Always Faithful Service Dogs
http://www.alwaysfaithfuldogs.org/
“Always Faithful” is an IRS registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving disabled military veterans with free service and therapy dogs.
To achieve this, "Always Faithful” will provide the resources to obtain and train a dog according to the needs of the disabled military veteran.
American Bar Association
http://www.americanbar.org/
The mission of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel is to:
1. Foster the continued growth of the military legal assistance programs;
2. Promote the delivery of legal services to military personnel and their family members and to persons accompanying the armed forces outside the United States, on their personal legal affairs; and
3. Maintain close liaison with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard), the military services, bar associations and appropriate committees of the Association to enhance the scope, quality and delivery of free or affordable legal services to eligible legal assistance clients.
Bugles Across America
http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/
Bugles Across America, NFP was founded in 2000 by Tom Day, when Congress passed legislation stating that Veterans have a right to at least two uniformed military people to fold the flag and play Taps on a CD player. Bugles Across America was founded to take this a step further. In recognition of the service these Veterans have provided to their country, we felt that they each deserve a live rendition of Taps played by a live bugler. To this end, we are actively seeking capable volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.
Bugles Across America now has over 7500 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting more than 1/2 million veterans to pass every year for the next 7 years, Bugles Across America is ALWAYS recruiting new volunteers.
Bugler Volunteers can be male or female. They can play a traditional bugle with no valves, or they can perform the ceremony on a Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, or a 1, 2 or 3 valved bugle. The bugler can be of any age as long as they can play the 24 notes of Taps with an ease and style that will do honor to both the Veterans, their families, and the burial detail performing the service. There are no fees or dues to participate as a volunteer, although there are certain directives that must be followed.
Circle of Change
http://www.circle-of-change.org/
Circle of Change seeks to help veterans who suffer from the effects of traumatic events by providing both dog training and handling experiences in order to develop confidence, respect, and trust, thereby improving the veterans’ quality of life, self esteem and social skills.
ConnectVets.org
http://www.connectvets.org/
ConnectVETS is excited to announce the launch of its online, on-demand educational curriculum: Veterans Employment Transitioning for Success (VETS) Program entitled New Mission.The New Mission program is specifically designed to provide an A-Z road map to facilitate the preparation of transitioning Service Members and Veterans so that they are more successful in sourcing employment opportunities, preparing for interviews, and specifically communicating their value proposition to the hiring manager.
Easter Seals
http://www.easterseals.com/
Easter Seals is working with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide a Program of Comprehensive Support to eligible veteran caregivers. Mandates by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-163), Easter Seals and the VA are providing caregiver training via face to face classes throughout the country, a workbook/DVD approach and on demand web access. Eligible caregivers are certified by their local VA Caregiver Support Coordinators to receive this training. Those certified and completing the training will be eligible for Veteran Caregiver benefits.
GiveForward
http://www.giveforward.com/
GiveForward is an online fundraising website and one of the easiest ways to raise money for a loved one in need. We are the #1 platform to start a medical fundraiser and the only site with fundraising coaches who provide fundraising ideas and guidance on how to raise money online.
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation
http://www.heartofamarine.org/
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation provides comfort, support, financial assistance, and additional resources to improve the quality of life of military personnel in ALL BRANCHES of the United States Armed Forces, including Veterans and their families.
IAA Foundation
http://www.iaafoundation.org/
The IAA Foundation funds efforts in support of agriculture and education, with a specific focus on funding Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, and administering a robust college scholarship program. From time to time, the Foundation also takes on additional cause efforts to support agriculture and farm families.
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www2.illinois.gov/
Programs
Helping Our Hometown Heroes
There are numerous benefits Illinois Veterans have earned and are entitled to receive and are not always aware of how to access them. Helping Our Hometown Heroes assists Illinois Veterans with information on those issues from a variety of vendors, including Social Security, healthcare, housing, unemployment benefits, and specialty programs available for minority, women, disabled and homeless veterans.
Illinois Joining Forces
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) is a joint Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA) effort designed to better serve veterans, service members, and their families throughout the state. IJF will bring together, under a common umbrella, a field force of public, non-profit, and volunteer organizations in order to continually foster increased awareness of available resources and better partnership and collaboration between participating organizations.
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program provides confidential assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to their everyday lives after serving our country. Health professionals are there to help.
Military Records
Assisting veterans to obtain a set of duplicate military awards, acquire copies of their service records and service treatment records, submit discharge document upgrades, and request updates to their DD-214’s, such as the receipt of a campaign medal after discharge.
Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs
Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs (MV2E) is an IDVA and CMS jointly-led initiative (originally launched in June 2012) that brings together pertinent government agencies, educational institutions, trade associations, business sector experts, and employers to educate returning service members and veterans regarding resources and advancement opportunities available to veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans Assistance Fund
Veterans Care
The Veterans Care Program is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable healthcare to Illinois' uninsured veterans. The program covers those veterans who have the least access to reliable healthcare. These are the veterans who cannot currently access Veterans Health Administration's benefits and who meet specific income requirements.
Veterans Cash Veterans Cash is the Lottery's first lottery ticket where 100 percent of proceeds go to support Illinois veterans.
Veteran Homes
All four Illinois Veterans’ Homes are fully staffed with caring and dedicated professionals who provide quality long-term skilled care and services to resident members. Volunteers from veteran service organizations and the local community provide many additional supporting services and activities to the veterans.
Veteran of the Month
The Veteran of the Month award program highlights and honors the work of Illinois veterans whose contributions in service to the veteran community and their local communities are truly above and beyond.
Illinois Joining Forces
http://www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) is a statewide, public-private network of veteran- and military-serving organizations. We collaborate in person and online to help service members, veterans, and their families navigate the “sea of goodwill.”
No one organization can do it all. But veterans shouldn’t have to wander from office to office—or website to website—to figure out who does what, and who can best meet their needs. By searching the IJF website or by asking the IJF site support team for help, service providers, veterans and military families open one door... and find a whole world of support. Throughout this website, you will find:
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/
The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) provides monetary grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
IMFRF grants are intended to help service members and their families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.
The Independence Fund
http://www.independencefund.org/
In 2013, the Independence Fund it's Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) initiative. The concept is that increasing the level of oxygen carried by ones blood increases the level of healing. The initial block of treatment ranges from 4-6 weeks and then requires the occasional tune-up. Fundraising for the HBOT program is one of the top priorities for the fund in 2014. Countless Veterans who have lost their mobility can FINALLY get the chance to re-experience the out-doors with the help of these marvelous All-Terrain-Chairs. No longer must they be confined to the pavement! Fishing, Hunting, going to the Beach, and playing with the children in the back yard are now possible - Sweet Independence! We could only wish that the government would provide our Veterans with the rehabilitation equipment that they really need - but that is not the reality. The Independence Fund with your help, buys equipment that will provide veterans with the utmost independence - Whatever it takes to help our brave men and women come back to a normal and independent life. Palm Key is a serene getaway near Beaufort, SC located between the marshes, maritime forests, nature trails, fresh and brackish water ponds and boasts a myriad of wildlife. After caring for thousands of veterans, The Independence Fund has a vision to establish a center where our severely wounded could truly have a chance to heal their bodies, their minds and their spirits - a place that can help reconcile their sacrifice with their service.
The John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support
http://www.jmls.edu/veterans/clients/index.php
The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) specializes in appealing denied veteran’s benefits claims, including service-connected benefits, pension benefits, survivor benefits, and education benefits. The VLSC will not begin work on an initial claim that has not been filed or is currently pending before the Department of Veterans Affairs. To receive assistance in filing an initial claim for benefits please contact a Veterans’ Service Organization.
The VLSC Case-Management Process
In order to maintain its neutral role with such programs, the VLSC does not represent veterans in criminal matters before the court.
The VLSC will begin a case file when a veteran calls with a denied benefit's claim. During the initial contact, a trained clerical intern will conduct an in-depth intake to obtain all pertinent informaton on the denied claim. Before the VLSC can proceed, it must receive and review all correspondence with the VA regarding the benefits claim, most importantly the Rating Decision issued by the VA. Once the VLSC receives the pertinent documents, your case will be put in a queued waiting list. (The VLSC operates on a first-come, first-served basis.) When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, your case will be assigned to a clinical student. Under the supervision of a staff attorney, the clinical student will work on developing your case. The goal of the VLSC case-management process is to locate a pro bono attorney to take representation of your case.
Legal Assistance Foundation
http://www.lafchicago.org/
Providing Free Legal Assistance for People Living in Poverty in Chicago & Suburban Cook County
The American legal system is complex for anyone. But for someone who is living in poverty and unable to hire an attorney, our legal system is downright intimidating. For over 40 years LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with free professional legal services. LAF makes equal justice a reality, impacting the lives of over 40,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community.
LAF’s full-time attorneys and staff give their clients individualized attention. Their work results in such successes as an order of protection from an abusive spouse, prevention of an unfair eviction, or justice for a victim of consumer fraud. LAF’s work starts by making the legal system accessible to our clients and concludes with a resolution that changes their lives and gets them back on track.
National Louis University
http://www.nl.edu/veteransprogram/educationtoemploymentinitiative/
On January 23, 2012, National Louis University announced the Education to Employment (E2) Initiative, funded through assistance from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. The E2 Initiative aims to increase the percentage of students within at-risk groups such as active duty, veteran and Hispanic populations – who complete their college education and are career-ready upon graduation. The E2 Initiative will fund support services for two programs, The Veterans Program and The Harrison Fellowship, both focusing on traditionally underserved populations.
The key components of the E2 Veterans Program include helping military students integrate back to society by providing a military-friendly education and employment opportunities, both before and after graduation. National Louis also will provide military students with a single-point of contact for advising and financial aid. Specifically, the university is building an on-line portal where service personnel and veterans will have comprehensive access to a multitude of resources including federal financial aid, GI benefits, military education benefits, V.A. assistance and library access. The courses also will be offered online for active duty soldiers or those serving on bases away from National Louis' downtown Chicago campus. Additionally, a veterans' lounge will be built on the Chicago campus where students can connect with other veterans and access important resources.
National Louis currently offers veterans a 10 percent tuition discount, and has been a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which matches contributions of institutions of higher education when tuition costs exceed the award offered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. In addition, the university has run campuses in Washington, D.C. and McLean, VA as well as offered degree programs on the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Operation Support Our Troops
http://www.osotamerica.org/
SUPPORTING CONVICTION. SUPPLYING COMPASSION.OSOT America provides more than supplies; we support America’s sons and daughters in the field, care for their families and rally around our veterans. Together, we can significantly add to each soldier’s ability to come home and fully re-integrate into civilian life.
DEPLOYED SOLDIERS/SAILORS/MARINES/AIRMEN We send comfort packages to individual deployed military members in harm’s way and special requests to units and hospitals in the field.
FAMILY MEMBERS OSOT America’s We Have Not Forgotten program offers ongoing group and immediate grieving support for family members of the military. Our Family Resource and Support Team (FRST) began in 2006 and provides the following programs:
We meet at BlackFinn America Saloon in Naperville the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm. For more information email: [email protected]
FAMILY RESOURCE & SUPPORT TEAM Family Resource & Support Team, (FRST) where you can come to learn more about military family life while sharing the support and camaraderie of other active duty military, their families and veterans. FRST meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. For additional information and the location of the meeting, please email [email protected]
RETURNING VETERANS We raise funds to improve veteran care facilities as well as funding individual veteran support initiatives.
Pat Tillman Foundation
http://pattillmanfoundation.org/
Founded in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships – building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.
Pets for Vets
http://pets-for-vets.com/
At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. The Pets… 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These animals can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainers will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment. The Vets… Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.
Salute, Inc.
http://www.saluteinc.org/
To passionately pursue meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. We strive to raise awareness of their sacrifices and provide a safety net to ensure every military family is treated with honor and dignity.
SALUTE PROGRAMS
Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Applicant eligibility for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program includes:
· Must be currently service connected or involved in the process of an evaluation for service connection.
· Must be Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Only. (OIF/OEF)
· Must provide military points of contact and have written consent given to VA case manager allowing us permission to discuss your case.
· Must send completed application before any assistance is offered. Click here for application and fax back to us at 847-359-8818.
*Due to the current case load of veterans needing assistance, please allow 3-4 weeks for a client advocate to contact you. We appreciate your patience.
Nightingale Program
A collaborative effort with numerous private Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers around the country providing financial assistance along with practical and emotional support to family members of severely injured hospitalized military members receiving specialized long-term treatment.
Builders of Hope
A collaborative effort with builders/contractors/local businesses offering specially adapted home renovation opportunities to severely disabled military members and their families. (project basis)
Therapeutic Military Adaptive Sports Camps/Activities
An opportunity to shift focus from disability to ability. Includes paralympic sports camp, cycling, fishing/hunting, horseback riding, skiing, water sports, and wheelchair basketball.
The Road Home Program
A collaborative effort with the Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush University Medical Center which provides support, counseling and health services to help veterans and their families understand, heal from and cope with the invisible wounds of war.
Sittercity.com
https://www.sittercity.com/
Sittercity Military Program— helping you find the perfect sitter for your family. Memberships to Sittercity are fully paid for by the Department of Defense.
Use your membership to find:
United States Veterans Art Program
http://www.usvap.org/
The United States Veterans Arts Program (USVAP) is a Chicago-based non-profit 501c-3 that has melded contemporary veterans issues with community-based support, in order to highlight one of the most crucial concerns of our times: improving the health of the military and veteran population that suffers not only from physical disabilities, but also from PTSD and other mental health needs.
USVAP believes that art can address many of these issues. By encouraging and supporting an aesthetic response to the military experience, we hope to emphasize the diversity of the veteran population and to create a new identity of veterans as people who are capable, gifted, and resilient, and that they often possess the very voice that society needs to hear and to heed. Ultimately, we strive to encourage veterans to use their innate, intuitive pursuit of art: not necessarily as a profession, but as part of the universal human drive to create a powerful form of communication, one that contributes not only to the arts community, but to our society in general.
Vets Prevail.Org
https://www.vetsprevail.org/
Vets Prevail is an innovative new online mental health tool that is tailored specifically to today’s Veterans, helping ease transition to life after military service and tackle post deployment re-adjustment challenges. Employing cutting edge technology, the program creates engagement through dynamically tailored interactions. The core content is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the standard of care for treatment of symptoms related to PTSD and depression. The program incorporates interactive multimedia e-learning lessons, peer support, diagnostic self-assessments, and proprietary software for scheduling and tracking user activities, thoughts, and feelings. Vets Prevail was developed through the collaboration of mental health researchers and clinicians at top universities and hospitals with the backing of the National Science Foundation and The McCormick Foundation.
Change and recovery is possible, and Vets Prevail is a tool that can help fulfill this promise for our returning Veterans. It is a best-in-class, scalable solution with capacity and reach far beyond any traditional mental health offering, at a fraction of the cost.
The YMCA
http://www.ymca.net/military-outreach/
Military Outreach Initiative and Respite Child Care Deployment can be a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and their families. In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, the Y is proud to offer memberships and respite child care services to eligible military families and personnel to give them extra support during this difficult period. It’s our way of giving back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country.
http://www.alwaysfaithfuldogs.org/
“Always Faithful” is an IRS registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving disabled military veterans with free service and therapy dogs.
To achieve this, "Always Faithful” will provide the resources to obtain and train a dog according to the needs of the disabled military veteran.
American Bar Association
http://www.americanbar.org/
The mission of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel is to:
1. Foster the continued growth of the military legal assistance programs;
2. Promote the delivery of legal services to military personnel and their family members and to persons accompanying the armed forces outside the United States, on their personal legal affairs; and
3. Maintain close liaison with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard), the military services, bar associations and appropriate committees of the Association to enhance the scope, quality and delivery of free or affordable legal services to eligible legal assistance clients.
Bugles Across America
http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/
Bugles Across America, NFP was founded in 2000 by Tom Day, when Congress passed legislation stating that Veterans have a right to at least two uniformed military people to fold the flag and play Taps on a CD player. Bugles Across America was founded to take this a step further. In recognition of the service these Veterans have provided to their country, we felt that they each deserve a live rendition of Taps played by a live bugler. To this end, we are actively seeking capable volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.
Bugles Across America now has over 7500 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting more than 1/2 million veterans to pass every year for the next 7 years, Bugles Across America is ALWAYS recruiting new volunteers.
Bugler Volunteers can be male or female. They can play a traditional bugle with no valves, or they can perform the ceremony on a Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, or a 1, 2 or 3 valved bugle. The bugler can be of any age as long as they can play the 24 notes of Taps with an ease and style that will do honor to both the Veterans, their families, and the burial detail performing the service. There are no fees or dues to participate as a volunteer, although there are certain directives that must be followed.
Circle of Change
http://www.circle-of-change.org/
Circle of Change seeks to help veterans who suffer from the effects of traumatic events by providing both dog training and handling experiences in order to develop confidence, respect, and trust, thereby improving the veterans’ quality of life, self esteem and social skills.
ConnectVets.org
http://www.connectvets.org/
ConnectVETS is excited to announce the launch of its online, on-demand educational curriculum: Veterans Employment Transitioning for Success (VETS) Program entitled New Mission.The New Mission program is specifically designed to provide an A-Z road map to facilitate the preparation of transitioning Service Members and Veterans so that they are more successful in sourcing employment opportunities, preparing for interviews, and specifically communicating their value proposition to the hiring manager.
Easter Seals
http://www.easterseals.com/
Easter Seals is working with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide a Program of Comprehensive Support to eligible veteran caregivers. Mandates by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-163), Easter Seals and the VA are providing caregiver training via face to face classes throughout the country, a workbook/DVD approach and on demand web access. Eligible caregivers are certified by their local VA Caregiver Support Coordinators to receive this training. Those certified and completing the training will be eligible for Veteran Caregiver benefits.
GiveForward
http://www.giveforward.com/
GiveForward is an online fundraising website and one of the easiest ways to raise money for a loved one in need. We are the #1 platform to start a medical fundraiser and the only site with fundraising coaches who provide fundraising ideas and guidance on how to raise money online.
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation
http://www.heartofamarine.org/
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation provides comfort, support, financial assistance, and additional resources to improve the quality of life of military personnel in ALL BRANCHES of the United States Armed Forces, including Veterans and their families.
IAA Foundation
http://www.iaafoundation.org/
The IAA Foundation funds efforts in support of agriculture and education, with a specific focus on funding Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, and administering a robust college scholarship program. From time to time, the Foundation also takes on additional cause efforts to support agriculture and farm families.
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www2.illinois.gov/
Programs
Helping Our Hometown Heroes
There are numerous benefits Illinois Veterans have earned and are entitled to receive and are not always aware of how to access them. Helping Our Hometown Heroes assists Illinois Veterans with information on those issues from a variety of vendors, including Social Security, healthcare, housing, unemployment benefits, and specialty programs available for minority, women, disabled and homeless veterans.
Illinois Joining Forces
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) is a joint Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA) effort designed to better serve veterans, service members, and their families throughout the state. IJF will bring together, under a common umbrella, a field force of public, non-profit, and volunteer organizations in order to continually foster increased awareness of available resources and better partnership and collaboration between participating organizations.
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program provides confidential assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to their everyday lives after serving our country. Health professionals are there to help.
Military Records
Assisting veterans to obtain a set of duplicate military awards, acquire copies of their service records and service treatment records, submit discharge document upgrades, and request updates to their DD-214’s, such as the receipt of a campaign medal after discharge.
Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs
Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs (MV2E) is an IDVA and CMS jointly-led initiative (originally launched in June 2012) that brings together pertinent government agencies, educational institutions, trade associations, business sector experts, and employers to educate returning service members and veterans regarding resources and advancement opportunities available to veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans Assistance Fund
Veterans Care
The Veterans Care Program is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable healthcare to Illinois' uninsured veterans. The program covers those veterans who have the least access to reliable healthcare. These are the veterans who cannot currently access Veterans Health Administration's benefits and who meet specific income requirements.
Veterans Cash Veterans Cash is the Lottery's first lottery ticket where 100 percent of proceeds go to support Illinois veterans.
Veteran Homes
All four Illinois Veterans’ Homes are fully staffed with caring and dedicated professionals who provide quality long-term skilled care and services to resident members. Volunteers from veteran service organizations and the local community provide many additional supporting services and activities to the veterans.
Veteran of the Month
The Veteran of the Month award program highlights and honors the work of Illinois veterans whose contributions in service to the veteran community and their local communities are truly above and beyond.
Illinois Joining Forces
http://www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/
Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) is a statewide, public-private network of veteran- and military-serving organizations. We collaborate in person and online to help service members, veterans, and their families navigate the “sea of goodwill.”
No one organization can do it all. But veterans shouldn’t have to wander from office to office—or website to website—to figure out who does what, and who can best meet their needs. By searching the IJF website or by asking the IJF site support team for help, service providers, veterans and military families open one door... and find a whole world of support. Throughout this website, you will find:
- a searchable directory of networked military and veteran resources in Illinois
- personal help if you can’t find what you need
- info about upcoming veteran/military events
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/
The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) provides monetary grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
IMFRF grants are intended to help service members and their families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.
The Independence Fund
http://www.independencefund.org/
In 2013, the Independence Fund it's Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) initiative. The concept is that increasing the level of oxygen carried by ones blood increases the level of healing. The initial block of treatment ranges from 4-6 weeks and then requires the occasional tune-up. Fundraising for the HBOT program is one of the top priorities for the fund in 2014. Countless Veterans who have lost their mobility can FINALLY get the chance to re-experience the out-doors with the help of these marvelous All-Terrain-Chairs. No longer must they be confined to the pavement! Fishing, Hunting, going to the Beach, and playing with the children in the back yard are now possible - Sweet Independence! We could only wish that the government would provide our Veterans with the rehabilitation equipment that they really need - but that is not the reality. The Independence Fund with your help, buys equipment that will provide veterans with the utmost independence - Whatever it takes to help our brave men and women come back to a normal and independent life. Palm Key is a serene getaway near Beaufort, SC located between the marshes, maritime forests, nature trails, fresh and brackish water ponds and boasts a myriad of wildlife. After caring for thousands of veterans, The Independence Fund has a vision to establish a center where our severely wounded could truly have a chance to heal their bodies, their minds and their spirits - a place that can help reconcile their sacrifice with their service.
The John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support
http://www.jmls.edu/veterans/clients/index.php
The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) specializes in appealing denied veteran’s benefits claims, including service-connected benefits, pension benefits, survivor benefits, and education benefits. The VLSC will not begin work on an initial claim that has not been filed or is currently pending before the Department of Veterans Affairs. To receive assistance in filing an initial claim for benefits please contact a Veterans’ Service Organization.
The VLSC Case-Management Process
In order to maintain its neutral role with such programs, the VLSC does not represent veterans in criminal matters before the court.
The VLSC will begin a case file when a veteran calls with a denied benefit's claim. During the initial contact, a trained clerical intern will conduct an in-depth intake to obtain all pertinent informaton on the denied claim. Before the VLSC can proceed, it must receive and review all correspondence with the VA regarding the benefits claim, most importantly the Rating Decision issued by the VA. Once the VLSC receives the pertinent documents, your case will be put in a queued waiting list. (The VLSC operates on a first-come, first-served basis.) When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, your case will be assigned to a clinical student. Under the supervision of a staff attorney, the clinical student will work on developing your case. The goal of the VLSC case-management process is to locate a pro bono attorney to take representation of your case.
Legal Assistance Foundation
http://www.lafchicago.org/
Providing Free Legal Assistance for People Living in Poverty in Chicago & Suburban Cook County
The American legal system is complex for anyone. But for someone who is living in poverty and unable to hire an attorney, our legal system is downright intimidating. For over 40 years LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with free professional legal services. LAF makes equal justice a reality, impacting the lives of over 40,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community.
LAF’s full-time attorneys and staff give their clients individualized attention. Their work results in such successes as an order of protection from an abusive spouse, prevention of an unfair eviction, or justice for a victim of consumer fraud. LAF’s work starts by making the legal system accessible to our clients and concludes with a resolution that changes their lives and gets them back on track.
National Louis University
http://www.nl.edu/veteransprogram/educationtoemploymentinitiative/
On January 23, 2012, National Louis University announced the Education to Employment (E2) Initiative, funded through assistance from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. The E2 Initiative aims to increase the percentage of students within at-risk groups such as active duty, veteran and Hispanic populations – who complete their college education and are career-ready upon graduation. The E2 Initiative will fund support services for two programs, The Veterans Program and The Harrison Fellowship, both focusing on traditionally underserved populations.
The key components of the E2 Veterans Program include helping military students integrate back to society by providing a military-friendly education and employment opportunities, both before and after graduation. National Louis also will provide military students with a single-point of contact for advising and financial aid. Specifically, the university is building an on-line portal where service personnel and veterans will have comprehensive access to a multitude of resources including federal financial aid, GI benefits, military education benefits, V.A. assistance and library access. The courses also will be offered online for active duty soldiers or those serving on bases away from National Louis' downtown Chicago campus. Additionally, a veterans' lounge will be built on the Chicago campus where students can connect with other veterans and access important resources.
National Louis currently offers veterans a 10 percent tuition discount, and has been a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which matches contributions of institutions of higher education when tuition costs exceed the award offered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. In addition, the university has run campuses in Washington, D.C. and McLean, VA as well as offered degree programs on the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Operation Support Our Troops
http://www.osotamerica.org/
SUPPORTING CONVICTION. SUPPLYING COMPASSION.OSOT America provides more than supplies; we support America’s sons and daughters in the field, care for their families and rally around our veterans. Together, we can significantly add to each soldier’s ability to come home and fully re-integrate into civilian life.
DEPLOYED SOLDIERS/SAILORS/MARINES/AIRMEN We send comfort packages to individual deployed military members in harm’s way and special requests to units and hospitals in the field.
FAMILY MEMBERS OSOT America’s We Have Not Forgotten program offers ongoing group and immediate grieving support for family members of the military. Our Family Resource and Support Team (FRST) began in 2006 and provides the following programs:
- Baby Basket: Provides outreach to pregnant wives of deployed service members
- Gold for Gold: Partnership with the US Army Golden Knights to provide a growth experience for families of fallen service members based around a tandem jump
We meet at BlackFinn America Saloon in Naperville the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm. For more information email: [email protected]
FAMILY RESOURCE & SUPPORT TEAM Family Resource & Support Team, (FRST) where you can come to learn more about military family life while sharing the support and camaraderie of other active duty military, their families and veterans. FRST meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. For additional information and the location of the meeting, please email [email protected]
RETURNING VETERANS We raise funds to improve veteran care facilities as well as funding individual veteran support initiatives.
- Hero In The House: Welcomes home returning troops
- USO
- Wounded Warrior Project
- Fisher House for Illinois
- Hines VA Hospital
- Research into non-traditional treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pat Tillman Foundation
http://pattillmanfoundation.org/
Founded in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships – building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.
Pets for Vets
http://pets-for-vets.com/
At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. The Pets… 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These animals can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainers will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment. The Vets… Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.
Salute, Inc.
http://www.saluteinc.org/
To passionately pursue meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. We strive to raise awareness of their sacrifices and provide a safety net to ensure every military family is treated with honor and dignity.
SALUTE PROGRAMS
Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Applicant eligibility for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program includes:
· Must be currently service connected or involved in the process of an evaluation for service connection.
· Must be Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Only. (OIF/OEF)
· Must provide military points of contact and have written consent given to VA case manager allowing us permission to discuss your case.
· Must send completed application before any assistance is offered. Click here for application and fax back to us at 847-359-8818.
*Due to the current case load of veterans needing assistance, please allow 3-4 weeks for a client advocate to contact you. We appreciate your patience.
Nightingale Program
A collaborative effort with numerous private Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers around the country providing financial assistance along with practical and emotional support to family members of severely injured hospitalized military members receiving specialized long-term treatment.
Builders of Hope
A collaborative effort with builders/contractors/local businesses offering specially adapted home renovation opportunities to severely disabled military members and their families. (project basis)
Therapeutic Military Adaptive Sports Camps/Activities
An opportunity to shift focus from disability to ability. Includes paralympic sports camp, cycling, fishing/hunting, horseback riding, skiing, water sports, and wheelchair basketball.
The Road Home Program
A collaborative effort with the Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush University Medical Center which provides support, counseling and health services to help veterans and their families understand, heal from and cope with the invisible wounds of war.
Sittercity.com
https://www.sittercity.com/
Sittercity Military Program— helping you find the perfect sitter for your family. Memberships to Sittercity are fully paid for by the Department of Defense.
Use your membership to find:
- Babysitters
- Nannies (part time & full time)
- Last minute care
- Pet sitters, housekeepers
- PCS help and more!
United States Veterans Art Program
http://www.usvap.org/
The United States Veterans Arts Program (USVAP) is a Chicago-based non-profit 501c-3 that has melded contemporary veterans issues with community-based support, in order to highlight one of the most crucial concerns of our times: improving the health of the military and veteran population that suffers not only from physical disabilities, but also from PTSD and other mental health needs.
USVAP believes that art can address many of these issues. By encouraging and supporting an aesthetic response to the military experience, we hope to emphasize the diversity of the veteran population and to create a new identity of veterans as people who are capable, gifted, and resilient, and that they often possess the very voice that society needs to hear and to heed. Ultimately, we strive to encourage veterans to use their innate, intuitive pursuit of art: not necessarily as a profession, but as part of the universal human drive to create a powerful form of communication, one that contributes not only to the arts community, but to our society in general.
Vets Prevail.Org
https://www.vetsprevail.org/
Vets Prevail is an innovative new online mental health tool that is tailored specifically to today’s Veterans, helping ease transition to life after military service and tackle post deployment re-adjustment challenges. Employing cutting edge technology, the program creates engagement through dynamically tailored interactions. The core content is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the standard of care for treatment of symptoms related to PTSD and depression. The program incorporates interactive multimedia e-learning lessons, peer support, diagnostic self-assessments, and proprietary software for scheduling and tracking user activities, thoughts, and feelings. Vets Prevail was developed through the collaboration of mental health researchers and clinicians at top universities and hospitals with the backing of the National Science Foundation and The McCormick Foundation.
Change and recovery is possible, and Vets Prevail is a tool that can help fulfill this promise for our returning Veterans. It is a best-in-class, scalable solution with capacity and reach far beyond any traditional mental health offering, at a fraction of the cost.
The YMCA
http://www.ymca.net/military-outreach/
Military Outreach Initiative and Respite Child Care Deployment can be a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and their families. In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, the Y is proud to offer memberships and respite child care services to eligible military families and personnel to give them extra support during this difficult period. It’s our way of giving back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country.