How do you encourage others to get involved in Veteran support organizations?

2014-01-22T22:32:10-05:00

<p>One of the greatest fears is to be used because there are scammers out there.   I would be cautious of any company that could possibly make it harder to raise money for those truly in need.</p><p><br></p><p>But info on non-profits is there.    Do your due diligence!   Get the proper paperwork and check their financials.    Be wary of superficial promises and make sure they can pay the rent where they work.</p><p><br></p><p>But the question here is how to encourage young people to get involved with Veterans and Active Duty for things such as pets for vets,  discounts,  passes and so forth.</p><p><br></p><p>Would you like to help in your local communities?  I have some ideas that could be a lot of fun and at the same time give veterans.    They can be under the umbrella of a 501C3.    Any ideas????</p>

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-01-22T23:21:08-05:00

I am talking with the Wounded Warrior Project but would welcome any ideas.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Jan 24 at 2014 1:28 AM

2014-01-24T01:28:14-05:00

Our local VA representative has worked with local businesses, encouraging them to offer consistent discounts to veterans. He's been on the radio to promote this and also creating very professional picture ID cards to validate individuals as veterans to use with local businesses

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jan 24 at 2014 6:43 AM

2014-01-24T06:43:11-05:00

I recommend our nonprofit, Project Sanctuary!  We are a results-driven, mission impact organization that is helping veterans, service members AND their families.  And unlike some of the organizations mentioned, over 80% of you donations go directly to the military families we serve!<div>Don't take my word for it, see for yourself: http://www.projectsanctuary.us. </div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://projectsanctuary.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/jf_challenge_winner.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.projectsanctuary.us.">Home - Project Sanctuary</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">At Project Sanctuary, we believe the whole family serves, and the best way to “support the troops” is by supporting the family. We provide therapeutic retreats, enabling military families to reconnect...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 27 at 2014 12:13 PM

2014-01-27T12:13:42-05:00

I started a peer-support group here in Pittsburgh called Steel City Vets (http://www.steelcityvets.com). We are now to the point where we are ready to file for our 501c(3) status. We know its going to be a long mountain to climb but it will be worth it. As one of the few grassroot in the area, we already provide help to the Veterans of the Greater Pittsburgh/Western PA areas. Through social-gatherings and service-projects, we have gotten Veterans off the couch and back in touch with Veterans right here in the area.

What I will say about doing due diligence. When you review a group's 990, remember that it cost money to make money. Not all organizations can run at a 99.9% rating mean that for every dollar donated 99.9 cents goes to the overall mission. The national foundation I sit on was called out because we use telemarketers to help get the word out and we have had great success in doing that providing funds for our transitional homes that service veterans outside of Boston. Part of the due diligence you must do is ask questions! Send the organization an email. If you see something that looks a little off, ask. Any organization should stand ready to provide answers to any questions. After all, it is your money they want and if you are willing to part with some of your hard earned money, they should be able to tell you where it will be used.

Steel City Vets

Welcome to the Offical Website for Steel City Vets,assisting Veterans of OEF/OIF from the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.