Left to right: Jennifer Gerwarges, U.S. Vets-Phoenix Program Director, accepting a check and Certificate of Appreciation from JWV officers Commander Chuck Wolin and Program Chair Owen Fabert
Nancy Stutman
Jennifer Gerwarges, program director of U.S. Vets-Phoenix, was all smiles as she accepted a $2,000 check from Jewish War Veterans Post 619 (JWV) in Sun Lakes at their Oct. 16 meeting.
U.S. Vets opened a new housing project, Ashley Place, on Nov. 1. The project, consisting of two houses holding five women each, will provide a safe and sober living environment where women with children can receive treatment for sexual trauma, substance misuse, work re-entry counseling, and assistance in receiving disability payments. Ashley Place will support the female veterans working towards employment and permanent housing. Ashley Place was gifted by the Milanovich Trust in collaboration with the Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to a monetary contribution from the Post, members attending the JWV October meeting also brought donations for the Ashley Place women. Hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, razors, shaving lotion, hair and dental products, facial cleanser, and lotions were among the items gifted.
JWV veteran and member Gabe Forsberg, who works tirelessly for many local 501(c)(3) veterans organizations, also presented Jennifer with nearly half a truckload of personal items and exercise and therapy equipment for JWV to give to U.S. Vets on behalf of The Arizona Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
“PVA has been collecting items for unhoused women veterans and those who are in transitional housing for over the past two months, knowing that I would distribute the donations appropriately,” Ms. Forsberg stated. “Peter Quinn, PVA’s executive director for the state, felt that donating these items to Ashley’s Place, operated by U.S. Vets, would be the best use at this time,” she continued.
In keeping with its mission, JWV uses its funds raised from their Poppy Drive throughout the year to help veterans of all faiths through financial and personal support at transitional facilities. Look for JWV volunteers at Fry’s and Mesa Market Place and give generously. This story illustrates how your donation will help veterans in need.
JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September through May, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths.
To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Commander Chuck Wolin at 602-300-5913 or [email protected].