Veterans Supplemental Support Network: Advocates for Veterans and Their Families

The Veteran's Supplemental Support Network (VSSN) is a nonprofit organization that administers a number of programs, including the Food for Heroes program that aims to "prevent hunger and hardship among transitioning service members, veterans and their families." Thanks to recent individual and corporate support they have been able to increase their giving to add toiletries and other essential items. The organization is able to do this by holding special events with the help of volunteers who work alongside schools, businesses and other groups that give generously to help meet the needs. Volunteers also work closely with local stores, individuals and corporate entities to gather food vouchers and gift cards that are distributed and can be used by the individuals receiving support. Other programs offer emergency temporary housing (hotel stays up to three days), and Pink Boots, which is a program that aims for equity with the benefits given to female veterans. They claim to "respond to the gender specific needs of female veterans with outreach events geared toward improved awareness of available benefits, services and eligibility criteria for women who served in the United States Armed Forces." Additional help is provided to help connect veterans with jobs and to honor the desires of veterans and family members to continue their education and increase their skills in order to improve their ability to transition into the workforce. Learn more about the mission and good work of the VSSN on their website or by making friends with them on Facebook. Do you know someone or a group of people that make sure the needs of other less fortunate are met? Nominate them for next week's AmericanTown's Heroes.