Rachel Masch-Perez strives daily to make a lasting impact helping homeless veterans at MANA House through her communication skills, trust, and support.
Nancy Stutman
The community is invited to learn how to help veterans living at MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force) House when their Community Engagement Coordinator, Rachel Masch-Perez, addresses the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 on Sunday, April 19.
JWV’s meeting takes place in the Oakwood Country Club ballroom, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. in Sun Lakes. A Meet & Greet with free lox and bagels, coffee, and doughnuts starts at 9:30 a.m. The speaker follows at 10 a.m.
MANA House started in 2008 as Madison Street Veterans Association (MSVA), which began with 14 veterans who sought to manage their own space in the Men’s Outreach Shelter in downtown Phoenix.
In 2015 Catholic Charities Community Services incorporated MSVA into their programs to oversee its development. The program is renamed to Catholic Charities MANA House, a transitional living facility at the YWCA building in Phoenix, which housed 49 homeless veterans.
Their current facility, which houses 78 veterans, offers residents the opportunity to enjoy meals together and build camaraderie. A computer room; a day room with books, games, and a pool table; and laundry facilities are provided. Their objective is for all veterans, upon graduation, to move into stable permanent housing.
JWV has long supported MANA House, not only with financial donations, but also with volunteers providing meal events and socializing with its residents. “The veterans’ reactions when JWV volunteers come to MANA House are always positive, filled with gratitude, and sincere appreciation that JWV volunteers spend quality time with them,” says its coordinator, Masch-Perez.
Those wanting to contribute directly to MANA House may also go online to the following link: www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/370KI6BPDR1YX?ref=gr_search_page_result.
Their most common current need is for new men’s socks, which will be accepted at the April meeting. Meetings are held on the third Sunday morning of each month between September and June. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend. Come together to support veterans and celebrate the community that uplifts them.
This JWV meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn about JWV’s philanthropic activities and how to get involved. Members of all faiths, with support from several non-Jewish organizations, join together with the purpose of helping veterans.
For more information about JWV Post 619 and membership opportunities, please visit the JWV Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CopperStatePost619 and contact Arthur Uram at 702-884-4175 or via email at uramarthur@gmail.com.