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WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2008) - An organization that focuses
on helping severely injured veterans channels its efforts toward
providing the kinds of assistance they don't otherwise get.
The Independence Fund provides "the tools, therapies and
guidance that they are otherwise not receiving," said Steve
Danyluk, the organization's president.
The Independence Fund, he explained, is built upon three pillars
of support. These pillars, according to the Independence Fund Web
site, include providing specialized tools and therapies to troops
and veterans, promoting the overall well-being of severely injured
veterans through physical and leisure activity, and providing
advocacy and guidance through veterans and family members who have
experienced similar events and injuries.
For example, the Independence Fund provides assistance such as
iBot wheelchairs and sports equipment that has been modified so
disabled veterans can take part in athletic pursuits or leisure
sports.
The fund also provides two different types of therapies to
injured troops.
"Sports and art therapy are the two big programs we champion,"
Danyluk said. "Some of the art has become part of our traveling art
exhibit, which is steadily growing and been displayed, most
recently at the Indianapolis [Veterans Affairs] hospital, and next
at the Arlington Art Center in Virginia."
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans
can apply for funding through the Independence Fund's Web site,
where a downloadable document also is available, Danyluk said.
Once an application is accepted, an Independence Fund case
director conducts an interview, and a grant funding board then
reviews the application to determine whether the candidate receives
a grant, Danyluk explained. The funding for grants distributed
through the Independence Fund comes mostly in the form of
donations, he added.
The Independence Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their
families serving at home and abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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