Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Luke Feldbrugge
The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded its second legacy grant to the National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) with a pledge of $150,000 to be awarded in three payments over three years from 2024 – 2026. These funds will help to support the transformative programs offered by NCHV at Valor Farm in Altavista, VA, and in the development of what they refer to as, “Village II”.
National Center for Healthy Veterans Check Presentation with Jay Flynn
The check presentation interview was conducted by Homes for Heroes Foundation Director, Jay Flynn. Local Homes for Heroes Real Estate Specialist, Angie Holt, and Homes for Heroes Mortgage Specialist, Melanie Thompson, together nominated the National Center for Health Veterans for grant support from the Homes for Heroes Foundation. Both Angie and Melanie are actively involved with providing local support and volunteering their time and effort to assist in the work that NCHV provides the veterans who go through the programs offered.
Jay interviewed Major General U.S. Army (Retired) Bob Dees, who is the NCHV President. They spoke about what NCHV does to support the veteran community, and how the Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will help the organizations’ initiatives over the next three years.
You can watch the full interview below.
What is the National Center for Healthy Veterans?
The National Center for Healthy Veterans is a faith-based organization dedicated to the holistic recovery and reintegration of veterans into society. Their comprehensive nine-month residential program at Valor Farm focuses on resilience, trauma recovery, and career preparation.
For example, veterans engage in farm work, which provides a sense of purpose and community, while also participating in life skills programs and trauma recovery services. The learning center provides further support to veterans by offering educational and vocational training.
According to Major General (Retired) Bob Dees, “Our mantra is to return healthy veterans to America.”
Why does the NCHV provide the services they do to the U.S. Veteran community?
The NCHV provides these services to address the physical, mental, and spiritual wounds of veterans; helping them achieve their full potential by showing them ways they can contribute to society. The organization’s mantra, “returning healthy veterans to America,” reflects their commitment to holistic healing.
For instance, the veterans live in small groups, fostering camaraderie and mutual support; and participate in activities like technical training and holistic wellness programs to prepare them for life after the military.
“Our real intellectual property is how we rewire the brain, reshape the heart, and restore the soul,” said Major General (Retired) Bob Dees.
Examples of Support and Impact:
- Community Living – Veterans live together in small groups, fostering a sense of community, teamwork, mutual support and respect.
- Dignified Work – Veterans engage in farm work, the trades, and other meaningful activities, providing a sense of purpose and contribution.
- Technical Training – The learning center provides skills training in various trades to expand their capabilities and provide a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
- Holistic Wellness – Programs include physical fitness, mental health support, and spiritual growth.
- Mentorship – Veterans receive guidance and support from experienced mentors.
If you are interested in learning more about the National Center for Healthy Veterans and the work they are doing to help veterans, you can visit their website. And, if you are interested in making a donation to assist in their efforts, simply register to make a one time or recurring donation.
Why is Homes for Heroes awarding this legacy grant to the National Center for Healthy Veterans?
The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded this grant to support the NCHV’s mission of transforming veterans’ lives and building the infrastructure needed to sustain their programs over the next three years.
A portion of the funds will be used for the following:
- Veteran Support – A portion of the grant will help to build and maintain programs required to help support, train and council veterans who stay at Valor Farm.
- Learning Center – A portion of the grant will help to further build the Learning Center and resources needed for the different programs provided.
- Development of Village II – Construct 25 tiny homes and a community center, known as “Village II,” fostering rehabilitation and renewal for at-risk veterans.
Jay Flynn, Director of the Homes for Heroes Foundation, expressed the organization’s dedication to empowering veterans through sustained support.
“Through this three year grant pledge, we aim to provide essential resources allowing our veterans to have the opportunity to thrive,” said Jay Flynn.
Melanie and Angie, Homes for Heroes specialists, have personally witnessed the impact of NCHV’s work by participating in volunteer activities and listening to veterans’ stories
“Some veterans need rehabilitation. They need to be healed so that they can adapt and contribute to society,” Melanie emphasized.
Angie added, “I think sometimes they don’t have people that listen. So we’ve been blessed to hear their stories, and blessed by them.”
Jay Flynn, Director of the Homes for Heroes Foundation, highlights the organization’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy through the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving. This second legacy grant exemplifies the mission to support and honor those who have served our country.
“Our first legacy grant supported firefighters with burn injuries…and the National Center for Healthy Veterans is our second legacy grant to help support Village II, and our veterans,” Jay stated.
Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving
Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; such as firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.
To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country facing a housing crisis or who are in need of urgent financial assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home with one of their local specialists, simply sign up to speak with a member of the team. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions. When you tell them you’re feeling ready to speak with their local specialists in your area about home buying, selling, or refinancing your mortgage, they will connect you with their local specialists to begin the process.
Simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation page if you’re interested in learning more about where it has awarded recent grants to hero organizations throughout the country, how much they’ve awarded to date, and how it all works.
If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit their donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. And, thank you for your interest and support.
