Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans


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Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

433 S. Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187 • 630-871-VETS (8387) • [email protected]

Fall 2018

Donors raise $25,000 at annual golf event for MSHV programs The 13th Annual MSHV Golf Outing & Texas BBQ, held on August 24th at the Blackberry Oaks Golf Course in Bristol, IL, raised close to $25,000 in net proceeds to help fund Shelter programs. “Thanks to the support of our golfers and donors, the event was a success. MSHV will be able to help more veterans out of homelessness in our communities, and provide the essential individualized care our clients deserve” said Dan Anderson, 2018 Events Chairman. The outing attracted 120 golfers who enjoyed a wonderful day of fun and fellowship out on the course and the BBQ dinner that followed. “We’d like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, who enable us to

allocate more of the money we raise directly to the programs,” added Dan. Heading the list of sponsors were Dan and Lisa Barry, our Purple Heart Level sponsor, and Lisle Savings Bank, our Platinum Level sponsor. We would like to extend a special thank you to both of these sponsors for their continued history of support for this event.

MSHV would also like to thank all of the volunteers who donated their time to the golf outing. Their time and efforts put into the outing made this event a success.

Players enjoy a great day of golf and fellowship at the 13th Annual Golf Outing & Texas BBQ at Blackberry Golf Course to support veterans.

VetsAid selects MSHV to benefit from 2018 concert Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is proud to announce that it has been selected as a grant recipient for the 2018 VetsAid benefit concert. VetsAid, the second annual concert to support veterans and their families across the country, is sponsored and organized by Eagle’s guitarist and vocalist Joe Walsh and members of the National Association of VeteranServing Organizations. MSHV will be one of nine nationally recognized veterans’ organizations to benefit from this year’s concert. “Each of [the organizations selected] deliver evidence-based, high-impact programs that have proven to positively impact the lives of military

families,” said Chris Ford, CEO of the National Association of VeteranServing Organizations.

community with the individualized and compassionate care our clients deserve.

The concert will be held on November 11th, 2018 in Tacoma, Washington and will feature set performances by Joe Walsh, Don Henley, James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, and HAIM. Last year’s event was attended by more than 7,000 individuals, with more than $400,000 donated and distributed to selected nonprofits.

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is honored to be recognized as a grant recipient at this event, and looks forward to working with organizers to make this event a success. For more information on the concert, or to purchase a ticket to support MSHV, please go to vetsaid.org.

100% of all ticket sales will go to the selected charity partners. The funding received from this benefit will provide essential revenue for MSHV to continue supporting veterans in the

A Message From The President of our Board

MSHV An Update from the Board President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOM FOGERTY PRESIDENT PAUL HERBERT VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT ZIEMBA SECTRETARY KATHLEEN FAVATA

TREASURER

RICK ERICKSON AT LARGE

MARVIN DONELSON JOHN WILT LINDA RUSSELL TERRY BENSHOOF JACK ERWIN JUSTIN SMIT DAN ANDERSON DAN DEVINE DONNA LEVIGNE ILLIANA EBBOLE TONY GIUNTI GEORGE BRADSHAW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRISTINE LEWIS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT EMILY KEHOE DIRECTOR-PROGRAMS CHRIS MADSEN

NEWSLETTER EDITORS EMILY KEHOE SCOTT ZIEMBA

There is a buzz in the air at MSHV these days. In addition to the recent update of our strategic plan, we now have a fulltime Executive Director on board in the person of Christine Lewis.

Christine. “I am fully committed to MSHV and our goal of ensuring that no homeless veteran is left behind. I look forward to working with our partners, the community, and our clients to bring an end to veteran homelessness.”

Several months ago, MSHV’s Board engaged the Executive Service Corps of Chicago to find a full-time experienced ED, who could identify with veterans issues, who knew how to build, lead, and coach a staff, and who could win the trust and confidence of our stakeholders.

Christine will be spending her first few weeks asking lots of questions and observing. She will gradually meet the community leaders and donors, and begin to make recommendations on how best to carry out MSHV’s cause.

After a thorough and disciplined process over several months, we found our new leader. Christine joins Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans bringing over 16 years of experience in leading established nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Christine served as the Executive Director at an assignment for Second City Canine Rescue, and prior to that, Recovery International. While at Recovery International, Christine spearheaded an initiative advocating improved mental health services for veterans. Her knowledge of both fund development and community outreach is ingrained in her psyche, and her willingness to listen and learn has helped her tackle not only previous challenges, but will also play well in executing the mission of MSHV. As such, she will be building relationships with our existing donors and inviting new donors to partner with us in supporting our work with the veterans in our community.

Please extend a hearty welcome to Christine. It’s truly a great time to be associated with this organization, and I am excited about the events that lay ahead. Sincerely,

Thomas J. Fogerty Board President

“I am honored to be able to use my experience to bring assistance to those veterans who find themselves in need,” stated

How to leave your legacy What will your legacy be? You have worked diligently to provide your family with the security they need for today and for the future. Estate planning advisors recommend that you carefully consider how much your family will need to accomplish their goals in the future, and how you want to allocate your resources. The important questions to ask are:  How much does my family need?  Once my family is taken care of, do I have additional resources?  How do I want to allocate those resources? Consider making an estate gift to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and you can become an integral part of helping to ensure that the critical work of MSHV continues. There are several planned giving options currently available to MSHV donors that allow you to make a charitable gift and take advantage of current tax incentives. It is strongly recommended that you consult your tax

advisor, financial advisor, or estate attorney for more information, as these examples are provided as a general overview and are not meant to represent an exhaustive list of all available strategies. Bequest– You can provide a future gift to MSHV by including a bequest provision in your will for a specified amount or percentage of your estate. Charitable Lead Trust– You can transfer cash, securities, or appreciated property into a trust that gifts an income stream to MSHV for a pre -determined number of years. When that period of years is over, the principal reverts to the donor or named beneficiaries. Charitable Remainder Trust– You can transfer cash, securities, or appreciated property into a trust, and the trust pays you and any named beneficiaries annual income. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal is transferred to MSHV.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities– Shares of stock or mutual funds can be gifted to MSHV and then sold without incurring taxes. IRA Beneficiary– MSHV can be designated as the beneficiary of your IRA. If you are over 70 1/2 years of age, you may be able to take advantage of recent legislation that provides additional benefits. Life Insurance– You can transfer ownership of a life insurance policy to MSHV. Real Estate- You can donate property to MSHV. These options allow you to make a planned gift as part of your will or during your lifetime. A planned gift to MSHV not only helps us to ensure the continuation of services to homeless and at-risk veterans, but allows you to choose to be a continued partner with MSHV through your legacy.

“Murph for Miller” pays it forward to MSHV veterans the “MUPRH for MILLER” was started in 2008 by a small group of veterans. To these veterans, the CrossFit challenge was an outlet for their grief, a chance for camaraderie, and a choice to celebrate the lives of those lost by paying it forward to impact the lives of fellow veterans and their families through MSHV. On Saturday of this past Memorial Day weekend, over 100 athletes gathered in St. Charles, IL, for the “MURPH for MILLER” endurance event. This event, which has been held for the past 11 years at TriCities CrossFit, has generated over $54,000 for Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans since 2012, in partnership with Invesco. The purpose behind this event is to give back to the community and help Veterans by not only donating to MSHV, but also by honoring and paying tribute to the memory of loved ones who died in service to our country. This is accomplished through a community of athletes who, in addition to monetary donations, give a part of themselves through their blood, sweat, and tears in this physically grueling challenge. During the challenge, the athlete simulates a soldier’s suffering and sacrifice by putting forth maximum effort for one hour. In that time, the participant must run a mile, complete 100 push-ups, 200 pull-ups, 300 squats, and run another mile to finish. Multiple heats are also ran throughout the day, with the event culminating in a “Hero Heat” at noon. Participants wear weighted vests during the workout to increase the challenge’s difficulty. In addition to the scores of family and friends who cheered on the athletes, the American Legion Post #5036 was on hand to kick off the event with a color guard ceremony and the playing of the National Anthem. Food and fun was provided by Noble House in Geneva, IL. Many military members and veterans, who wore their uniforms and weighted vests while competing, were also in attendance. Many people have asked how the “MURPH for MILLER” competition received its name. The story starts with two men, one named Murphy, and the other named Miller. On June 28, 2005 in Kunar Province Afghanistan, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy willingly climbed a rock to reach a high point where he could make his final radio transmission and call for the extraction of his team. This act of love ultimately saved the life of Navy Seal Marcus Lutrell, but cost Murphy his own. He would posthumously be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in October 2007. Ever since then, these CrossFit challenges have been dubbed, “The MURPH.” The next chapter was written by SSG Robert J. Miller, of Wheaton, IL, on January 25, 2008, in Kunar Province Afghanistan. As the Weapons Sergeant for his US Army Green Beret detachment, SSG Miller led his team to successfully engage and clear the village of enemy insurgents. He subsequently led his patrol across a bridge and towards higher ground. However, SSG Miller and his team were ambushed by a force of over 100 insurgents. SSG Miller engaged the enemy with his automatic weapon and hand grenades, while the other members of his patrol dove for cover and withdrew from the kill zone. SSG Miller willfully pressed his attack uphill while wounded. His maximum effort and act of brotherly love ultimately saved the lives of his seven-man team, plus the 15 Afghan Army soldiers in his patrol. SSG Robert Miller was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in October 2010. To honor these two brave soldiers and their acts of bravery and sacrifice,

Each of these initiatives looks to honor the memories of all of their fallen comrades who also gave the ultimate sacrifice. And so it is that Bobby, Katie, Adam, Kevin, Mel, Andrew, Jack, Mark, and so many of their friends, sign up each year to sweat it out and pay it forward. As you might guess, their sights are already set for running the “MURPH for MILLER” in 2019. “”To accept the challenge, the athlete simulates the Soldier’s suffering and sacrifice by putting forth maximum effort for one hour.”

24 hours for MSHV Over 50 athletes participated in “24 Heroes in 24 Hours”, a CrossFit challenge to honor our fallen heroes and benefit MSHV. Between 5:00pm, September 14 and 5:00pm September 15, participants met at CrossFit Leverage in West Chicago to tackle 24 separate and unique workouts, one each hour. Each workout, identified from over 200 workouts developed to honor fallen heroes, was selected by Bobby Kaye, the event organizer. “Prior to each workout, we would share the story of the fallen hero being honored,“ stated Bobby, “we would highlight the bravery they displayed and the ultimate sacrifice they made,” he added. CrossFit athletes came from across the area to attend, and included people participating in one event and others who went the distance and participated in all 24. “The sense of community was incredible. We had people encouraging us throughout the event, including the early morning hours” said Bobby. “Hopefully we helped to create a lasting memory of those heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he concluded. Through their efforts, the participants were able to raise nearly $5,000 for MSHV. Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans appreciates our partnership with CrossFit Leverage, and is grateful for their support and commitment to veterans in the community. Additional information on the event can be found at CrossfitLeverage.com.

James’ Story: “MSHV staff helped me believe in myself again” For one veteran, the services offered by MSHV provided a second chance for a stable life. Meet James, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who worked for Metra railroad for 33 years until he was injured on the job in 2013. After his injury, James came up against a series of challenges that seemed insurmountable in the face of his joblessness. His challenges started with an alcohol relapse and other mental health issues. Following a period of successful treatment, James returned to an uninhabitable town home, which no longer had running water or electricity. From that point, James’ situation just got worse. Over the course of the next 12 months, he entered and left five different treatment facilities, returned to his town home and eventually ended up living in his car; “I just didn’t have much hope” James said of that period in his life. Then James discovered Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. In 2015, James moved into an apartment in the Freedom Harbour program, a Permanent Supportive Housing Program for veterans who have experienced chronic homelessness.

And now - James is a FORMERLY homeless U.S. Navy veteran who has successfully maintained his housing for the past three years. He is employed, and receiving necessary benefits such as food stamps and healthcare services. James is participating in mental health services and has reached his goal of sobriety. He is also connected with community resources and participating in social opportunities. James feels good about his overall selfsufficiency and once again believes in himself. This is just one example of what the generosity of our donors makes possible every day!

“This support is the reason I got sober, my finances are in order, and I got back into the mainstream of life”

In addition to safe housing, James was provided with weekly case management, medical care, and mental health services, along with money management and life skills. James accessed the Veterans’ Employment Program and received assistance with obtaining employment. He also received personal items , including household supplies and clothing, free of charge, from the community-supported Capt. Kevin Landeck Freedom Commissary. Thanks to the combination of James’ determination and the help funded by MSHV donors, James now has stable housing and is maintaining his sobriety. He has been able to improve his life skills to help him with living independently. James is grateful for your support that made all this possible, and credits his case manager, Kat Gilman, who “…helped me believe in myself once again.” James sums up his experience with MSHV as follows: “This support is the reason I got sober, my finances are in order, and I got back into the mainstream of life.”

Volunteers are vital to MSHV mission Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans would like to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and support for homeless veterans in the community.

John Dixon, MSHV’s Volunteer and Freedom Commissary Coordinator, states “Volunteers help with fundraising, everyday operations, and administrative work. They are truly the back bone of the organization. As MSHV’s Volunteer Coordinator, I have had the pleasure of seeing the impact that our volunteers have on a daily basis, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity!” The selfless commitment and efforts volunteers have given MSHV has a huge impact on the organization. In 2017, MSHV had 785 volunteers that clocked in 1297.75 hours on various projects and initiatives for MSHV. Due to their services, MSHV saved over $30,000 in expenses. Not only do volunteers provide specialized skills that benefit the organization, their donated time saves Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans money and resources. If you are interested in volunteering, or have any questions or concerns about MSHV’s volunteer program, please contact John Dixon at [email protected] or at 630-871-8387 ext 617.

Employees from Nicor Gas donated their time and cleaned up our Carlton property, they also weeded, mulched, trimmed bushes, and planted two vegetable gardens for our clients earlier this year.

Participate in the new peer-to-peer campaign for MSHV For the month of October, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veter- If you are not on Facebook it is still possible to participate in this campaign. You ans is launching our new peer-to-peer fundraising challenge: The can also use crowdfunding sites like Gofundme.com or Kickstarter,com as your 200 x 200 Challenge fundraising platform! Simply go to their websites, and follow the instructions provided to start fundraising. We are asking individuals in our community to raise at least $200.00 for Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. If 200 people participate in this challenge, that is $40,000 of revenue to Peer-to-peer fundraising is all about showing your connection to MSHV, and why provide essential funding for individualized care for homeless serving veterans in the community is important to you. Here are some simple but veterans in the community. Gather your friends and family mem- impactful ways to kick off your fundraiser! bers this fall, and make a huge impact on a homeless veteran. Peer-to-peer fundraising is simple: participants ask individuals in their social circle, including friends, family and community members, for donations for causes they care about. Peer-to-peer fundraising is effective and powerful. While hearing from an agency like us can be informative, it can be more impactful to hear from those in your circle directly about causes they care about. Raising money and becoming involved with Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans has never been easier. Facebook offers a great platform to connect with friends and family to spread awareness about MSHV. Follow the simple instructions below, and start making an impact today!

1.

Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed.

2.

Click Raise Money.

3.

Select Nonprofit/Charity.

4.

Select a charitable organization, choose a cover photo and fill in the fundraiser details.

5.

Click, create, and share!

Become a Friend-Raiser Today! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Emily Kehoe, Donor Relations Coordinator, at [email protected] or at 630-871-8387 ext 613. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Serving our veterans in Kane County Homelessness knows no geographic boundaries, which is why MSHV continuously looks to expand its services wherever needs arise. One such opportunity was uncovered in Kane County where MSHV has stepped in to serve the needs of our veterans in a unique way. Beginning in 2016, MSHV saw the need for the increased coordination of various services that were available to the homeless veterans in Kane County. While a wide range of resources existed to aid the homeless, too many of our homeless veterans were having difficulty navigating the complex social service system. Veterans needed a voice to advocate on their behalf. Consequently, MSHV stepped in to orchestrate a multi-agency taskforce focused on ending homelessness in Kane County. The shared goals of this taskforce are to know every homeless veteran by name and ensure that other agencies coordinate their efforts with MSHV to ensure

that assistance is provided. Through the taskforce, an objective system has been developed that quickly and fairly evaluates the housing needs for all individuals as they arise. The result of this effort is an increase in the opportunities made available to veterans and a higher level of placement in permanent housing. “By identifying those veterans in need and making sure their needs are properly evaluated, we have found that a greater level of attention and assistance are now being directed to them,“ stated Chris Madsen, Director of Programs for MSHV. However, this change in focus is only the beginning. As a greater level of need is uncovered, more resources are required to meet those needs. According to Chris the resources still needed fall into two distinct areas:



Rental property – affordable apartments in Kane County are sorely needed for our

homeless veterans, and



Private contributions – flexible funds that can be used on an “as needed” basis (such as for short-term rent payments and transportation costs associated with job interviews).

In the weeks ahead, MSHV will be looking for partners to help provide these needed resources.. Anyone who is able to help in either of these areas should contact Chris Madsen at [email protected], or 630-871-8387 x601.

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans 433 S. Carlton Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187

Leave Your Legacy

Please remember Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in your estate plans.

Upcoming events to benefit MSHV: Don’t miss out! Cantigny 5K Run/Walk and American Legion Post 556 Pancake Breakfast November 3, 2018 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Cantigny Park

Lisle Rotary Charities Bets for Vets Casino Night November 9, 2018 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Benedictine University– Goodwin Hall

Reflections Framed: A Celebration of Military Service, Past and Present November 11, 2018 5:00 p.m. Le Jardin Restaurant, Cantigny Park

The 15th Annual Cantigny 5K Run/Walk is a charitable run with all proceeds donated to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. The Race is limited to the first 1,200 runners and walkers. For more information, or to sign up, go to cantigny.org or contact Brian Gray at 630.260.8167.

Lisle Rotary Charities presents Bets for Vets Casino Night! Please join us Friday, November 9, 2018 from 6-11 pm at Benedictine University's Goodwin Hall for an evening of fun and excitement! All proceeds benefit Operation Support our Troops America and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. To purchase tickets, please go to http:// www.lislerotary.org/

Celebrate stories of military service, framed and archived for history. Join us for this wonderful event! Free appetizers and drinks. Proceeds of the project benefit Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

The American Legion Cantigny Post 556 will hold an annual Fall Pancake Breakfast from 7:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. the day of the run, at Cantigny’s Le Jardin restaurant. For more information, contact [email protected].

For more information contact Rick Erickson at [email protected] or 630.414.5706.