Week 26 of #52weeksofgiving - Veterans Count - Helping NH Service Members
In the spotlight for week 26 of #52weeksofgiving is Veterans Count, a New Hampshire nonprofit dedicated to active and retired service members and their families! LeMay Family Goodworks was a Gold Sponsor for the 10th Annual Salute Our Soldiers Gala last Friday, June 24th. The black-tie gala took place at gorgeous Runnymede Farm, with all proceeds benefiting Veterans Count. We were happy to have Major Tom Schuemant, founder of Patrol Base Abbate, join us as a special guest for the event.
The LFG team enjoyed a magical night of delicious food, music, and dancing. There was even an auction with incredible experiences, artwork, services, and more. We were also honored to listen to General Joseph Dunford, USMC (Ret.), the evening’s keynote speaker, and be among many other generous sponsors to support military members and their families across the Granite State.
Learn more about Veterans Count and their work with NH military members and their families.
About Veterans Count
Veterans Count is the philanthropic arm of the Easterseals Military and Veterans Services (MVS). The MVS collaborated with Veterans Count to create a unique program with a proven track record of supporting veterans, service members, and their families with critical and timely support. This includes financial assistance as well as personal and family services.
The veteran organization was founded in 2007, spurred by Easterseals board member Mike Salter’s desire to bring comprehensive, emergency aid to military members and families impacted by deployment to war zones. Easterseals aimed to create a highly targeted care program for these brave individuals and their families to prevent them from falling through the cracks.
With assistance from the NH Joint Force Headquarters and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Easterseals first developed a Care Coordination program to focus on critical needs like food, shelter, transportation, and mental health intervention. Next, Care Coordinators worked on long-term self-sufficiency by addressing issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), long-term housing, and employment.
As the MVS experienced success, Easterseals recognized a greater need for funding for basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. A task force of business leaders came together and formed Veterans Count. What started as one small group in Manchester, NH, now consists of five chapters throughout the state: Manchester, Nashua, Seacoast, Lakes Region, and Upper Valley, plus an Executive Committee.
Since its inception, Veterans Count has helped more than 18,600 service members and distributed $4.5 million in financial support, covering essentials like food, fuel, utilities, housing, transportation, and vehicle repair.
Following Easterseals tradition, Veterans Count helps active and retired warriors overcome challenges to live, work, play, and thrive in their communities. The veteran support organization does this by providing a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” MVS Care Coordinators can use the Veterans Count philanthropic funds to provide immediate assistance without the bureaucratic red tape, which discourages many service members from seeking support.
How You Can Help
Veterans Count relies on generous donors so they can continue helping veterans, service members, and family members with:
Emergency financial assistance (e.g., housing, food, fuel assistance, vehicle repair, etc.)
Substance misuse
Unemployment
Mental health resources and support
You can get involved with Veterans Count by:
Making a Donation: Learn what your support covers for veterans, service members, and their families. You can also choose to make a monthly donation.
Attending an Event: In addition to the Salute Our Soldiers Gala, Veterans Count chapters host everything from road races to golf tournaments and beyond. Participate in an event near you for a great time supporting a vital cause.
Volunteer: Find out how you can help Veterans Count at one of their numerous events and outreach tables throughout the year, many of which occur during evenings and weekends. If you’re interested in dedicating your time regularly, consider joining as a Chapter Member.
