We celebrate veterans on Veteran’s Day, November 11, but veterans deserve support year-round. It’s crucial to aid veterans with financial resources to honor their service to the United States and help ease the transition to civilian life for those ending their service. Former military service members face unique challenges, including healthcare costs and finding employment in the civilian world. Financial assistance can address immediate needs, but also foster long-term stability.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of resources for veterans (and their families) to connect them with services and opportunities that can help them address financial challenges and reach their goals. If you’re not a service member, these organizations could be great options to make a charitable donation. We have a collective responsibility to those who have bravely served our country, and we’re honored to uplift these organizations!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive services catering to veterans’ well-being. Core offerings include healthcare, disability compensation, and pension programs. The VA ensures educational opportunities through the GI Bill which aids in paying college tuition and facilitates home loans. Mental health support, rehabilitation services, and aid for homeless veterans are prioritized. The VA also assists in transitioning to civilian life through employment resources and small business initiatives. Additionally, it manages national cemeteries, honoring veterans in perpetuity. The VA is committed to enhancing the lives of those who have served, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, and socioeconomic stability.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. military veterans. Established in 1899, it advocates for veterans’ rights, offers community programs, and provides financial assistance to those in need. With a strong focus on camaraderie and service, VFW plays a crucial role in ensuring veterans’ well-being by addressing their unique challenges and fostering a supportive community. Through various initiatives, the VFW remains committed to enhancing the lives of those who have served in foreign conflicts.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) helps over one million veterans every year. Founded in 1920, it offers a range of services, including disability benefits assistance, employment resources, and support for transitioning to civilian life. DAV focuses on improving the quality of life for disabled veterans, advocating for their rights, and promoting inclusivity. Through its impactful programs, the organization strives to ensure that veterans with disabilities receive the care, support, and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives after their military service.
American Legion
The American Legion, established in 1919, is a nonprofit organization with over two million members. It plays a pivotal role in advocacy, community service, and support for veterans. The American Legion offers a range of programs, including education initiatives, career resources, and financial aid. Through its network of local posts, it builds a community by fostering an environment where veterans can connect, share experiences, and access crucial resources.
The American Legion even has a podcast called Tango Alpha Lima that covers military related topics and news. Tune in to learn more about veteran health issues, military culture, veteran entrepreneurs, and stay informed!
Women Veterans of America
In 1990, Claudia Mitzeliotis formed Women Veterans of America as a support group in response to the Gulf War. This organization advocates for women in the armed forces and acts as a voice for women veterans’ rights and needs. This group, created to be a safe space for women veterans seeking community, has chapters in Tennessee, South Carolina, New York, and Texas.
Fisher House Foundation
If you or a family member receive medical care at a VA hospital, you may face coordinating additional logistics, like lodging and transportation to the medical center. Incredibly, there is an entire organization that builds accommodations for families to stay in at no cost while their loved one is getting treatment.
The Fisher House Foundation was founded in 1990 and is a nonprofit organization that builds homes near military and VA medical centers. In 2022, Fisher House served more than 27,000 families and has a daily capacity of serving over 1,300 families. This compassionate initiative eases stress and ensures families can focus on supporting their wounded or ill service members, while building community at the same time.
In addition to lodging, Fisher House also offers programs that use donated air travel frequent flier miles to provide airfare for service members and their families to travel to military medical centers. The Fisher House Foundation has a top rating of four out of four stars on Charity Navigator for 19 years in a row!
Operation Homefront
The spouses and children of military members play a valuable role in supporting our nation’s troops and deserve specialized support. Operation Homefront is a registered nonprofit founded in 2002 that aims to meet these needs. It offers short-term relief programs like financial assistance and housing placement for service members.
Operation Homefront goes beyond exclusively serving veterans. It also has recurring support programs like providing military families with supplies when they welcome a new baby, holiday toy drives and meals for military members and families, and back-to-school supply drives. Operation Homefront has a top rating of four out of four stars on Charity Navigator for 11 years in a row!
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is dedicated to helping veterans find jobs that make use of the skills they developed during active duty. This resource page links to various job boards with a focus on hiring military service members, including some government sponsored programs like Hire Vets and the Department of Defense Skills Bridge. It also hosts in-person and virtual workshops for veterans and military spouses. For military spouses, it shares resources for finding employment and community which can aid in adjusting to living in a new location for their spouse’s military orders.
State and Local Veterans Programs
There are plenty of additional resources beyond national organizations. For example, at the state and local level, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) or the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services have additional and local resources for housing, employment, healthcare, veteran-owned business development, and more. Search for state or city-level programs in your area to get connected.
Conclusion
Those who have served our country have shown bravery and dedication. They deserve support from within their communities of veterans and military families, but also from others who have benefitted from their service. For veterans who need support – financial assistance, community, connection to job opportunities – there are many organizations that serve unique needs. At Milli, we’re honored to celebrate our veterans and provide resources that help everyone save more for things that matter.
Keep reading on the Milli blog:
Financial Planning for Your Children and Family’s Future
How to Save $5,000 in One Year
Top Banking Terms You Should Know
