The American Legion's Family Support Network
http://www.legion.org/familysupport
The American Legion's Family Support Network is ready to provide immediate assistance to service personnel and families whose lives have been directly affected by Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's war on terror. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nation's active-duty military has been on high alert, and National Guard and reserve units are being mobilized in record numbers. As a result, the families of these men and women often find themselves unable to meet normal monthly expenses, and assistance is needed for a variety of everyday chores. These tasks include grocery shopping, child care, mowing the grass, fixing the family car and other routine household jobs.
To address these issues, The American Legion has a nationwide toll-free telephone number, (800) 504-4098, for service members and their family members to call for assistance.
America's Chiropractic Center
http://www.americaschiropracticcenter.com/free-care-for-veterans
Serving our nation is one of the greatest services a person can perform. That is why America’s Chiropractic Center is proud to announce our “Military Care Program”. This program is designed to give any US military veteran returning from overseas deployment to Afghanistan and/or Iraq, chiropractic care at no cost. (The veteran will need to show his/her DD 214 or copy of orders at the first visit for this free service.)
The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University
https://www.mfri.purdue.edu/
Through research and outreach, the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) works closely with collaborators to improve the lives of service members and their families in Indiana and across the country. More than 2 million military service members have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001, many serving multiple tours in combat zones thousands of miles from home. Their families serve too, managing challenges and opportunities unique to the military lifestyle. At MFRI, we work every day as a "force multiplier" for the support of military families in and beyond Indiana. Our efforts and leadership are helping to enhance our state’s reputation in military circles, and have caused us to be sought out by local, state and national decision makers for advice and collaboration.
FIVE GOALS We are guided by five strategic goals:
- Support the military infrastructure that supports families.
- Strengthen the motivation and capacity of civilian communities to support military families.
- Generate important new knowledge about military families.
- Influence policies, programs, and practices supporting military families.
- Create and sustain a vibrant learning organization.
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.
Veteran's Life Changing Services, Inc.
http://veteranslifechangingservices.com/
Veterans Life Changing Services, Inc. (VLCS) is a Transitional Housing Program of Each One Reach One Child 501(c)(3) Corporation. It is specifically designed to assist Northwest Indiana and Illinois service men and women in their transition back into civilian life.
VLCS is helping to create a Veteran community in Northwest Indiana and Illinois that provide stabilized housing support services that increase education and job skill levels of Veterans and promote greater self determination. Currently we assist homeless veterans in Northwest Indiana and are expanding housing opportunities in Indiana and Illinois. Northwest Indiana , Lake County Veteran population is 38,887. Our homeless count in our communities range from 15.7% on any given night. Our program is comparably unique to local shelter services which target Northwest Indiana and Illinois high population of homelessness to feed and shelter people overnight with no support services. Each One Reach One Child has the experience of helping homeless veterans obtain these objectives. Our services target male and female veterans and their families to offer safe holistic productive lifestyles.
Wish for Our Heroes
https://www.wishforourheroes.org/
WISH for OUR HEROES started with the goal of providing one wish for every deserving military member. There are no requirements – military members simply have to be on active-duty at the time the wish is submitted. Our priority is to always grant basic needs or emergencies first - anything from putting food on the table to assisting with car repairs, home repairs, baby supplies, clothing, etc. When basic needs are met, we also enjoy providing fun things like sending the troops to athletic events, sending them on vacation to get re-acquainted after deployments, meeting celebrities and more.