Wounded Warrior Project Announces Support for Elizabeth Dole Foundation and National Military Family Association
WASHINGTON (Nov. 26, 2018) – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) announced a continuation of its strategic partnership with Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF), to support their efforts to help caregivers of wounded veterans.
WWP is proud to stand with EDF in their efforts to advocate to national leaders on caregiver reforms, and to support digitizing the Military and Veteran Caregiver Experience map. This map charts key moments that veterans and caregivers experience along their journeys, and it measures the impact on their physical, psychological, financial, and social well-being. This information allows EDF and WWP to develop programs and services that achieve better outcomes for veterans and caregivers.
WWP is also funding a collaborative partnership between EDF and the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to conduct ongoing research into the impact on and needs of children of military caregivers. This will be the first-ever published study that measures the impact that caregiving has on the children of military and veteran caregivers, including unmet needs, resource gaps, and emergent challenges.
“When we think of helping the military and veteran community and supporting service members returning home, we often forget about the hidden heroes: America’s caregivers,” said René Bardorf, WWP senior vice president of Government and Community Affairs. “For years, Elizabeth Dole Foundation has been the champion of the men and women who take care of wounded, ill, and injured veterans. Their advocacy to improve the resources available to wounded warriors and their caregivers is essential. We’re proud to support Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the impact they’re making at the national and grassroots levels.”
“Wounded Warrior Project has generated an unmatched level of awareness and support for those wounded in action. America’s appreciation for our wounded warriors simply would not be what it is today without their incredible work,” said Steve Schwab, executive director of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Wounded Warrior Project recognized early on the importance of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission to serve the caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. They have been loyal partners from the very beginning and, together, we continue to strengthen the support offered to America’s hidden heroes.”
“The youngest hidden heroes have gone unnoticed far too long,” said NMFA Executive Director Joyce Wessel Raezer. “Caregiver kids are forced to grow up quickly, taking on roles and responsibilities at home that take away from the fun and carefree nature of childhood. It’s an honor to work with committed organizations, like Wounded Warrior Project and Elizabeth Dole Foundation, to create a path forward that makes these young heroes a priority.”
“The children of service members and veterans already give so much to our nation through their parents’ military service,” said Bardorf. “We owe it to them to ensure their needs are met when their parents are injured. National Military Family Association and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation work together to ensure we lift the burdens our military kids face.”
The long-term resiliency and well-being of the military community requires ever-changing and innovative care solutions across a spectrum of providers. That’s why since 2012, WWP has supported over 120 organizations involved in the care of America’s military community. To learn more, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/community-partners.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Communications Specialist, Government & Community Relations, mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org, 202.969.1120
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.