Im so happy to be bringing you the fourth installment of my Military Support Series. I had the pleasure of learning about the Yellow Ribbon Fund at a hiring fair I went to, and then at a Caregivers Fair I attended at Walter Reed. It is amazing organizations and the ladies that I met are even more amazing, caregivers themselves, I was pleased beyond belief to shake their hands. I felt like I had heard of Yellow Ribbon Fund before but there are several organizations and programs that included something about the Yellow Ribbons in their name or in their description. That being the case I felt like it was important to talk specifically about the Yellow Ribbon Fund in the hopes that it would help someone that is looking for help.
What does Yellow Ribbon Fund do?
In simple terms, Yellow Ribbon Fund fills the gap between the support and services the Military can provide for injured service members, and the support that the members and their families need. YRF works in the DC area providing assistance to those at Walter Reed and Belvoir Community Hospital. In many cases, even when the Service Member returns home, YRF continues to provide support.
Specifically, there are so many things that YRF does for these families it absolutely astounds me. How they have been able to pull together so many resources is absolutely incredible. When you receive the call that your service member is injured having the contact information for The Yellow Ribbon fund needs to be at the top of your list. They provide hotel rooms, rental cars and taxis to family members. As the healing process continues, free furnished apartments are provided to families that want to remain close to their recovering service member. For the spouses, parents and significant others it can be an overwhelming situation. Many times these people become the caregiver for their servicemember, leaving their jobs, and lives to focus on their injured service member. The first girl that I spoke to shared part of her story with me (and having met and known personally other caregivers) I can attest to the fact that it can be a difficult time. Sometimes thats the understatement of the world. YRF has pioneered a Caregiving Support program and from what I’ve leared aboutt the personal affect its had on people, I know that I would want it in my life if I needed it. As recovery continues on Mentors for service members are provided, Volunteer Ambassadors that are all over the country are connected with service members that relocate back home, and volunteer lawyers provide pro bono assistance to those that may need it.
All of this is serious work that is provide in extreme times, to meet the basic needs of all those involved. Yellow Ribbon Fund is more than that. Hundreds of activities occur every year to provide fun and relaxation, which is such a huge part of the healing process. Retreats for caregivers, activies like golfing and hunting for the service members. This time of assistance can be a crucial part of the healing process for all those involved.
If you need help and what to know more about the Yellow Ribbon Fund please don’t hesitate to contact them. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find their address, email and phone number.
If you are looking for ways to get involved and help injured service members, here’s some ways to help:
First, make a donation. I’m extremely happy to say that since the beginning 81 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to help an injured service member and their family. Visit the above link to donate through PayPal. You can also donate your time and volunteer, simply by filling out the volunteer sheet through the website. There are also plenty of fundraising opportunities, so please contact them to set something up.
Upcoming events are occurig in the DC area as well. One of the coolest things that I just iscovered today was Branch shirts designed by an injured service member, that you can purchase. This month is The Air Force Yay!! There are 28 Days left to reach their 500 shirt goal. I’m purchasing mine, so make sure you get over there and grab one for your favorite Air Froce member or yourself.
Thanks for stopping by the blog and I hope that this post has helped you in some way. If you have any other quetions please don’t hesitate to email me!