Episode 117 – WWI Series Part 3 – Battle of Orleans

Question of the Week How was the 16th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala?

I really admire the mission of the New England Center and Home for Veterans. Their mission focus is to serve a segment of the Veteran population that is disadvantaged – homeless Veterans. However, in recent years the Center has transformed into a place that serves all Veterans. It was great seeing all the people come out to…

It’s February—my favorite month of the year. First of all, it holds the birthdays of every member of my family, including my mamma’s birthday, which is today! Happy birthday, Mommybear! It’s also such a weirdo month—you know, 30 days have September, April, June, and November—all the rest have 31 EXCEPT FEBRUARY! Because February is the best month. 

I think I was trying to build up to February also being when we celebrate Presidents’ Day—in honor of the birthday of George Washington (and also, sort of, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln—and also, sort of, presidents generally). So in that spirit, I thought I would write today’s post with a tip o’ the hat to Martha Dandridge (later Martha Washington), the first First Lady of these United States. 

“Lady Washington,” as she came to be known, dedicated herself to caring for soldiers and veterans of the Revolutionary War, visiting the men, donating food, sewing clothing and blankets, and enlisting other women in the colonies to volunteer to do the same. This week I’m donating my two cents to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, a group taking up Martha’s challenge (many years later, but not many miles from the Continental Army’s winter headquarters in Cambridge).

Now in its third decade of service, The New England Center for Homeless Veterans (NECHV) is a multi-dimension service and care provider dedicated to assisting Veterans who are facing or at-risk of homelessness. The Center offers a broad array of programs and services that enable success, reintegration, meaningful employment and independent living.

NECHV is the country’s first and largest veteran-specific homeless shelter. Its many services—including a residential program, specialized counseling, medical facilities, job placement, housing programs, and veterans training school are designed to help veterans overcome the complex and compounding challenges of addiction, trauma, mental illness, and unemployment. The work of NECHV lends the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual support necessary for veterans to not just live, but thrive in their communities.

Join me in donating to NECHV—and happy February.

My Two Cents 

What I Gave Up: Huge bag of red potatoes, $5.

Where It’s Going: Direct services for veterans out-of-home or at high risk for homelessness

Why: Because veterans have done a lot for us. And they deserve much more in return.

-Annie, wishes her mom a happy birthday.

Happy Veterans Day!