finally, a Vietnam veteran who assisted with an event said, “My burden on my heart is lighter and the scars on my soul less deep after donating my time to WWIA and
helping wounded warriors heal while they participated in an event.” Eighty-eight percent of every dollar donated to WWIAF in campaigns such as CFC goes directly to supporting the combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients in the program. As a member of “America’s Best Charities,” donors can be assured that their dollars are going to a deserving organization. Your support will allow WWIAF to continue to provide well-deserved events for heroes who have made great sacrifices for our nation.
CFC # 10292 1034852
1036229
18
1036225
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013
Wycliffe Bible Translators Hope for the Rawa Community Yunu hung his head in his hands. When was help going to come? His beloved wife had recently died, leaving him utterly grief-stricken. He struggled to stay strong for his children, but life looked bleak. Matters only got worse when PHOTO COURTESY OF WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS lightning struck, destroying his solar-power system and com- Yunu Siwi coordinates literacy classes for a remote village of puter. Even if he had money, he Papua New Guinea. Wycliffe promotes literacy worldwide. could not replace the equipment that was critical for his role as the Rawa Having Scripture in the Rawa language literacy coordinator in Tauta, a mountain has brought evident changes in the comvillage of Papua New Guinea that lacks munity. Said Don, “People are having a electricity, roads and stores. spiritual life change. They no longer live in Word of Yunu’s troubles reached Don fear of evil spirits. The church and schools and Norma Toland, Wycliffe missionaries have been revitalized. Families often read who had lived in Papua New Guinea for 30 Scripture and pray together. Their Bibles years and served in Tauta during that time. and song books are well-worn from use.” While living Don is quick among the Rawa to point out that it people in Tauta, Don wasn’t his family and Norma develalone that made the oped a writing system difference through the that allowed them translated Scripture to translate the New and literacy materials Testament into Rawa, and eventually also provided for the Rawa people. “When God adapt the translation into Karo, a language leads one to serve Him, He may also lead related to Rawa. They also developed a many others, from all over the world, to school curriculum, taught literacy class- use their backgrounds and talents. It’s like a es, trained teachers and produced books. concert—a symphony of service! God preDuring a one-year return visit in 2007, Don pares each person, gets them into position, and Norma translated a government book and orchestrates their lives to serve.” on HIV/AIDS prevention into Rawa, and Scripture, literacy materials, and schools recorded the translated Scriptures onto were provided for the Rawa people by a solar-powered audio Bibles. team that included not only the Tolands, When Don heard about Yunu’s losses but also national translators and literacy and hardships, he prayed. His friend was workers, Wycliffe support staff in both deeply discouraged. Don knew that the Papua New Guinea and the United States, Rawa children’s studies would be ham- and many prayer and financial supporters. pered without new reading material. So Millions of people live without being Don made the trip, halfway around the able to read, write, or access Scripture world, in September 2012 to help. When in their own language. Wycliffe Bible Yunu saw his friend, he wept for a long Translators brings hope by creating writing time and thanked God for his return. systems, teaching literacy and translating With the help of others, Don installed the Bible for language communities that equipment that included new solar panels, desperately need “the good news” found in a computer and a printer. Yunu was greatly God’s word. encouraged by this kind and unexpected Wycliffe is grateful for all who take part assistance. The new equipment would help in supporting translation and literacy projhim continue to make a difference in the ects, including those who give through the lives of many Rawa people. Combined Federal Campaign. September 2013
01040605
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
19
01040572
20
Combined Federal Campaign I Advertising Supplement
September 2013