Veteran with Disabled Granddaughter/in /by

Another “Case of the Week” from our Sarasota FL office presented by Bob Graham, Regional Manager.

Thru referral from another agency, I was contacted by a vet – disabled from an auto accident and currently unable to work.  He takes care of a disabled 19 year old (“mental capacity of a 12 year old”)  granddaughter as both of her parents are in heroin rehab.  The veteran had put together all available funds to cover rent,  but now no food or $ for personal items until SS check in early Feb – so we helped him get over this short term hump.  He was very grateful and said he would help us in the future in any way he can.

Small Request For a Large Reason/in /by

Today, we highlight a case from our Sarasota FL office as presented by our Regional Manager Bob Graham.

Such a small request for so large a reason . . .

American Legion (Bradenton Post) called yesterday – advised me that they had been requested to help a veteran whom we had previously assisted – specifically to cover transportation to CW “Bill” Young VA Hospital (“Bay Pines”, St. Petersburg) at a cost of $35 but they cannot handle.  I was told the veteran would die if not promptly transported to the hospital so I covered the $35.

Confronted At Gun Point/in /by

Today, we highlight a case from our Sarasota FL office as written by our Regional Manager, Bob Graham.

A female veteran approached us for assistance on utilities and miscellaneous expenses for new HUD-VASH supplied housing. She was previously homeless, had been confronted at gun point, beaten and “left for dead.” She is immensely grateful to the VA, of course, in getting a roof over her head. But, as we all know, the VA won’t assist on utilities and other allied financial obligations so that is where we come in and our help is making her very happy – first time in a long time!

Enrich Our Pantry/in /by

The message we want to convey with this week’s “Case of the Week” is one of community support for the veterans near our Hartselle Alabama office.

This was submitted by our office in Hartselle. A local church called Break-thru Church is presently giving support to Veterans Outreach by collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items to enrich our pantry. We have often had veterans come by in desperate need of food. The pantry has been a lifeline to these veterans. They also support our mission with the goodwill they spread throughout the community in support of Veteran Outreach.

Windshield Replaced Immediately/in /by

Our Case of the Week is brought to you from our Sarasota Florida office as told by our Regional Manager, Bob Graham.

On his case manager’s suggestion, Robert contacted us.  He, as well as another veteran down the street, have been targeted by vandals.  He is in a wheelchair and his spouse is also handicapped.  The most recent incident was a cinder block thrown through his windshield.  He needs the windshield replaced immediately in order to get to his medical appointments and other obligations. The lowest quote was $209, I am happy to tell you that we are sending a check in that amount.

Cold and Hungry/in /by

Today, we bring you our Case of the Week from our Hartselle Alabama office as told by Carol Wheeler, Office Manager, and Tom Richardson, Event Coordinator.

A gentleman (veteran) and his wife walked into the office, shy to tell us, but the problem was they were hungry. Anxious to help them, we immediately fixed them a BOX of food, enough to last a week. Then we noticed the man was lightly clothed, and our temperature outside was in the high 30’s. Carol asked him if he had a coat. His reply was quiet and muffled, he did not have a coat. We looked through our donated items and were very pleased to provide him with a well-fitted coat. So they ventured into our office cold and hungry, and left with a box of food to and a coat to stay warm. Even in Alabama, it gets cold out there!

Staying in a Hotel/in /by

Another Case of the Week from our FL office. They are so busy there with veterans requests and we sure thank Bob Graham, the Regional Manager, for sharing with us.

A medically discharged veteran, together with her Case Manager from James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, contacted me.  She’s the victim of domestic abuse and, with her 14 year old daughter, have left their residence for a local hotel. Despite a direct deposit designation, her VA check went to her house and she is unwilling to chance an encounter with her husband.  She’s been staying in a hotel and we will cover one of her nights together, for the other 2 nights required, with other agencies that the caseworker is assembling on her behalf.  After the holidays she will move out of state when her child has completed the current semester.

Dental Assistance/in /by

Our “Case of the Week” comes from our FL office, as written by our Regional Manager Bob Graham.

A 97 year old widow of a veteran, resident in a rural area north of Tallahassee, is virtually toothless and, on the advice of FL veteran officials, contacted us with regard to some dental assistance.  She is assembling the necessary documentation – with some difficulty since, as she points out, there was little or no educational system for her race at the time of her childhood, and her reading skills are lacking.  We promised assistance upon receipt of the documentation to verify her husbands’ service, etc.

Patient That Was Being Discharged/in /by

We want to share a case from our Sarasota Florida office for this week’s “Case of the Week”

Sarasota Memorial Hospital (highest rated hospital in the state, and very large) called our FL office regarding a patient that was being discharged, a veteran suffering from diabetes. Consequently, the veteran needed a special diet requiring special foods and had no money.   The hospital reached out to Veterans’ Outreach for help for this veteran. They knew of us through emergency services information. They contacted us with a plea to intercede with some food money.  We arranged the necessary coverage, gave it to his caregiver, and the groceries were covered. The hospital was very appreciative – as was the caregiver and of course the veteran.

The Water Is Coming Back On/in /by

This week, we want to highlight our “Case of the Week” from our FL office in Sarasota Florida as told by our Regional Manager, Bob Graham.

One of the VA caseworkers called us with an urgent request for a veteran with a family of 7, including 5 minor children. The City of St Pete has shut off the water to their home. The vet has an overdue bill of $162.50 which we have guaranteed, and the water is coming back on, just in time for Veterans’ Day.  He’s delighted and the caseworker says we have proved again that we “are the best”!