A Safe Haven’s Veterans’ Initiatives now include homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. This grant supports ASHF’s expansion of services (employment outreach, case management, legal assistance, etc).

The Disabled Patriot Fund supports wounded service members to meet unique needs not covered by government programs or incurred while awaiting discharge and/or disability benefits.

The Hines VA Fisher House provides free lodging – a “home away from home” – for families of active military and veteran patients receiving care at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL.

Kids Rank provides military children with a sense of stability through interactive group learning experiences and community service. Through the formation of local clubs, Kids Rank engages children in hands-on skill building projects and volunteer opportunities designed to encourage resilience. These military children serve their communities just as their parents serve (or have served) our country. This grant supports an expected 10% membership increase and a new Social/Emotional Learning pilot and curriculum rollout.

The mission of the organization is to ensure that veterans, their families and the members of their communities are made aware of, and can access, available benefits/services/support for their mental and physical well-being. This grant supports education and outreach efforts to veterans who have been caught up in the opioid epidemic.

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers Veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. Building on a previous grant, this grant supports TMF’s FY25 Chicago Summit. The summit provides TMF staff and fellow Spartans an opportunity to learn, connect and engage with others in our area who share a passion for service and inspiring others to adopt the “If Not Me, Then Who…” spirit. Community Summits help introduce participants to the many ways they can engage with TMF and support the mission in our community. Community Summits provide an opportunity for relationship building and best practice sharing among Spartans, staff and community partners with a shared passion for strengthening their communities.

VCAT is a grass-roots program which partners with Dreiske Moving Company as well as many local partners to collect furniture, household goods, and supplies for veterans who have been homeless and placed back into housing. A team of veterans delivers the furniture, household items, and two weeks’ worth of food to help the new housing feel like home. Recipients are informed about other agency programs that might be helpful to their situation.

ASHF launched the Veterans RISE (Resources-Information-Support-Empowerment) Program to fill a gap inservices for Veterans with behavioral health needs, ex. Those with an elevated risk for suicide. Serving veterans and family members RISE acts as a major resource providing an integrated primary care model of health assessments, case management, and therapeutic counseling.

Code Platoon helps veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement through a coding bootcamp in Chicago. Students learn software development principles, modern software languages and professional best practices – frequently culminating in local paid internships.

The Disabled Patriot Fund supports wounded service members to meet unique needs not covered by government programs or incurred while awaiting discharge and/or disability benefits.

The Hines VA Fisher House provides free lodging – a “home away from home” – for families of active military and veteran patients receiving care at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL.

Kid’s rank provides military children with a sense of stability through interactive group learning experiences and community service. Through the formation of local clubs, Kids Rank engages children in hands-on skill building projects and volunteer opportunities designed to encourage resilience. These military children serve their communities just as their parents serve (or have served) our country.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog.

ASHF launched the Veterans RISE (Resources-Information-Support-Empowerment) Program to fill a gap in services for Veterans with behavioral health needs, ex. Those with an elevated risk for suicide. Serving veterans and family members, RISE acts as a major resource providing an integrated primary care model of health assessments, case management, and therapeutic counseling.

Code Platoon helps veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement through a coding bootcamp in Chicago. Students learn software development principles, modern software languages and professional best practices – frequently culminating in local paid internships.

The Disabled Patriot Fund supports wounded service members to meet unique needs not covered by government programs or incurred while awaiting discharge and/or disability benefits.

The Hines VA Fisher House provides free lodging – a “home away from home” – for families of active military and veteran patients receiving care at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers Veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. Building on a previous grant supporting TMF’s Leading With Your Strengths (LWYS) personal development and leadership training, this grant supports TMF’s Character Does Matter program. Veterans in the program serve their communities as service project leaders and youth mentors.

The mission of Veterans Path to Hope is to provide veterans in need and their families the services necessary to experience hope and achieve success. This grant supports the Veterans Community action Team which addresses employment needs of struggling veterans; veterans’ housing stability; recycling efforts; community awareness; food insecurity.

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community well-being, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. The Oberweiler Foundation grant supports Brushwood Center’s nature inspired art programs for veterans. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress and improves mental disorders that afflict veterans such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Building on past funding this grant supports growth of The At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans workshops through additional partnering with Veterans organizations and a new music therapy offering.

The Disabled Patriot Fund supports wounded service members to meet unique needs not covered by government programs or incurred while awaiting discharge and/or disability benefits.

IMD Guest House builds community and healing by providing comfortable, affordable accommodation for patients and their families throughout their treatment. Grant supports accommodations and healthcare hospitality services provided to military veterans receiving treatment for post traumatic stress disorder through the Road Home Intensive Outpatient Program at Rush University Medical Center.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers Veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. Leading With Your Strengths (LWYS) is TMF’s premiere personal development and leadership training, teaching the key factors that create thriving and purpose-driven individuals. LWYS aids service members in leveraging their strengths, passions, and skills to thrive personally and professionally in post military lives. An estimated 180 Veterans in Chicagoland area are expected to be impacted.

A Safe Haven is a non-profit social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. The grant supports ASH’s seventh annual Veteran Stand Down. The event provides approximately 500 homeless and at-risk veterans with breakfast, lunch, military surplus goods, clothing, footwear, and supportive services (Haircuts, eye exams, medical screenings, employment services, etc.).

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community well-being, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. The Oberweiler Foundation grant supports Brushwood Center’s nature inspired art programs for veterans. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress and improves mental disorders that afflict veterans such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Building on past funding this grant supports growth of The At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans workshops through new offsite prgrams, research programs, and outreach efforts.

Code Platoon helps veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement through a coding bootcamp in Chicago. Students learn software development principles, modern software languages and professional best practices – frequently culminating in local paid internships.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

The mission of the Veterans Restorative Project (VRP) is to help veterans in Northern Illinois improve their health, well-being and resilience through iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation. This grant supports continuation of iRest programs at the Hines Veterans’ Administration and Chicago Heights Vet Center.

Since 1998, Angelic Organics Learning Center has helped build sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people. This grant will fund further expansion of Angelic Organics’ service model specifically to U.S. veterans, including the Take Root program. The goal of the Veteran Beginning Farmer project is to leverage the resources of the most innovative farmer-led farmer training programs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for the benefit of veterans. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn about farming, to create a business plan to launch their farm businesses, gain access to capital and financial training, and work apprenticeships at operating farms.

BraveHearts provides innovative equine-assisted activities and therapies in support of children, adults, and our military veterans. Located in Harvard and Poplar Grove Illinois, BraveHearts has the largest horse program in the country for military veterans; all veterans receive services at no cost. Veteran participants may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other issues associated with a return from active service. Veterans learn horsemanship skills and techniques on how to gentle a horse. This grant supported a team of BraveHearts staff and veterans who completed a 20-mile trail ride in Washington DC, bringing awareness of the 20 veterans who commit suicide each day in the U.S. while also raising funds for the BraveHearts veterans program. It also supported training for the ride at Windy Knoll Farm.

Nestled in 565 acres of woodlands, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community well-being, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. The Oberweiler Foundation grant supports Brushwood Center’s nature inspired art programs for veterans. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress and improves mental disorders that afflict veterans such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans workshops provide over 400 experiences in photography, music and creative writing to Vets.

Pets for US Heroes pairs shelter and rescue dogs and cats with community members in high stress careers, including veterans

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

A Safe Haven is a non-profit social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. The grant supports ASH’s fifth annual Veteran Stand Down. The event provides approximately 500 homeless and at-risk veterans with breakfast, lunch, military surplus goods, clothing, footwear, and supportive services (Haircuts, eye exams, medical screenings, employment services, etc.).

Since 1998, Angelic Organics Learning Center has helped build sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people. This grant will fund further expansion of Angelic Organics’ service model specifically to U.S. veterans, including the Take Root program. The goal of the Veteran Beginning Farmer project is to leverage the resources of the most innovative farmer-led farmer training programs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for the benefit of veterans. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn about farming, to create a business plan to launch their farm businesses, gain access to capital and financial training, and work apprenticeships at operating farms.

BraveHearts provides innovative equine-assisted activities and therapies in support of children, adults, and our military veterans. Located in Harvard and Poplar Grove Illinois, BraveHearts has the largest horse program in the country for military veterans; all veterans receive services at no cost. Veteran participants may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other issues associated with a return from active service. Veterans learn horsemanship skills and techniques on how to gentle a horse. A team of BraveHearts staff and veterans completed a 20-mile trail ride in Washington DC. The ride brought awareness of the 20 veterans who commit suicide each day in the U.S. while also raising funds for the BraveHearts veterans program.

Horsefeathers provides high quality Equine Assisted programs including horsemanship/adapted riding programs for children and young adults with special needs, and hippotherapy and psychotherapy services. Following a conversation with the vocational rehabilitation counselors from the Lovell Veterans’ Administration in North Chicago, the organization decided to explore how it might also assist the local military veteran population. Veterans served typically have barriers that prevent them from successfully obtaining and maintaining employment (mental health issues, physical impairments, age, criminal backgrounds, poor and sporadic work histories, etc.) Funding supports the placement of veterans at the Horsefeathers facility. The veterans receive a work environment and experience.

The mission of the Veterans Restorative Project (VRP) is to help veterans in Northern Illinois improve their health, well-being and resilience through Integrative Restoration “iRest” Yoga Nidra Meditation in the body. This grant supports implementation of iRest at the Hines Veterans’ Administration and DuPage Vet Center.

A Safe Haven is a non-profit social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. The grant supports ASH’s fourth annual Veteran Stand Down. The event provides approximately 500 homeless and at-risk veterans with breakfast, lunch, military surplus goods, clothing, footwear, and supportive services (Haircuts, eye exams, medical screenings, employment services, etc.).

Since 1998, Angelic Organics Learning Center has helped build sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people. This grant will fund the second year expansion of Angelic Organics’ service model specifically to U.S. veterans. The goal of the Veteran Beginning Farmer project is to leverage the resources of the most innovative farmer-led farmer training programs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for the benefit of veterans. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn about farming, to create a business plan to launch their farm businesses, gain access to capital and financial training, and work apprenticeships at operating farms.

BraveHearts provides innovative equine-assisted activities and therapies in support of children, adults, and our military veterans. Located in Harvard and Poplar Grove Illinois, BraveHearts has the largest horse program in the country for military veterans; all veterans receive services at no cost. In 2016, BraveHearts provided 12,962 equine sessions to 639 veterans from across the country. Through collaboration with equestrian and US Gold Medalist Aaron Ralston and the NYPD mounted police, a team of BraveHearts staff and veterans completed a 22-mile trail ride in New York City. The ride brought awareness of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day in the U.S. while also raising funds for the BraveHearts veterans program.

Horsefeathers provides high quality Equine Assisted programs including horsemanship/adapted riding programs for children and young adults with special needs, and hippotherapy and psychotherapy services. Following a conversation with the vocational rehabilitation counselors from the Lovell Veterans’ Administration in North Chicago, the organization decided to explore how it might also assist the local military veteran population. Veterans served typically have barriers that prevent them from successfully obtaining and maintaining employment (mental health issues, physical impairments, age, criminal backgrounds, poor and sporadic work histories, etc.) Funding supports the placement of veterans at the Horsefeathers facility. The veteran receives a work environment and experience.

Kid’s rank provides military children with a sense of stability through interactive group learning experiences and community service. Through the formation of local clubs, Kids Rank engages children in hands-on skill building projects and volunteer opportunities designed to encourage resilience. These military children serve their communities just as their parents serve (or have served) our country. This grant provides funding for a pilot program expansion in the city of Chicago’s Hope Manor II facility. Hope Manor if one of the first large scale supportive housing developments specifically designed for Veterans with families.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

BraveHearts provides innovative equine-assisted activities and therapies in support of children, adults, and our military veterans. Operation Mustang is a program where veterans work with and gentle wild mustangs. Participants may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other issues associated with a return from active service. Veterans learn horsemanship skills and techniques on how to gentle a wild horse. The mustang often serves as a mirror times 10 of the veteran. Veterans are able to relate to the horse’s lack of trust and readjustment to their new “normal”.

Funding provides travel and related support for military veterans participating in Operation Mustang as part of Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. Funding also supports the sponsorship – care and feeding- of one mustang so that Operation Mustang may be offered to additional veterans.

BraveHearts provides innovative equine-assisted activities and therapies in support of children, adults, and our military veterans. Operation Mustang is a program where veterans work with and gentle wild mustangs. Participants may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other issues associated with a return from active service. Veterans learn horsemanship skills and techniques on how to gentle a wild horse. The mustang often serves as a mirror times 10 of the veteran. Veterans are able to relate to the horse’s lack of trust and readjustment to their new “normal”.

Funding provides travel and related support for military veterans participating in Operation Mustang as part of Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. Funding also supports the sponsorship – care and feeding- of one mustang so that Operation Mustang may be offered to additional veterans.

Horsefeathers provides high quality Equine Assisted programs including horsemanship/adapted riding programs for children and young adults with special needs, and hippotherapy and psychotherapy services. Following a conversation with the vocational rehabilitation counselors from the Lovell Veterans’ Administration in North Chicago, the organization decided to explore how it might also assist the local military veteran population. Veterans served typically have barriers that prevent them from successfully obtaining and maintaining employment (mental health issues, physical impairments, age, criminal backgrounds, poor and sporadic work histories, etc.) Funding supports the placement of veterans at the Horsefeathers facility. The veteran receives a work environment and experience.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.

A Safe Haven is a non-profit social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. The grant will support the organization’s new Veteran Village which broke ground in Melrose Park in 2015. The project, which is expected to be completed by August, 2016, will provide housing for returning veterans and create 35 uniquely designed supportive housing units for veterans and their families.

Since 1998, Angelic Organics Learning Center has helped build sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people. This grant will fund the first expansion of Angelic Organics’ service model specifically to U.S. veterans. The goal of the Veteran Beginning Farmer project is to leverage the resources of the most innovative farmer-led farmer training programs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for the benefit of veterans. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn about farming, to create a business plan to launch their farm businesses, and to gain access to capital and financial training.

Salute, Inc. passionately pursues meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. Military members served are currently experiencing the effects of the economic challenges our country is facing along with reentry to civilian life, unemployment in many instances caused by PTSD, physical injuries, and emotional issues, all due to their military service. As well, many experience delayed benefits from the enormous VA backlog. Financial assistance includes delinquent rent, tax bills, food counseling, medical bills, phone and utility, car payment, out-patient transportation, insurance, etc. All payments are made to vendors (not directly to veterans) and cases managed by experienced volunteer counselors.