American Legion Auxiliary

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Awards Grant to American Legion Auxiliary

Washington, D.C.  – National nonprofit, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), was awarded a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Fund today in support of its efforts to impact the lives of military and veteran caregivers through the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which the ALA co-presents with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The nearly 100-year-old ALA is among thirteen organizations nationwide receiving funding for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, the spouses, parents, and loved ones caring for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans at home.

“Through the Hidden Heroes Fund, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation continues to build a strong, nationwide network of support for America’s military caregivers,” announced Senator Elizabeth Dole, president of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “This year’s recipients are some of the most respected organizations working on behalf of the veterans’ community and caregivers, and together, they will help ensure our nation supports our hidden heroes for years to come.”

Additionally, the grant will provide educational “Caregiver Hours,” co-hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the ALA, focused on the shared experience of a military caregiver and self-care. These funds will help ALA develop a model for caregiver support so that veterans and their caregivers alike can feel more assured and comfortable participating in external programs designed to bolster veterans’ healing and wellbeing.

“The American Legion Auxiliary National Organization is delighted to be a grant recipient of the 2018 Hidden Heroes Fund,” said ALA Executive Director/National Secretary Mary “Dubbie” Buckler. “The grant will enable the ALA to provide specialized support to caregivers accompanying veterans from across the country at the week-long National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The ALA recognizes that many veterans depend daily on the unsung role of caregivers. Too often, veterans will not participate in special events and programs because of the extra burden it causes for their caregivers. The grant will help ALA develop a model for caregiver support so that veterans and their caregivers alike can feel more assured and comfortable participating in external programs designed to bolster veterans’ healing and wellbeing.”

For a full and detailed list of Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 2018 Hidden Heroes Fund Grant recipients, click here. If you are interested in interviewing Elizabeth Dole Foundation leadership or grant recipients, please contact Katie Haswell at [email protected] or 202-414-0799.

 

About the American Legion Auxiliary

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With nearly three-quarters of a million members, it is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1.5 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more and get involved, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.