Last week I listened to a volunteer for USA Cares, a group of men and women who have committed to assisting military families in crisis. The passion John Moore spoke with about the meaningful impact USA Cares has on so many military individuals and families went right to my heart. This nonprofit organization started after 9/11, but until I listened to Moore I was not aware of it, so I wanted to share their caring with all of you.
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Originally called Kentuckiana, the group was formed to provide help to military families in need. It was a way to thank them by sacrificing a little for their much larger sacrifice for all of us. The group continues to grow, but their mission remains to bridge the gap between veterans’ benefits and the other help they need.
Most impressive was that 83 percent of the funds they raise goes directly to assisting men and women who have given of themselves to keep our country safe and secure. That is far above the national average for nonprofit giving.
Whether it is for basic needs such as housing and food, employment assistance, relief for financial stress due to their military service or inpatient treatment for combat related stress, help begins as soon as a veteran is approved — in days, not months.
Moore said he became totally impressed with USA Cares because of its wealth of knowledge and the commitment of its members. Whether it is a CEO or a high school student — they care.
This dedicated volunteer would gladly have you contact him to hear more about USA Cares and their way of saving families, and I think you will be as impressed as I am. Moore’s phone number is 219-309-5358, and his email is [email protected], and the group’s website is www.usacares.org. Our service members need to know we care, so maybe we can add to their volunteer numbers or help with donations.
Kathy McKibben Levandowski impressed me with her basketball skills when I was coaching Valparaiso High School’s girls team many years ago. She impressed me even more when she chose to be a special education teacher after volunteering for Special Olympics during her high school years, and has made it her life’s work.
Now I am even more impressed with this woman of action with her upbeat attitude, who really doesn’t understand the term rest. She has poured her heart into helping people, especially young people. Along with her special education degree, Kathy also became a licensed athletic trainer. She has been a part of the VHS staff since 1986, and is visible at every sport event, ready when and if needed. When I called her to congratulate her for being chosen the 2015 Professional Excellence in Athletic Training award by the Indiana Athletic Training Association, she almost sounded embarrassed, and said she was pleasantly surprised that her fellow athletic trainers throughout our region nominated her, and was even more surprised to be chosen for the state award by her peers.
Her upbeat attitude is reflected in her years of service to all the athletes who have entrusted their injuries to her. With all the accolades, Kathy’s comment was, “It has been a real blessing to be able to work for the Valparaiso School Community, and I am thankful every day.”
And they are thankful for you too, my pet person of the week. Now I hope you all have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.