Hundreds of Veterans Assisted at GI Go Fund Stand Down in Newark
Newark, NJ (PRWEB) October 12, 2016 -- GI Go Fund, the organization that revolutionized veterans’ services in the city of Newark, along the New Jersey State National Guard, the state Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, and the VA host the annual “Northern New Jersey Stand Down for Homeless Veterans,” a one-day outreach effort that assisted hundreds of homeless veterans and their families.
Working with partners at the federal, state, and county level, the event provided haircuts, medical checkups, and HIV testing, as well as counseling and information from private and public agencies about employment services, state and federal veterans’ benefits, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, recovery programs, hospice care, legal services, including legal support to address outstanding criminal matters.
The event included nearly 100 volunteers, including dozens from Panasonic, were at the Stand Down handing out clothes and providing support to the veterans in attendance. Volunteers from the New Jersey Army National Guard also were there to serve lunch and connect with the veterans and their loved ones.
“We are so grateful for all the support we have received to make this event a success,” said GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous. “From the great people at Panasonic to dedicated members of the city of Newark and the veteran advocates and leaders who worked so tirelessly every year to make the Stand Down what it is today. We need to do everything we can to ensure that our veterans who so tragically become homeless receive the support and care they need, and we certainly were able to help many veterans today. But the work is never done, and we will continue to try to make veteran homelessness a thing of the past.”
“It is so great to be here and help our city’s veterans,” said Newark Councilman Joseph McCallum, who is a military veteran himself. “This event is so important for our city. We come together and work to help our heroes get the care they deserve, and I am proud of the work we have been able to do today.”
“I am so proud of GI Go Fund and all the great partners who made this event a success,” said NJ Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker. “Every year our veterans in need rely on this event to help them in tough times, and I am glad that we were able to get the job done for them. So to all the volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and to our veterans, I say thank you.”
GI Go Fund has spent the past 10 years providing assistance to all military veterans by helping them find employment, access housing, and secure their educational and health benefits. The group forged a tremendous partnership with the city of Newark in 2008, and has since helped thousands of Newark area veterans and revolutionized the services they receive. Having partnered with great corporate leaders like PSEG and Panasonic, as well as innovative employment services like JobPath to help veterans train, connect to mentors, and find work, the group is paving the way for the next generation of veterans to get back on their feet.
Special thanks to the terrific partners who made this event a success, including Panasonic, the city of Newark, and all the volunteers who took the time out to help veterans in need.
Communications Team, GI Go Fund, http://www.gigofund.org, +1 (866) 389-4446 Ext: 702, [email protected]
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