November 7, 2023
November 11th marks Veterans Day this year
Many of us are related or at least know someone who has served in our lives, be it the army, navy, marines or air force, so let’s honor and remember all those who’ve served and done their duty.
The University of Washington has a history of supporting students on the GI Bill, providing an esteemed educational environment for students who have a complex worldview based on their experience. On campus providing space for Veterans to feel safe, supported, and productive is imperative. In fact, veterans work in faculty and staff jobs and make up almost 3% of the student population.
In addition to providing a welcoming campus of learning, and an institution that will provide growth in employment, the University of Washington Combined Fund Drive invites you to consider donating to a cause that supports Veteran’s and their mental health needs.
Because suicide for Veteran’s is at a national, all-time high, providing care for their mental health is of the utmost importance to ensure that the future of our Husky community continues to thrive.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “research suggests that 11-20% of veterans experience PTSD in a given year.” In comparison, less than 4% of the general population suffers from PTSD. With the recent withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, a 20-year war has concluded, but the battlefield at home is just beginning for many of our armed service members.
Finding footing on campus and in the general population can prove challenging to veterans- they have experienced events in combat and in service that most cannot fathom.
If you are able, attend a Veterans Day event in your area specifically celebrating veterans.
Our featured nonprofit, NAMI Seattle, shared the following:
Research suggests that 11–20% of veterans experience PTSD in a given year — significantly higher than past-year estimates for the general population at less than 4%. Suicide rates of military service members and veterans are also at an all-time high, with deaths by suicide having increased by 25% during 2020.
Support Veterans Organizations
Consider making a one-time contribution or setting up payroll deduction to one of our CFD member organizations that provide support and service to our Veterans. Below are a few options to choose from. There are many more in our database.
EVERYONE FOR VETERANS (Charity Code: 1482437) – We connect low-income veterans who had served in combat areas, to individuals who provide free services including dental care, and necessary goods to make a difference in their lives.
Mercy Housing (Charity Code: 1479108) – Your donations will provide affordable apartments to families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities and critical support services such as job training and after-school tutoring.
Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound (Charity Code: 1480897) – Our mission is to provide ongoing support for the operation of the VA Puget Sound Fisher House to ease the burden of our military and veteran families as they care for their loved ones receiving extended care. We have served families from 43 states.
Seattle Stand Down (Charity Code: 1482379) – The Seattle Stand Down is committed to assisting military veterans and their families in every aspect of their transition from military to civilian life whether they just became a veteran or have been one for a long time. The Seattle Stand Down provides a place where veterans can have “one stop” access to various community and Veterans Affairs federal, state and county social services, focusing primarily on those veterans and families that are either homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.
GRuB (Charity Code: 1478552) – GRuB grows fresh food, people, and communities while partnering with youth, veterans people with low-incomes. We build backyard gardens, engage teens in experiential farm education and offer self-sufficiency, job skills and multicultural training.
Invictus Foundation (Charity Code: 1481373) – Invictus Foundation’s mission is to increase and improve behavioral health services for Traumatic Brain Injury TBI Associated Brain Injury ABI, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD, suicide prevention, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, relationship issues, Military Sexual Trauma MST, rehabilitation/aftercare community integration and pre/post deployment screening to this Country’s military, veterans, their families and families of the fallen.
Wounded Warrior Project, Inc. (Charity Code: 1478240) – Wounded Warrior Project transforms the lives of injured veterans and their families through life-changing programs and services all at no cost to them.
