In November, we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our country as a part of Veterans Day. As we reflect on the service of our nation’s veterans, we’d like to take a moment to recognize our programs that serve veterans across the Sunshine State. Volunteer Florida is proud to support veteran organizations through our AmeriCorps and Volunteer Generation Fund programs. Learn more about some of these fantastic organizations below.
Big Bend Hospice Foundation
With funding from the Volunteer Generation Fund program, Big Bend Hospice will support 400 volunteers who will contribute 3,000 volunteer hours to helping our veterans in the coming year. Volunteers will conduct Valor Ceremonies and provide vet-to-vet companionship visits wherever the patient calls home. Big Bend Hospice serves Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties.
Florida Veterans Foundation
Over the next year, the Florida Veterans Foundation will recruit 400 volunteers who will provide a variety of services to veterans and their family members. These activities include job skills workshops, financial assistance workshops, counseling services and transportation to and from medical appointments. The Florida Veterans Foundation serves low-income counties across Florida. Support for these activities is provided by Volunteer Florida’s Volunteer Generation Fund.
Operation New Uniform
With funding from the Volunteer Generation Fund, Operation New Uniform will support 400 volunteers this year who will conduct workshops that increase opportunities for veterans as they transition from military life. Volunteers with Operation New Uniform train veterans and their families for fulfilling careers, developing their skills as they grow within the organization. Operation New Uniform serves Duval, Clay, Baker, Nassau, St. John’s and Putnam counties.
Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay
AmeriCorps members with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay provide services and support to veterans and their families at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Hillsborough County and the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Pinellas County. During their year of service, AmeriCorps members serve veterans, active military and military family members by assisting them with wellness plans, helping them to gain access to healthcare services.
Funding for AmeriCorps and the Volunteer Generation Fund is provided by the federal agency, AmeriCorps (formerly known as the Corporation for National and Community Service). To learn more about funding opportunities available through Volunteer Florida, please sign-up for our newsletter here.