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Melwood It was a bold idea for its time.
Melwood started 50 years ago in 1963 with an unheard of goal: jobs for people with disabilities.
Today, Melwood’s workforce includes more than 650 people with differing abilities working at approximately 40 contract sites around the Washington, D.C., region. At Fort George G. Meade, GSA Headquarters, Goddard Space Flight Center, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or the George Washington Carver Community Center, for example, you will see Melwood employees transforming their own lives and the lives of the people with whom they interact.
Melwood’s commitment is to deliver our federal government customers with the best professional services in recycling, landscaping, custodial and total facilities management, while providing meaningful employment for disabled veterans and all people with differing abilities. That work includes everything from cleaning high-profile federal buildings to performing routine maintenance on high-end HVAC equipment. But most importantly, Melwood also provides the life skills improvement, and supportive and recreational services to allow our disabled veterans and all with differing abilities to achieve fulfillment.
Real People, Real Jobs: Meet John
Homeless War Veteran Transforms Life John is a perfect example of how much one can accomplish through hard work and dedication. He became employed on Melwood’s total facility management contract at Fort George G. Meade. Before that, John was unemployed and homeless for several years. “I’ve had really good times in my life, I’ve been in the military, owned my own
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business and I’ve travelled the world; then, I lost everything,” John said. “Today, I’m really proud of who I am, and that has a lot to do with my work.” Melwood interviewed John and other veterans for his position. John said it was a miracle that he got the job and he wants other veterans to know that there is hope out there as long as you keep doing the right
thing. John was employed with Melwood for less than a year before being promoted to a lead position. Your donation creates opportunities for people like John and helps transform their life. Please donate at CFC#21166. You can also donate your vehicle at www.melwoodcarsforvets.org.
Combined Federal Campaign 2 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.
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Contents are not the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense.
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It is frightening enough to face serious disease or injury when you have a home to call your own... 01040800
Where do you go when you are homeless?
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
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Thank you for your support! 1717 COLUMBIA ROAD, NW • WASHINGTON, DC 200009 • WWW.CHRISTHOUSE.ORG • (201) 328-1100
October 2013
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Wycliffe Bible Translators Hope for the Rawa Community
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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 lightning struck, destroying his solar-power system and computer. Even if he had money, he could not replace the equipment that was critical for his role as the Rawa literacy coordinator in Tauta, a mountain village of Papua New Guinea that lacks electricity, roads and stores. Word of Yunu’s troubles reached Don and Norma Toland, Wycliffe missionaries who had lived in Papua New Guinea for 30 years and served in Tauta during that time. While living among the Rawa people in Tauta, Don and Norma developed a writing system that allowed them to translate the New Testament into Rawa, and eventually also adapt the translation into Karo, a language related to Rawa. They also developed a school curriculum, taught literacy classes, trained teachers and produced books. During a one-year return visit in 2007, Don and Norma translated a government book on HIV and AIDS prevention into Rawa, and recorded the translated Scriptures onto solar-powered audio Bibles. When Don heard about Yunu’s losses and hardships, he prayed. His friend was deeply discouraged. Don knew that the Rawa children’s studies would be hampered without new reading material. So Don made the trip, halfway around the world, in September 2012 to help. When Yunu saw his friend, he wept for a long time and thanked God for his return. With the help of others, Don installed equipment that included new solar panels, a computer and a printer. Yunu was greatly encouraged by this kind and unexpected assistance. The new equipment would help him continue to make a difference in the lives of many Rawa people. Combined Federal Campaign II
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PHOTO COURTESY OF WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS
Having Scripture in the Rawa language has brought evident changes in the community. “People are having a spiritual life change,” Don said. “They no longer live in fear of evil spirits. The church and schools have been revitalized. Families often read Scripture and pray together. Their Bibles and songbooks are well-worn from use.” Don is quick to point out that it wasn’t his family alone that made the difference through the translated Scripture and literacy materials provided for the Rawa people. “When God leads one to serve Him, He may also lead many others, from all over the world, to use their backgrounds and talents. It’s like a concert—a symphony of service! God prepares each person, gets them into position, and orchestrates their lives to serve.” Scripture, literacy materials and schools were provided for the Rawa people by a team that included not only the Tolands, but also national translators and literacy workers, Wycliffe support staff in both Papua New Guinea and the United States, and many prayer and financial supporters. Millions of people live without being able to read, write, or access Scripture in their own language. Wycliffe Bible Translators brings hope by creating writing systems, teaching literacy and translating the Bible for communities that desperately need “the good news” found in God’s word. Wycliffe is grateful for all who take part in supporting translation and literacy projects, including those who give through the Combined Federal Campaign. October 2013
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 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 their 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.
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Prevent Cancer Foundation Saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection Linda was familiar with cancer as a survivor. At 27, she had melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be fatal, but also curable, if detected early. She also experienced cancer as a caregiver. Linda lost her husband to pancreatic cancer and then her adult son was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, he underwent a successful stem cell transplant in 2004 and is doing well today. In both cases, a symptom prompted each to get a checkup. In 2010, lightning struck again. After putting off a routine colonoscopy, Linda scheduled hers to avoid a lecture from her doctor. The result: stage 4 colon cancer. “Listening to the oncologist explain the chemotherapy, radiation and future surgery, it seemed like a bad dream,” Linda said. “How could this be? I felt great.” Stage 4 colon cancer is serious, but she received good treatment and is in remission. The reality is that screening saves lives. Breast, cervical, colon, lung, oral, skin, prostate and testicular cancer can be detected early by following screening guidelines. Cancer can also be preventable. Are you aware that approximately 50 percent of all cancers and cancer deaths can be prevented by changing personal behaviors, or that one in every two men and one in every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime? A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine reinforced the evidence that tens of thousands of cancers every year are preventable. The researchers estimate that smoking, obesity, inactivity, poor diets and other factors collectively account for 54.5 percent of all cancer deaths. There is some good news. Both cancer
Are you aware that approximately 50 percent of all cancers and cancer deaths can be
prevented by changing personal behaviors?
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cases and deaths are declining, the results of decades of research, education, screening and services from institutions and organizations across the country, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation. But greater strides need to be made. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 571,950 men and women died from cancer in 2011. We want to bring that number down and stop cancer before it starts! You can help. Make cancer prevention a priority and renew your CFC support by designating the Prevent Cancer Foundation - #11074. Your gift will help fund cutting-edge research, and provide cancer prevention education and community outreach to underserved communities.
For example: • $10 - one prostate cancer screening at a state fair • $25 - one skin cancer screening at a state fair • $250 - two mammograms and five cervical cancer screenings at ¡Celebremos la vida! • $500 - two months of medical supplies for breast and cervical cancer screenings at ¡Celebremos la vida! for 80 women • $1,000 - Distribution of Breast Health Exam DVD and manual to 20 community groups • $2,500 – one day of screenings on the GWU/Prevent Cancer Foundation Mammovan • $10,000 - one Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ stop at an underserved community • $40,000 - one full year grant for prevention or early detection research Please visit our website for more information at www. preventcancer.org and find us on social media sites like Facebook, Pinterestand Twitter.
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.
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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 Combined Federal Campaign II
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work with the chapel staff and with youth services staff to 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
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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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUB BEYOND/MILITARY COMMUNITY YOUTH MINISTRIES
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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington He Got a Second Chance—and Became a Workplace Hero Greg had 30 long years to think about what he would do with a second chance. As a young man, he dropped out of high school and alternated between work and running the streets. He eventually was caught up in a violent confrontation that landed him in prison for the next 30 years. In that time, he decided that when he was finally free he never wanted to go back to prison. Upon his release, he realized he was facing steep odds of success. It had been 30 years since he had last worked any kind of regular job. The last time he had been a free man, home computers and smartphones were nonexistent.
Thankfully, he found Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington’s Welcome Home Re-Entry Program, which pairs returning citizens with volunteer mentors. Here, Greg met Hank, a retired attorney. For Hank and Greg, it was the beginning of a lasting friendship. They talk weekly as Hank helped Greg deal with the challenges that returning citizens face. Early on, Hank helped Greg improve his reading ability. Greg said Hank is the confidant he never had before. Greg now works for a company tasked with helping tourists and cleaning the streets near Nationals Park. He’s always PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON
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on time, polite and helpful, not to mention that he’s gone above and beyond his job to help in emergencies. Once while outside of the Metro, Greg stopped a purse-snatcher and held him down until the police arrived. Another time, he helped pull out a man pinned under a truck after a car accident. For his bravery, Greg was named the 2012 Employee of the Year. It was the first time he could remember making a positive difference. He credited much of his success to Hank, but Hank pointed to Greg’s determination and focus. “It wasn’t me,” Hank said. “It was you. You beat the odds. You made it.” Greg looked back at Hank. “Mr. Hank has been...he’s been my friend. And it has truly made a difference.” The Welcome Home Re-Entry program works with men and women who have served their debt to society to ensure they can land on their feet to avoid falling back into a life of crime. A case manager pairs each participant with a volunteer mentor and helps meet some of the needs Combined Federal Campaign II
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Once while outside of the Metro, Greg stopped a purse-snatcher and held him down until the police arrived. Another time,
he helped pull out a man pinned under a truck after a car accident. of the client, including referrals to food programs, housing and job leads. The mentor begins a relationship to help provide support, encouragement and advice. This is an example of just one of more than 60 programs Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington runs—all locally in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding Maryland counties. We serve everyone and we need your help to make it happen. Please support us through the Combined Federal Campaign—#83997. October 2013
Wounded Warriors Family Support Supporting Families of Soldiers Wounded, Injured or Killed in Combat When a veteran is wounded, the family suffers greatly—emotionally, psychologically and financially. The overwhelming stress of the recovery process can threaten to tear a family apart. Wounded Warriors Family Support’s mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. Our organization supports wounded veterans and their families, even after physical needs are met, to help them heal, recover and reconnect. We work to provide services and resources to combat-wounded veterans and their families that supplement those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies. We also work with military and nonprofit partners to identify and fill gaps in services for wounded veterans and their families. Caregiver Respite Program Wounded Warriors Family Support’s Caregiver Respite program provides respite and supplemental services nationwide to the caregivers and families of wounded war veterans. Often caregivers are spouses or family members who have many other responsibilities, such as work, managing bills and taking care of children. Our program aims to ensure that family members who were thrust into the role of caregivers are provided with the support they need to keep their families intact while keeping themselves healthy. Our respite services include providing secondary caregiver assistance, respite aid for remote areas and short-term temporary relief in the form of child care and other services. “Wounded Warriors Family Support has changed my life. After three years of caring for my husband—who requires more than 40 hours of care weekly—with no break, I was beginning to suffer from caregiver burnout. What they do is really lifesaving. It is saving marriages, which is potentially saving the lives of our heroes by offering us women— who love, respect and honor our husbands enough to stand by their sides through every trial—room to breathe. I can’t thank them enough.”—Beaulieu family member October 2013
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Family Programs Through our family programs, Wounded Warriors Family Support also provides free retreats to wounded veterans and their families. These family retreats are a chance for wounded veterans to heal and reconnect with their loved ones in a peaceful, stressfree environment. Wounded veterans are given the opportunity to decompress and share positive experiences with their spouses and children, strengthening the bonds of their families and making lasting memories. “I’ll never forget staying up into the early morning hours with my son after the rest of my family retired for the evening. In this magical setting, my son and I really communicated for the first time in years. “Thankfully, a big step in the right direction was initiated at Skyland Resort. This also was a huge step for me and a point I choose to remember for my own healing as I seek to move on from issues from my deployment.” —Shive family member For more information about Wounded Warriors Family Support, visit www.wwfs. org. CFC# 81534
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American Friends of Tel Aviv University Changing Lives to Change the World
The future is being forged at Tel Aviv University (TAU)—today. TAU is Israel’s leading center of higher learning, independently ranked among the top 90 universities in the world. As Israel’s largest, most comprehensive and most sought-after university, TAU provides a world-class 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 fields of multidisciplinary research, from bioinformatics to nanotechnology to the neurosciences— 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.
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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 innova-
tive projects in both classic disciplines and cutting-edge 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 statecraft, 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 mold 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.
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Capital Caring Making Life Better for Those with Serious Illness Maria was only 27 years old when she learned she had ovarian cancer. The young wife and mother of two children—a 3-yearold and a 10-month-old—was in shock. But her faith and a supportive community helped her through early treatments, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Tragically, Maria’s cancer entered her lymphatic system and began to form tumors in other parts of her body. As her pain and symptoms worsened, it became impossible for Maria to care for her home and children. Her husband, weighed down by grief and anger at her illness and by his job and other responsibilities, was overwhelmed. The family didn’t have insurance to cover at-home care for Maria. Plus, it would have been difficult for her to get the rest and care she needed at home with two small children. Thanks to Capital Caring, Maria was able to receive expert, compas-
sionate care during her final days at our inpatient center in Arlington, Va. Her family spent time with her there, while Maria was provided with ‘round-the-clock nursing care, relieving the pressure on her husband and family. And during her final days, she was able to focus what energy she had on her beloved family. Capital Caring is able to provide such a high level of care to patients like Maria because of our nationally recognized physicians in the hospice and palliative care field. Every day, our physicians join with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, grief counselors, nursing assistants, trained volunteers and more to develop individual care plans that address the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of anyone living with serious advanced illness. Our nationally recognized Fellowship Program provides one year of training that
NATIONAL POLICE DEFENSE FOUNDATION
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leads to board eligibility in hospice and palliative medicine for physicians who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of this growing field. Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the District of Columbia’s largest academic institution with more than 900 beds, the Fellowship Program recently celebrated its eighth year. Capital Caring also has a Military Hospital Physician Training program that trains approximately 25 physician residents each year to care for returning Wounded Warrior service members, veterans and their families. Through a grant from the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Capital Caring has trained residents at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, and
CFC#52710
Donations will go to support these programs SAFE COP Entered into the Congressional Record” in 1995, the NPDF trademark program “Safe Cop” posts up to $10,000 reward for public information that results in the arrest and conviction of anyone who shoots a member law enforcement officer, anywhere in the United States.
Rebuilding Lives – Strengthening Communities
HOMELESSNESS IS A PROBLEM
Operation Kids The Operation Kids program is a multi-faceted child safety program that distributes free child fingerprint/DNA kits to parents, sponsors youth athletic events, posts periodic rewards for missing children and arranges life-saving operations for critically ill children. This program has been personally endorsed by John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted.
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.
Contact Information 21 Kilmer Drive, Building 2 Suite F, Morganville, NJ 07751 • 732-617-2330 • 732-862-1444 Fax www.npdf.org • npdf1@aol.com • Executive Director: Joseph Occhipinti 1040423
Chaplains give spiritual care to our Troops wherever they serve. Help us speak for chaplaincy, care for chaplains, and extend their ministries beyond the battlefield. 01040066
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continues to reach out to other military hospitals to enlist their residents in our urgently needed hospice and palliative care training. These training programs are essential elements in maintaining Capital Caring’s strong reputation as a leading provider of hospice and palliative care in the region. Capital relies on donors like you to support our ongoing efforts to educate a new and growing crop of physicians committed to helping our patients and their families—10 percent of whom are active, veteran or retired military—make the most of every single day. Thank you for designating Capital Caring—CFC # 39664—as your charity of choice through this year’s Combined Federal Campaign.
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
The Voice of Chaplaincy
For more information about giving opportunities please call Sheila Baker at 202-347-8870. Please visit www.dccfh.org
Serving Since 1925 CFC#11957
www.mca-usa.org
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Christ House Providing Healing and Hope for Washington’s Homeless Since 1985 Christ House opened its doors on Christmas Eve 1985 as the first residential medical facility for homeless men and women in the United States. Hospitals treat homeless patients for emergencies, but they are discharged early and 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. At Christ House, homeless men and women may stay as long as their illness requires. Here, they get plenty of rest, nutritious meals, medical care and other essential support services. Christ House often provides a crucial intervention and saves vulnerable patients from falling through the cracks. One such patient that we helped was Steven. Steven was referred to Christ House from a local hospital for an enlarged prostate, which had caused urinary and kidney complications.
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During the intake process, we learned that he had a college degree and had served in the Navy for 11 years. He had worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and had even begun a graduate program. Steven denied substance abuse problems and had previously passed a mental health screening. He survived on limited veterans benefits, and after four years of living in a series of hotel rooms, he began staying in homeless shelters until his health declined. In the beginning, we were puzzled about his homelessness, especially because of his education and employment history.
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Steven’s case manager described him as “courteous and the model military man,” but noticed that he did not engage with others. After speaking with him more, we discovered that Steven had not had contact with family or friends for many decades. He also had not sought medical care in several years and was not receiving all the veterans benefits to which he was entitled. This lack of self-awareness and disengagement led Steven’s case manager to believe that he had an unaddressed mental health issue. After seeing a psychiatrist, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Unlike many schizophrenics, he had not experienced hearing voices or having delusional thoughts, but instead he isolated himself and withdrew from personal contact with others. Our medical staff managed his schizophrenia with anti-psychotic medication and he began to slowly improve. Christ House Combined Federal Campaign II
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obtained his military service records showing an honorable discharge, which aided in connecting him with medical services and the full range of veterans benefits. This will allow him to manage his mental illness and treat his enlarged prostate in the future. After two months, Steven was medically ready to be discharged from Christ House to a transitional housing program for mentally ill veterans. He is now participating in a veteran-sponsored employment training program so that he can rejoin the workforce. It is this patient’s remarkable story of transformation and others like it that encourage us to continue our work providing lifesaving medical care to homeless persons. With your generous support, Christ House provides a safe place for people like Steven to find respite, recovery and renewal. CFC: #34256 October 2013
CASA (D.C.) For eleven years, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for the Children DC has continued to tackle the growing demand for individualized services for youth in the foster care system. Our comprehensive partnership with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Child and Family Services Agency and other community-based partners provides these effective services through the use of community volunteers. CASAs are appointed by a District of Columbia Family Court judge to represent the best interests of a youth in foster care. CASA DC also pairs positive adult mentors with youth in foster care to teach their mentees the skills they need to navigate life successfully. CASA DC has broken new ground in meeting the needs of youth by developing the CASA After Care initiative. This unique program provides services to young people who have been linked with a CASA and who have aged out of the foster care system. Capitalizing on the relationship developed between the CASA and the youth while in care, the After Care program is able to continue to engage youth in need of assistance with housing, employment, child care and other social services. CASA volunteers are trained to advocate in the District of Columbia Family Court system for the best interests of children in cases of abuse and neglect. CASAs represent one family at a time. These families have approximately one to three children ranging in age from birth to 21. Volunteers gather information about each child’s situation, submit reports to the court and provide the court with valuable insight into the child’s life. CASAs help provide each child with the services she or he needs, while working to ensure that the child finds a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers fill a need for the courts, youth and child welfare system. Youth who are paired with a CASA volunteer are less likely to reenter the child welfare system and youth will spend less time in long-term care and CASAs. These two facts lead to a reduction of the cost of the child welfare system across the nation October 2013
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by tens of millions of dollars. Additionally, the youth are thankful for the hard work of the CASA volunteers: “I am very thankful for the support from my wonderful CASA who keeps me on track and provides meaningful guidance. As a senior studying criminal justice, I look forward to becoming a police officer, leading to a criminal detective career. I know I’m not ‘done’ yet becoming the person I want to be, but I know I wouldn’t be here without the support of my CASA volunteer.” CASA DC’s mentoring program has paired youth in the welfare system with a supportive adult. This program provides mentors and mentees the opportunity to foster positive relationships and experiences through cultural empowerment, group activities and one-on-one outings. Mentors also help their mentee to develop life skills to prepare for adulthood. CASA DC has recruited hundreds of volunteers, but so many more children still need someone to speak up for them. Young men in foster care in particular need a male volunteer to advocate and/or mentor them. Together we must ensure that young people in foster care find safe, permanent homes.
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The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Inc. The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Inc. (WWIA) serves our nation’s combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. Every day the foundation works to fulfill this mission by taking wounded warriors out on outdoorrelated events all across this country and in British Columbia. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, everything the foundation does is funded by the generosity of the American people who are helping to support our nation’s heroes.
Along with amazing event hosts in more than 35 states that share their land and hospitality with these heroes, WWIA also has two locations in Wisconsin (Camp Hackett) and in Washington (Camp Stillwater), where they have bunkhouses used to support events and heroes on a regular basis. Once the entire camp is complete, both locations will feature Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant healing centers that will be staffed by wounded warriors and provide a place for other wounded warriors for many years to come. At a recent salmon fishing trip at Camp Stillwater, one hero said, “The amount of continued on 15
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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 faith-based 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
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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 Community Services – The Food PLUS Center provides free food, clothing and furniture for underprivileged families, homeless men, seniors and veterans.
Family Ministries – serves the growing Hispanic community Camp Bennett – Located in Montgomery County, Md., this 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 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 Designate CFC #85786/United Way #9617.
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healing that is done while you spend time fishing and being with other guys who have gone through the same stuff you have cannot be measured. I can’t wait to be able to help other vets now that WWIA has helped me.” Another hero who participated in a trip to New York said that being able to attend that excursion rejuvenated him so much that he is heading back with enough energy to go back to the doctor’s appointment and therapy sessions that he had just about decided to give up. It is stories like these that show others just how important this organization can be to our country’s Purple Heart recipients. WWIA is doing great work with these heroes and appreciates any help federal employees can give through the Combined Federal Campaign. Those interested in supporting wounded warriors can select CFC #94512 and know that, as WWIA is a member of America’s Best Charities, their donation is going to an organization that will provide the best possible experience to the heroes who sacrificed so much for our country. October 2013
For the latest from local military bases throughout the Washington, D.C. region, visit DCMilitary.com.
To advertise, call (301) 670-2682.
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A Mother’s Unconditional Love Steven Eakins, a fourth generation member of the Air Force, left work on Oct. 20, 2009 at Lackland Air Force Base to wish his colleagues best of luck on their deployment. On his return trip to work, he crashed into a backhoe on the highway at 65 mph, crushing his skull. Steven wasn’t expected to make it through his first surgery. He had a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and as a result of the accident, his skull penetrated part of his brain. His parents, Kelly and Mark Eakins, rushed to be by their son’s side. Each day, doctors told Steven’s family that they would be lucky if they got another 24 hours. “I told Steven’s doctors that luck has nothing to do with it. Steven is a fighter,” Kelly said. Steven was medically induced into a coma so his body could rest. He was then
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Fisher House PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY ESTILL
sent to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Fla., in July 2010. When Steven woke up from his coma, he was unable to care for himself. He was unable to walk or communicate. Kelly and Mark made the decision that Kelly would quit her job and travel to Tampa to support their son. “We didn’t know Tampa and were trying to figure out where to live,” Kelly said. “Mark and I decided to wait until we got to Tampa to figure it out. We found out we were able to get a room in the Fisher House right away. It was so helpful; I don’t know how we would have done it. Seriously. I
do not know how we would have managed two households on one income.” “The most important thing was to be close to the hospital so I could be with Steven doing rehab and taking him to his appointments,” Kelly said. “I don’t know how much he understands, but I know he knows when I’m there. It has to make a difference.” Kelly remained at the Fisher House with Steven for almost three years. “A nice thing about Fisher House was getting to know the families. The majority of the families had patients on the same floor as Steven. I got to know them in both the home and hospital environment.” Kelly has become Steven’s caregiver; she is trained to do just about anything Steven needs. In a minimally conscious state, Steven is still aware of his surroundings. When Steven’s children came to visit—a daughter Sienna and son Asher—it was Sienna who was able to get the most out of her dad. “Sienna is Steven’s little princess,” Kelly said. “It was when Sienna walked into Steven’s room in the hospital and said, ‘Hi, Daddy’ that Steven turned his head.” Although he is separated from his wife, Steven’s children still visit regularly. Just shy of her third anniversary at the Fisher House, Steven and Kelly were able
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to go home, back to San Antonio. Steven is still suffering from TBI and requires constant care, but through it all, Kelly has been by her son’s side. “That’s my job as his mom,” Kelly said. “He will always be my little boy.” Fisher House Foundation is one of the highest-rated military and veterans charities in the country. It has received an A+ from the American Institute of Philanthropy in its Veterans and Military category. Out of 46 charities rated, Fisher House Foundation is one of two charities to receive their A+ rating. Fisher House Foundation has also received Charity Navigator’s coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal management for the ninth consecutive year, a rating achieved by only 1 percent of the charities they monitor. Fisher House has a very low—3.5 percent— administrative cost. Fisher House Foundation is privileged to help support our heroes and their families by providing lodging and transportation. After all, a family’s love is the best medicine. Donating through the Combined Federal Campaign to Fisher House Foundation (agency code 11453) helps provide direct support to “our greatest national treasure…our military service men and women and their loved ones.” October 2013
The Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America Pastoral Ministry Beyond the Battlefield By Robert Certain, Executive Director One of the main goals of the Military Chaplains Association (MCA) is to extend pastoral ministry beyond the battlefield. We, as current and former military and VA chaplains, along with our partners in the CAP, have a tremendous amount of training, experience and empathy to bring to the table in the care of our warriors. When we as a nation, under the authority of the president, send young men and women into battle, we also incur the responsibility, the moral imperative, to bring them all the way home. Getting their whole or broken bodies
back in the United States is not enough— we must bring their minds, their souls and their value back to full incorporation in normative American society. One way we leverage our experience and training is to train local congregations where we now live, work and worship to welcome veterans and their families into full membership, to recognize the virtues and stresses of military life, and to offer our counsel in addressing the unique issues that continue to play on their hearts and minds. Moral and spiritual injury is almost unavoidable for warriors who were
“Chaplain, thank you for helping my wife and me after I came back from Afghanistan.
in this life. We cannot erase memories and actions, but we can help our veterans to find God’s presence and meaning within the horrific actions of war, and to dig through the silt and debris to find the gold. In the words of a grateful soldier, here is just one example of the ministry we have extended beyond the battlefield:
God bless all of you.”
“Chaplain, thank you for helping my wife and me after I came back from Afghanistan. The army has great chaplains. But I needed to talk offline and figure out where we are. God bless all of you.” - SFC, Army National Guard
The army has great chaplains ...
trained to be kind as children and have now been trained to kill and destroy as young adults. We believe that clergy, of all the people in the nation, are in the best position to recognize this injury, to assist the combatant in seeking resolution of the turmoil which resides within, and, yes, to provide forgiveness and freedom to move forward
The MCA: An advocate and supporter of professional chaplaincy to promote justice, peace, and good will and provide chaplaincy services where uniformed chaplain resources are not able to respond.
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Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Veterans Services At just 28 years old, Nicole Isaac represents the changing face of veterans in the U.S. An Iraq war veteran, the former Army Specialist came to Volunteers of America Chesapeake a little over one year ago. “I was deployed in Iraq for just under one year,” said Nicole. The mother of two said it was her family that first noticed the change in her personality. “The turning point for me was a fight I had with my sister. I was so angry all the time. I lost my job because they felt I couldn’t take orders and soon after that my son and I became homeless. I had been spiraling downhill for a while before then, but that was my rock bottom.” Nicole sought help at the Veterans Administration (VA) where she was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I didn’t know the symptoms of PTSD; neither did my family. Nobody could have helped me until the VA put me in contact with Volunteers of America Chesapeake,” said Nicole. By 2016, an estimated two million Americans will have left the military and returned to civilian life. The statistics on the return to civilian life and civilian workforce have been bleak. According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in July
In July 2012, the unemployment rate for Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans was 9.5 percent, higher than the national average. 2012, the unemployment rate for Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans was 9.5 percent, higher than the national average. A 2010 survey for the Veterans Administration found that only 40.5 percent of veterans felt they were prepared to enter the civilian job market. Additionally, veterans are disproportionately represented among our country’s homeless population. Reports of veteran depression, suicide, substance abuse and domestic violence continue to increase, and there is a growing prevalence of veterans entering our jails stemming from service-related mental health and cognitive injuries. Volunteers of America offers the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program (SSVF). The primary goals of SSVF, which is community-based, are to assist families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and
to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless. To improve housing stability, the SSVF provides eligible veteran families with outreach, case management, assistance obtaining VA and other benefits and supportive services to address drug or alcohol abuse, mental health concerns, employment and educational needs, lack of civilian work experience, disabilities and/or a chronic inability to obtain and sustain permanent housing. Recently, Fannie Mae awarded Volunteers of America Chesapeake a $100,000 grant to support veterans’ programming, and a new partnership with the Points of Light foundation will fund four Veteran AmeriCorps members to facilitate outreach in the Greater Washington region. With these partnerships, Volunteers of America created the Capital Area Veterans Leadership Program (CAVLP) to provide veterans in need of employment, housing, educational services, social services, mental health services and/ or substance abuse treatment with comprehensive assessments, individualized service plans and to match them with resources from within Volunteers of America Chesapeake. To learn more about Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Veterans Services and to support our veterans at home, visit www.voachesapeake.org.
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Lupus Foundation of America Providing Answers and Increasing Public Awareness of Misunderstood Disease Achy joints, fatigue, fever and rash are all symptoms almost everyone has experienced. Usually these symptoms are nothing serious and can be attributed to common conditions, such as the flu or just a long day at the office, but for an estimated 1.5 million Americans, these symptoms indicate something much more serious. 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. Lupus has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning and has no known cause and no known cure. Common symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, overwhelming fatigue and fevers that last for days or weeks. The Lupus Foundation of America is working to increase public understanding and awareness of this under-recognized disease that affects primarily young women. Because lupus symptoms mimic other conditions and appear differently in different people, lupus is very difficult to diagnose and there is no single diagnostic test. More than half of people with lupus visit three or more doctors to find a cure for their symptoms, and experience symptoms four or more years before finally being diagnosed. That was the case for Karon Beasley, who saw six types of doctors during a fouryear time period before visiting an allergist who suspected she had an autoimmune disease. “I was coming home from working out one day when the feeling of fatigue hit me. It was overwhelming—I’d get tired just walking to my mailbox,” said Beasley, who suffered through a variety of misdiagnoses including, anemia, thyroid disorders and PMS before it was determined that she had lupus. “I couldn’t get answers and went in circles. A dermatologist told me, ‘honey, that’s just hormones,’ and prescribed me a cream. I went to a neuropsychologist to treat my depression, because you start to October 2013
More than half of people with lupus visit
three or more doctors to find a cure for their symptoms, and experience symptoms four or more years before finally being diagnosed. think something is mentally wrong with you,” she said. Beasley, who has now lived with the disease for more than 12 years, encourages people with lupus to be their own advocate. Friends, family and doctors should also be considerate of what it is like to live with lupus. “Most people with lupus at some point hear: ‘but you don’t look sick,’” Beasley said. “We face the issue of dealing with an invisible illness. You have to know you don’t feel well and recognize that you need to talk to another doctor and keep going,” she said. “Doctors’ appointments can be consuming unless you are prepared and can communicate what is going on with your body. They only know what you tell them, so when you know something is wrong, write down every symptom you have, even if you think it is not related.” Beasley also advises patients to get educated about the disease through trusted organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America. To increase early diagnosis, raise public awareness and more on lupus, visit lupus. org. CFC #10566
PHOTO COURTESY OF LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Karon Beasley saw six types of doctors before she found the one who suspected she had an autoimmune disease.
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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. 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 short-term financial problems, such as unemployment or medical/
PHOTO COURTESY OF COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS (D.C.)
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. 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.
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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 Combined Federal Campaign II
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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 202-3478870 or by faxing 202-347-7279. Please visit www.dccfh.org. October 2013
The National Police Defense Foundation
of it negatively impacting their careers. The confidentiality of NPDF’s Medical Support Services guards against that. The NPDF has also earned a sterling reputation within the law enforcement community for successfully exposing many injustices against law enforcement; and, many have been profiled on national news shows and networks, such as “60 Minutes,” “Dateline,” Fox News Network and CNN.
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Today, organized crime and common street criminals have learned how to manipulate the criminal justice system by making fabricated allegations of misconduct against dedicated law enforcement officers. As a result, the NPDF’s legal and investigative staff members have established criteria to effectively investigate these allega-
tions. When it appears that a grave injustice has been perpetrated against an officer, the NPDF will establish a legal defense fund with 100 percent of the donations raised earmarked for the officer’s defense. There is free legal consultation to any NPDF member or officer experiencing a job-related problem.
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The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax-deductible donations are needed to fund important police support services and programs, such as Safe Cop, Operation Kids, the September 11th Police Memorial and Project Pedophile. The NPDF provides free medical support services to all law enforcement personnel who experience a job-related illness and disability. A toll-free number (888-SAFECOP) is available for any officer to speak to an approved NPDF medical officer or attorney for advice or referral to a specialist or program. This NPDF program’s success is credited to the fact that our medical and legal staff assures complete confidentiality and provides viable options and counseling to the disabled officer. In the past, many police officers have been hesitant to approach their respective departments to request medical/psychological help for fear
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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-AWish 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 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!” 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. 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.
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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 WestMarine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, swears him in. 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!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Change the life of a foster child Advocate Mentor
Your donation can help improve the life of a child in foster care through the work of our court appointed volunteer advocates. www.casadc.org United Way: 8593
CFC: 30921
Donate
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