United Relief Foundation

Throughout July, let's commemorate our Nation's Declaration of Independence by uniting to help hire the men and women who bravely protected our freedom.

With the current veteran unemployment rate at 2.9% and roughly 200,000 military members retiring or separating from the armed services annually, National Hire a Veteran Day efforts to raise awareness and call employers to action continue to be a life-changing maker, especially for homeless and at-risk veterans.

National Hire a Veteran Day is Thursday, July 25. If you are an employer, we've compiled the Ten Compelling Reasons for Hiring Veterans.
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/ten-compelling-reasons-for-hiring-veterans/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

Serving those who served starts with raising awareness. The United Relief Foundation serves the most vulnerable veterans, those who do not have the financial or physical means to travel to get the help they need. Being united, we are making a difference by helping to improve the quality of life for the men and women who served in the United States military.

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, and it is an opportunity to focus on raising awareness about PTSD, reducing stigma, and engaging more resources to reach more veterans to get the treatment they need for life-changing differences.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/june-is-ptsd-awareness-month/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United in Service steeped in unique handcrafted teas and good deeds helping veterans in need.

As with their unique handcrafted teas with a twist, Paula and Randy Aitken, the owners of Casting Whimsy in Woodstock, Illinois, have successfully handcrafted being charitable with a twist to unite their business and customers in the Service of veterans in need.

United in Service with the United Relief Foundation since 2018, Paula and Randy exemplified how making a difference can be a family affair. As their business grew, they continued to find ways to engage their customers consistently in remembering, honoring, and helping veterans.

Efforts like knitting winter hats, scarves, and blankets to donating 100% of tips, a percentage of sales on special days, and rounding up, the Aitkens provide ways for their customers to do a good deed and make a difference.

"From the 5th-8th graders in New Hampshire to high schoolers in our home state Illinois and the individuals, small businesses, and large companies from coast to coast, every good deed has helped make a difference in the lives of the veterans the United Relief Foundation serves," states United Relief Foundation board member Maria Page. "The Aitkens and their customers' good deeds will support United Relief Foundation's Women Are Veterans Too campaign to help make a difference in the lives of women veterans."

In addition to being the fastest-growing group in the veteran population, women veterans are also the fastest-growing group in the homeless population and four times more likely to become homeless than their male peers. Women veterans, in general, face significant economic and housing challenges, and those who are single mothers are particularly vulnerable.

"In 2019, I presented Paula with a United Relief Foundation Spirit of Giving Award, and five years later, it is again with much appreciation that Maria and I recognize Paula, Randy, and their customers for their unwavering support to be united in the service of our veterans in need," commented United Relief Foundation founder and president Frank Salato.

A charming free-standing store at 203 North Madison Street in Woodstock, Illinois, Casting Whimsy is the passion project of the husband-and-wife team of Paula and Randy Aitken, serving delightful pasties and tasty food items and is steeped in unique handcrafted teas and good deeds for veterans in need.

Learn more about Women Are Veterans Too
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/women-are-veterans-too/

Photo: (l-r) Casting Whimsy owners Randy and Paula Aitkens, United Relief Foundation president Frank Salato, and board member Maria Page.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

March is Women's History Month to celebrate the sung and unsung women trailblazers who have played pivotal roles in shaping our nation, and it is also another moment to salute the history shaping and protecting contributions of the women who have served and are serving in the United States military.

There are nearly two million women Veterans in the United States. With the steady increase of women wearing our nation's uniform and their increased role in military operations, it has never been more critical to remember that our women warriors are or will be Veterans.

Learn more about the United Relief Foundation's Women are Veterans Too campaign.
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/women-are-veterans-too/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

Acts of kindness that help our veterans happen every day. The Homeless Veterans In America Relief Foundation's recent Facebook posting exemplifies how unexpectedly a random act of kindness can make a difference at any time and anywhere.

Kudos to HVIARF, everyone who does an act of kindness for a veteran in need, and the 3.3K individuals who engaged in our United Relief Foundation Random acts of kindness help make a difference post.

Random acts of kindness help make a difference in the lives of veterans in need more than most people realize. On Random Acts of Kindness Day, Saturday, February 17, we can be united in showing our veterans human kindness.

Reach out to a veteran support organization near you or the United Relief Foundation to help your act of kindness on February 17 or any day make a difference by being the difference.

United in the service of Remembering, Honoring, and Helping the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/ways-to-donate/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United in Service with One Voice, One Vision! The holiday season is often associated with generosity and giving and both continue to be abundantly evident during the United Relief Foundation's 'Tis the Season of Service campaign, which ends December 31, 2023.

In 2024, the United Relief Foundation's "Women are Veterans too!" efforts will include One Voice One Vision engagements regarding the National Women Veterans United's new Military Women Veteran's Center undertaking to be able to support more of the women who have served, are serving, and planning to serve in the United States Military!

By being united in bringing attention to the NWVU Military Women Veteran's Center, you can help compound the much-needed public awareness of the service of military women as well as the sacrifices made by all our United States Military.

For more information and insight, please visit OneVoiceOneVision.org/ or UnitedReliefFoundation.org/Women-are-veterans-too

Designated for women veterans, donated new backpacks, hats, gloves, scarves, and personal care products to the 'Tis the Season of Service campaign by URB, inc. president Brian Urbanowski was delivered to National Women Veterans United president Rochelle Crump by United Relief Foundation president Frank Salato.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United in Giving Thanks. During the holidays, as we show those closest to our hearts how thankful we are for them, let us unite in giving thanks to the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States military.

This year's United Relief Foundation 'Tis the Season of Service campaign began at a luncheon honoring our veterans hosted by the National Women Veterans United at their headquarters in Chicago.

In addition to tributes to the veterans in attendance, the National Women Veterans United presented the United Relief Foundation's president, Frank Salato, with their 2023 Partnership Award for "Unwavering Support of Military Women Veterans."

'Tis the Season of Service of Giving Thanks and Showing Gratitude to Our Veterans, Especially Those In Need Of Immediate Assistance.
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/united-in-service-tis-the-season-campaign/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

Every November, during National Veterans and Military Families Month, we recognize that our veteran and military families answer our Nation's call to duty, and we recommit to doing right by their service and sacrifice.

In the patriotic spirit that united us on Veterans Day, let us honor the strength and sacrifices of the families, caregivers, and survivors of our Veterans and current service members.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Honoring Our Veterans: Veterans Day, November 11, provides a moment to honor the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day

Both Veterans Day and Memorial Day honor the men and women who have served in the United States military. But they are different.

Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who have been killed in U.S. wars throughout history. While Veterans Day honors all of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates, connects, and empowers service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). This year marks the eighth annual NVSBW.

https://www.sba.gov/national-veterans-small-business-week

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Raising Awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a time devoted to reaching out to female veterans and service members about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.

VA TeleOncology brings the best care to Veterans with breast cancer - VA News VA’s expansion of TeleOncology services helps Veterans access specialty care for breast and gynecological cancers

United In Remembering and Honoring Gold Star Mothers and Families on September 24th.

Held annually on the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother's and Family Day commemorates the tragic death of a military member who has perished while in the line of duty and hopes to provide comfort to the parents and families left behind

Learn more about the Gold Star and the history of Gold Star Mother's and Family Day
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/gold-star-mothers-and-family-day

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Remembering and Honoring America's prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action, and their families.

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Friday, September 15, the POW-MIA flag is flown on the grounds of major military installations, veterans memorials, government agencies, and federal national cemeteries. In the armed forces, a single table and chair draped with the POW/MIA flag are displayed in mess halls and dining halls.

There are many ways to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Check with your local community and organizations, such as Veterans Of Foreign Wars, for events and activities.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Remembering and Honoring: The Military Women’s Memorial honors and tells the stories of women, past and present, who serve our nation.

Learn more about the Military Women’s Memorial in their short video with Phyllis Wilson, MWM President.

Are you a servicewoman, or did a woman in your family serve? Is your story or their story included in the only national memorial to honor our military women and tell their stories of service, commitment, and sacrifice? REGISTER your service and personal story or their story TODAY - https://womensmemorial.org/make-herstory/

The Military Women's Memorial: Serving Our Community CW5 Phyllis Wilson, USA, Retired, introduces the Military Women's Memorial (MWM) and its mission. The Military Women's Memorial, located at the entrance to A...

Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 of each year for Americans to be United in Remembering and Honoring the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

Learn more about Purple Heart Day and How Purple Heart Day is Observed
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/purple-heart-day/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Raising Awareness. Women veterans report significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and su***de attempt than veteran men.

In a study of post-9/11 veterans, lifetime suicidal ideation and su***de attempt were, respectively, 1.2 and 2.2 times more prevalent among women compared to their men counterparts.

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, immediately call the Veterans Crisis Line - Dail 988 then press 1.

United Relief Foundation's Women Are Veterans Too Campaign Rapid Response Engagement is making a difference by comings to the aid of Women Veterans at a moment's notice.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/women-are-veterans-too/

Documentary: "Momma Bear Down" An exposé about women Veteran su***des. Since 9/11 thousands of women Veterans have died by su***de. This is a solemn look at a critical issue.

United In Gratitude! As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also remember Freedom isn't Free. With gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces, Happy Fourth of July.

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

Year-round, the United Relief Foundation considers all types of houses, multi-use, retail, and commercial property donations that are vacant, need repairs, have code violations, are expensive to maintain, or even inherited.

United Relief Foundation's donateahousetohelpveterans.org website helps makes it very simple to do the good deed of donating real estate to help veterans in need.

At no cost to you
1. We'll visit your property and review the property history to determine if the Foundation can accept it.
2. We'll do the paperwork and attend to the necessary donation [transfer] details.
3. We'll close [typically less than 30 days] on your property making sure the necessary paperwork and documents are in order. The actual closing [transferring] of your property does not require your presence.

To receive an appropriate tax deduction for your real estate donation, you will need to have an independent appraisal.

Learn more
https://donateahousetohelpveterans.org/

United In Service during PTSD Awareness Month and throughout the year to help raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and reach out to make a difference in the lives of veterans.

PTSD is one of the most common mental health challenges veterans face. In some cases, it can be even more debilitating than physical wounds.

Some PTSD factors include veterans’ stress related to transitions into civilian life after serving.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-awareness-month/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United Relief Foundation has moved to One Northbrook Place 5 Revere Drive Northbrook, IL 60062

Memorial Day is a moment to be united in Remembering and Honoring U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Formerly Decoration Day, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May and is a solemn occasion to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.

United in Remembering and Honoring
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/memorial-day-may/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

April is the Month of the Military Child, offering a time to be united in Honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces on active duty, as well as reserve and veteran military, who are parents by Remembering their children and Helping families in their time of need.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/month-of-the-military-child/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29 in the United States. It is a moment to be united in Remembering and Honoring our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day/

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

National Medal of Honor Day will be observed on Saturday, March 25, 2023

To date, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to those who fight to keep our country safe – and March 25, 2023, is the day to honor their exemplary service.

Presently, there are three variations of the Medal of Honor. Steeped with symbolism, the Medal has become a historic symbol of our nation's bravest.

Learn more
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society
https://www.cmohs.org/medal/medal-of-honor-day-information

United Relief Foundation United In Service doing the good deeds that make a difference for veterans in need!

United In Service Outreach: Please take a moment to do a Good Deed in 2023 by volunteering or donating to a Veterans Stand Down in your area.

You can also help make a difference for veterans in need by raising awareness sharing the link to the VA's 2023 calendar of Stand Down events. https://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp

Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services to homeless Veterans, such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and VA Social Security benefits counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance, such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, and mental health counseling.

A Women are Veterans too New Year's Resolution. United Relief Foundation's pre-Christmas delivery of donations to the National Women Veterans United also included a United In Service 2023 raising awareness campaign resolution.

Women veterans are the fastest-growing group in the Veteran population. They are also the fastest-growing group in the homeless population and four times more likely to become homeless than their male peers.

United Relief Foundation president Frank Salato discussed his Foundation's Women Are Veterans Too awareness campaign with National Women Veterans United president Rochelle Crump, who confirmed the merits of more public awareness regarding women veterans' challenges.

Learn more
https://unitedrelieffoundation.org/women-are-veterans-too/

The donations delivered were a United In Service effort by: Brian Urbanowski and his company URB, inc (new backpacks, women's winter clothing, and personal care products), the Highland Park High School Key Cub (personal care products, sweet treats and Thank You for your service messages), and Three Bees [honey products].

Remembering, Honoring, and Helping

May Thanksgiving and the rest of the year remind us to be grateful for the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.