“Our House” Foundation Newsletter
May 12, 2009As our services continue to evolve, the “Our House” Foundation continues to assist our newly returning troops, veterans from past wars, and their families. Establishing and funding specific programs that fit the needs of veterans and their family members in crisis is a continuing process that demands volunteers and funding.
To be more specific, several steps have been taken and programs instituted. The relationship between the Springfield Cardinals and the “Our House” Foundation continues as we have joined forces to:
- Rekindle pride and patriotism for our Country
- Honor our Active Duty and Veterans, and
- Raise money to support on-going and future programs for newly returning veterans with disabilities and their families.
Searching for Property
We are actively searching for 20-40 acres of land to build our “Model Transitional Community: The Center for Excellence.” To begin this noble project, we will need a minimum of 4 buildings: Administration and Professional Services Building, providing us with services to offer to our guests such as a gym, computer lab and pool; one 20-man dormitory with step-down wings; a female dormitory; and a family building to house 4 family units.
We have a growing bank of professional resources for referrals. OHF continues to work in collaboration with the Physical Therapy and Audiology Departments of Missouri State University. These departments remain available to veterans through OHF. Other support is in the developing of individual plans for retraining and re-education on our future campus as well as the higher educational institutions and technical colleges around Greene County.
Recruiting
OHF is always recruiting prospective members from our local community to serve on committees, whose function is to be the backbone of this organization and our core belief system, our mantle for guidance.
Committees in Place:
- National Advisory Council
- Local Advisory Council
- Speakers Bureau
- Special Gifts and Donations
- Historian
Committees in Process:
- Volunteer
- Public Relations / Marketing
- Grants
- CIRT Trained Telephone Bank
- National, State, and Local Action Committee
- Hospitality – Food & Dietary
Programs Implemented
By the beginning of 2009, the Board and Volunteer members developed and initiated two (2) programs specifically addressing the unique needs of returned veterans from this present war as well as veterans and their families from past wars. Please refer to the Our Programs section of the site for more information.
Service Animals for Our Veteran Service Members
As of April 13th, 2009, collaboration between the "Our House" Foundation and the North Arkansas Central SPCA Humane Society was agreed upon by a quorum of both boards establishing a Therapy Paws for Patriots program, also known as Service Animals for Our Veteran Service Members. This new addition to our program services will be developed by both organizations within the next few months.
Dr. Rita