Today, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosted the 2015 Hidden Heroes Coalition Summit: Progress and Promise here in Washington, DC. The summit marked one year since Senator Elizabeth Dole launched the National Coalition for Military Caregivers.
In her remarks, Senator Dole named dozens of private, public, nonprofit and faith organizations and leaders who have taken steps to directly address the gaps in support revealed by the Foundation’s 2014 RAND report on military and veteran caregivers. Senator Dole reflected on the significant shift in the nation’s caregiver support, stating, “We have seen allied groups working together; funders teaming with service providers; and ideas, resources, and best practices shared across the board without pride of ownership… The breadth of organizations doing their part is extraordinary, and when you bring them all together you see the powerful and effective relationships that have been formed to make it all possible.”
We are excited to share that Quality of Life Foundation has been named co-chair of the Community Support at Home Hidden Hero Impact Council. Together with our co-chairs at Home Depot Foundation, we look forward to continuing to serve wounded veteran families in their home communities. Our council is one of seven announced today, comprised of the leaders of the Foundation’s coalition. The Impact Councils are focused on the most critical issues faced by caregivers: Community Support at Home; Education and Training, Employment and Workplace Support; Financial and Legal Planning; Interfaith Action and Ministry; and Respite Care.
We are honored to serve in the caregiver community with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and look forward to making a difference in the lives of military and veteran caregivers together.