Dunedin Becomes Hidden Heroes City To Support Veteran Caregivers

DUNEDIN, FL — Dunedin has pledged its support to local military and veteran caregivers by signing on as a Hidden Heroes City, joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s network of more than 160 communities nationwide committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.

The Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties program is part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign launched in 2016 by Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Campaign Chairman Tom Hanks and nearly 200 military caregivers representing virtually every state in the union.

Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face, brings critical resources to the nation’s hidden heroes caring for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.

“If we want to be a nation that truly cares for those who have borne the battle, we must also be a nation that cares for our caregivers,” said Hanks.

On Feb. 16, the city of Dunedin joined the campaign as the 161th community to sign on as a Hidden Heroes Community, one of the campaign's key national initiatives designed to develop military caregiver resources at a local level. Each Hidden Heroes city, county or state signs on to help identify local military caregivers and deepen community resources to offer them vital support.

Jennifer Henius of Celtic Realty is the wife of a Marine Corps veteran, a long-distance caregiver for her veteran father and a nationally recognized caregiver advocate who brought this initiative to the city’s Veterans’ Advisory Committee for consideration.

“I am so proud to champion our military and veteran caregivers and of the overwhelming support by the city of Dunedin leadership today to pass the Hidden Heroes City resolution,” said Henius.

Henius is the founder of Yoga4Caregivers which she established at the onset of the coronvirus pandemic to support the health and wellness of family caregivers. She is working to establish a nonprofit called the Caregiver Wellness Collective Inc.

“The U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee is so strongly and enthusiastically supportive of this initiative” said committee chairman, the Rev. Robert Swick, as the committee voted unanimously in support of the resolution and Hidden Heroes campaign.

During the February city commission meeting, the mayor and other commissioners expressed their support and appreciation for caregivers, their resiliency, compassionate spirit and the sacrifices they make devoting their time to their loved ones.

“This partnership and ability to offer some services and resources to caregivers is a natural next step. I was a caregiver for both of my parents and it can be difficult and extremely isolating. So if there‘s a way that we can offer veteran caregivers some support, even if it’s just emotional support, I’m all in,” said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski.

The city commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 21-04 recognizing the city of Dunedin as a Hidden Heroes City.

“It’s such a salute to not only our country, but to how we perceive and how we wish to take care of our veterans and their caregivers," said Commissioner John Tornga. "To now have the opportunity to honor and appreciate them through the Hidden Heroes campaign is a moment to be very proud of."

“This is the first step in identifying military and veteran caregivers and helps increase local awareness and support services,” said Vince Gizzi, parks & recreation director.

Individuals caring for someone who served, or those who wish to support the campaign, can visit HiddenHeroes.org for more information.

“I have dedicated my life to this cause because I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers make in the lives of our veterans each and every day, in neighborhoods big and small,” said Dole. “But their needs are overwhelming and, as a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support them in their life-long journey of care. That begins by encouraging our caregivers to raise their hands, become a part of our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community – it’s why our partnership with the city of Dunedin is so important.”

"The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated and recognized for their service to the nation," Dole continued. "Together, we are working toward a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation."