For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Tessa Miller
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
[email protected]
202.249.7177
Military caregivers selected to advocate locally and nationally for the growing millions of Americans caring for wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home
Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2023) – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has announced 15 military and veteran caregivers from across the country for its 2024 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows. The fellowship is a highly selective program that empowers active military caregivers to serve as leaders in their local communities while also representing their peers in national advocacy initiatives. More than 5.5 million spouses, parents, and other loved ones voluntarily provide more than $14 billion annually in care to service members and veterans, with both numbers expected to grow dramatically in the coming years.
“Every year, we are privileged to welcome a new class of Fellows who bring a wealth of insights, perspectives, and experiences,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The diversity of this year’s class enriches our mission as we continue to support the hidden heroes caring for those who serve. These Fellows will strengthen our national network of caregivers from all backgrounds and contribute to solving the systemic issues that continue to affect the lives of caregivers, veterans, and their families.”
Fellows receive training from the Foundation to serve as community builders and voices of support in their home states. The Fellows also have opportunities to share their experiences with elected officials, including national leaders in the White House, Congress, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government agencies. Additionally, they engage with stakeholders and allies in the business, entertainment, faith, and nonprofit communities.
During their two-year term, the 2024 Class will support the Foundation’s current priorities, including encouraging other Americans to self-identify as caregivers, expanding resources for caregiver families, reducing veteran and caregiver suicide, and announcing the findings for a landmark study on caregivers commissioned by the Foundation, to come out later this year.
The 2024 Class represents 7 states and includes a daughter caring for her stepfather suffering the effects of Agent Orange, a spouse caring for her high school sweetheart after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, a caregiver from the Navajo Nation working to bring accessible medical facilities to Native American communities, and a reformed gang member who repaired his strained relationship with his veteran father and now oversees his care.
The 2024 Dole Caregiver Fellows include:
- Amy Stephens – Goleta, CA
- Andre Morrow – San Jose, CA
- Ann Nacino – Huntington Beach, CA
- Jennifer Carson – Moreno Valley, CA
- Karla Seijas – Merced, CA
- Sandy Cullins – Carlsbad, CA
- Tracy Brown – Oakland, CA
- Vivian Mitchell – Fountain, CO
- Stacey Hawley – Seffner, FL
- Michele Hopkins – Warner Robins, GA
- Vanessa Chism – Emmitsburg, MD
- Matthew Wilson – Watertown, NY
- Cori Marrero – Frisco, TX
- Kimberly Perez – Garland, TX
- Sheila Davis – Wichita Falls, TX
If you are interested in conducting an interview with a 2024 Dole Caregiver Fellow, or with a spokesperson from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, please contact Tessa Miller [email protected].
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Learn more about the Class of 2024 Dole Caregiver Fellows here.
