Neighbor News
Goodwill Announces Formation of Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund
SERV initiative will provide veterans with immediate assistance for housing, education and food
In response to a growing need for emergency assistance for veterans and their families for housing, education and food, Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program has recently launched the SERV initiative, which will provide Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV).
When a veteran is in need, the Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services team assigns each individual a case manager who works with the veteran and his or her family to create an individual plan, assessing need and identifying community resources to meet those needs. If the veteran and his or her family have emergency needs, the Goodwill team attempts to identify community resources through community partners and collaborative organizations that can assist. If no other avenues to help are available, SERV can be utilized to assist the veteran and the family with the problem. The case managers also help in other areas that enhance integration into the community or the civilian workforce, while addressing these emergency needs.
The criteria for a veteran to receive assistance through SERV are defined on a case-by-case basis and include issues relating to housing, education, medicine and hunger.
“The brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families make enormous sacrifices, both during and after their service to our nation. As large numbers of veterans are discharged from the military, the demand for services designed to facilitate their reintegration into their communities, families and jobs is immense,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We want to teach people to be self-sufficient, and help them get back on their feet. Under our Veterans Services Program, through collaboration with community leaders, we decided to develop the SERV Initiative to help veterans in their time of great need. This is an initiative that we are proud to offer to the veterans in our community who need it most. This is just another way that we are working to change lives, and we thank the local community and like-minded businesses for their support.”
The SERV initiative began through the generous participation and contributions of attorney Bill Robertson, CEO of Kirk-Pinkerton, PA, and Steve Hall, market president of Alltrust Insurance. Community support is helping to ensure that veterans are properly equipped to reintegrate back into civilian life.
“We recognized the need to move quickly and establish an emergency fund for veterans in need in our community. Through constant collaboration with Goodwill Manasota, we have worked to raise awareness and funds, and that’s how the SERV initiative was founded,” said Robertson. “SERV is a natural extension of efforts we have spearheaded including the Kirk-Pinkerton Scholarship Fund and the ‘Helping our Heroes’ segment of my ‘Let’s Talk Law’ radio show on WSRQ, through which we aim to employ veterans and assist with financial needs. We are proud to be involved in this worthy initiative.”
“There are so many veterans and their families in need in this community and we are thrilled to assist in the formation of the SERV Initiative with Goodwill Manasota,” said Hall. “This new initiative will be essential in helping veterans and their families facing tragic situations and trauma. We have already received a tremendous outpouring of community support, which will help increase the success and reach of this new venture.”
To support Goodwill’s SERV initiative through a financial contribution, please visit experiencegoodwill.org or send a check to Goodwill Manasota, ATTN: Foundation at 2705 51st Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203. Funds received through SERV are tax-deductible and go directly to help the families receiving assistance. To learn about additional ways you can help, please contact C.J. Bannister, director of the Veterans Services Program, at (941) 355-2721, ext. 451.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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