The Veteran Heroes Foundation is a non-profit organization. We are seeking donations and grants to fund the development and operation of a veteran center and museum. Our primary goal is to obtain a donated property, preferably a standing building which aligns with our plans for the center and museum.
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Why a Veterans Center is Needed
Veterans in the greater Bridgeport need a place where they can find services, support, understanding, and camaraderie. Veteran service organizations across America are struggling to survive in these times, due to a decrease in the amount of new members. Younger veterans, men, and women have a hard time seeing what these veteran organizations can offer them.
As a result, so many veterans go without the services and support that they need. Too many veterans, nationwide, are committing suicide each day. They need a place to connect with other individuals who understand their experiences.
What We are Working to Create
The Veterans Center
A place for all veterans and their families to call their own and meet with other veterans.
A central place to address their needs and find resources and referrals for local, state, and federal organizations.
A place for local veteran support organizations to meet and advertise their scheduled programs and services.
The Veterans Museum
A museum which teaches the community about the history of the veterans living and working within the local community.
Administration and Logistics
The foundation will support the development, operations, and programs for both the center and the museum. The donated facility must be large enough to accommodate both spaces. The renovations and maintenance of the facility will be funded through the foundation and professional volunteer labor, and the operations will be funded by the foundation and rely on volunteers.
There will be a charge for use of the center or museum, but donations will be accepted, especially for scheduled events.
Operation
The board of directors will oversee the operations of the foundation, the center, and the museum.
The center and museum will each be managed by separate directors who are managed by the board of directors. The center and museum will have separate staffs, with both volunteer and paid positions, although certain paid staff may work for both and report directly to the board.
The center will be open for all veteran organizations to operate within the facility, as well as local, state, and federal organizations.
The museum will be open to the public and will display a history of the local veterans and host items donated by local veterans and family members.
The Statistics
Roughly 1 in 10 veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with substance abuse, and roughly 1 in 3 develop PTSD.
Roughly 1 in 10 outpatient appointments at military clinics are for treating depression.
The suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher than the average suicide rate.
Statistics from Charlie Health, Inc.
Veteran suicide rates are currently at an all-time high.
Roughly 11-20% of veterans experience PTSD.
Statistics from National Alliance on Mental Illness
At least 22 veterans complete suicide every day.
Statistics from National Veterans Foundation
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Information Line:
800-698-2411
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Hotline:
877-222-8387
