Cornerstone Family Programs Receives Grant Award from Disabled Veterans National Foundation

Morristown, NJ -June 17, 2021 –  Cornerstone Family Programs is honored to announce it has received a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $13,000 which will fund Operation Sisterhood and build on its successful model to improve the health and well-being of our female veterans in NJ.

They wore the same uniforms and fought the same battles, but our female service members have a unique story to tell. We have learned a great deal about our female warriors. They are by far, an exceptional breed. Many do not self-identify as veterans and civilians often fail to recognize women as veterans, leading to mistrust. As more female troops transition from active duty to civilian life, they face many barriers. Lack of a community of female vets, limited accessibility to medical care especially reproductive health, trauma-informed services, lack of childcare assistance for single mothers and financial instability due to lack of financial literacy and are more likely to be homeless with children. While some of these challenges affect all veterans, the issues are compounded for women because of cultural stereotypes.

In collaboration with our partners, Morris County SOS Veteran’s Stakeholder’s Committee and Family Connections, outreach, advocacy and therapeutic peer support will continue to be our winning strategies.  Building awareness and camaraderie are giving our female service members and their families a chance for a brighter future.

Patrice Picard, Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone Family Programs said, “As we enter our sixth year, we are thrilled to be awarded this grant from DVNF to continue our statewide outreach and wellness interventions focused on the unique challenges of our women veterans and their families in NJ.”

Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation said, “[DVNF will add quote from our CEO].”

The Cornerstone story began against the backdrop of the War of 1812 where our founding mothers, The Female Charitable Society, were devoted to caring for the wives and children left behind as the men left to fight for our country. Today, CFP continues its legacy by responding to the unique needs of our service members and their families especially amid 20 years following September 11, 2001. Operation Sisterhood is recognized as a model of collaboration, bringing together human services organizations, private sector and the military to provide community-based interventions for our veterans and their families. Our program has provided counseling and case-management for hundreds of veterans and their families, addressing issues such as PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, suicide, reintegration and family and marital concerns. What is most striking about our programs is our ability to respond to the unique and urgent needs of our military families with resources, creativity and innovation as a community-based alternative to traditional government-funded programs for veterans and their families who could benefit from specialized education, therapeutic peer-support and counseling close to home.

 

About the Disabled Veterans National Foundation:

Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.

DVNF achieves this mission by:

• Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
• Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
• Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
• Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community and educating the public accordingly.

About Cornerstone Family Programs

Mission Statement: Strengthening communities by helping people build better lives. 

Operation Sisterhood fulfills this mission by focusing on identifying, connecting, and serving female veterans through outreach and collaboration, advocacy and awareness, and evidence-based peer support and camaraderie.  They take a holistic approach to help their female veterans and their families find their resiliency and strength through the bonds and support of sisterhood.

Organization Website: www.cornestonefamilyprograms.org

Disabled Veterans National Foundation Contact:

Communications Team

Datamize

explore@datamize.ai