Gary Sinise Foundation
Programs
Budget
$750,000.00
Description
Another way we show our appreciation to our defenders, first responders and veterans past and present is through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty classic meals. The program helps form new connections, strengthens communities and serves as a special way to remind them that they are on our minds and we appreciate their service.
We host Serving Heroes at military bases nationwide, in Germany and Korea as well as in transportation hubs, police departments, fire houses, and veterans senior living facilities.
This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity to serve your local first responders and military bases.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Nothing offers an opportunity to bond and give thanks quite like breaking bread together. Serving Heroes is more than a meal. It's an opportunity to form connections and strengthen communities. It's a simple way to remind our heroes that America cares and is grateful for their service. We're showing our gratitude face- to-face with a plate, a smile, and a handshake.
967,011 meals have been served to our nation's defenders across the country
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
$750,000.00
Description
Another way we show our appreciation to our defenders, first responders and veterans past and present is through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty classic meals. The program helps form new connections, strengthens communities and serves as a special way to remind them that they are on our minds and we appreciate their service.
We host Serving Heroes at military bases nationwide, in Germany and Korea as well as in transportation hubs, police departments, fire houses, and veterans senior living facilities.
This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity to serve your local first responders and military bases.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Nothing offers an opportunity to bond and give thanks quite like breaking bread together. Serving Heroes is more than a meal. It's an opportunity to form connections and strengthen communities. It's a simple way to remind our heroes that America cares and is grateful for their service. We're showing our gratitude face- to-face with a plate, a smile, and a handshake.
967,011 meals have been served to our nation's defenders across the country
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
Budget
$4,000,000.00
Description
We're addressing the mental wellness needs of our nation's service members, first responders, and veterans through innovative and empowering treatment methods to support their emotional, psychological and emotional health and well-being.
o post-traumatic growth retreats
o Traumatic brain injury treatment
o Substance Abuse treatment
o Canine Support
Beneficiaries
People with psychosocial disabilities
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Here is a quote from one of our participating veterans. "The biggest thing I got from attending was that growth is possible. I learned that I do not have to live my life as a diminished version of myself, but a better version. I also learned better ways to cope with stressors in life. And that I am not alone".
Keith Richard
US Army, SFC (Ret)
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
$4,000,000.00
Description
We're addressing the mental wellness needs of our nation's service members, first responders, and veterans through innovative and empowering treatment methods to support their emotional, psychological and emotional health and well-being.
o post-traumatic growth retreats
o Traumatic brain injury treatment
o Substance Abuse treatment
o Canine Support
Beneficiaries
People with psychosocial disabilities
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Here is a quote from one of our participating veterans. "The biggest thing I got from attending was that growth is possible. I learned that I do not have to live my life as a diminished version of myself, but a better version. I also learned better ways to cope with stressors in life. And that I am not alone".
Keith Richard
US Army, SFC (Ret)
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
Budget
$10,000,000.00
Description
Life can change in an instant for our nation's defenders. Thousands have returned from their service with severe injuries from amputations, paralysis, burns, traumatic brain injuries and more.
For many of us, home is where we take comfort from the world. However, for our severely wounded heroes, simple tasks and small chores can become insurmountable challenges and safety risks. Living in total reliance on caregivers for even the most mundane and sometimes very personal tasks is a profoundly demoralizing for our heroes who pride themselves on competence and self-reliance.
We build mortgage free, custom specially adapted "smart" technology homes for their specific needs and injuries and ease their daily challenges and restore their independence. Their new home is a healing sanctuary for them to feel at peace and to recover from their injuries and follow up surgeries for the rest of their lives. Their families and caregivers' lives can now revolve around family, living and thriving.
Program Successes
"The Gary Sinise Foundation not only provided my family and I a safe house, but the customizations transformed my daily tasks from challenging to easy. I now have the energy and independence to live my life to the fullest and follow my dreams". U.S Army Master Sergent (RET)
"We're put in a very stable environment. Outside of military bases you are lucky if you get put in a nice stable location. The Gary Sinise Foundation team considers the best places for a family, the school system, the neighborhood, and they put you in a community that is veteran minded.
They gave me a short cut to get to where I need to be and won't allow me to lose because I lost my legs. I feel like they put you right back where I should have been".
"Everything was tailored around me in a way that gave me the opportunity to not only independently achieve the things that I could never really do
again but also, forging a greater bond with my family."- U.S. Army Maj. (RET.)
Beneficiaries
People with physical disabilities
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Key Outcomes
To provide these heroes with the tangible resources they need in order to regain their mobility and independence, to alleviate reliance on caregivers and become more self-sufficient and participate in caring for their loved ones. With this comes return to dignity, freedom, self-respect, empowerment and energy to rebuild their life.
To help them and their families heal together and rebuild their lives post-injury with physical, mental, and financial wellness.
To eliminate safety hazards for these severely wounded veterans and minimize risk of injury allowing them to better care for themselves.
To alleviate financial burdens with a mortgage-free home or fully paid for modified home
To receive recognition and support from a grateful local community network
Short-term Success
The physical, emotional and financial relief that comes with being selected as for a custom-built mortgage free home cannot be underestimated. The recipient is able to focus on designing a forever home that takes into account his/her needs now and in the future as well as their hobbies and interests.
Program Success Monitored By
We address both the short and long term needs of our severely injured heroes as we empower them to live a more independent life and support their social, emotional, physical and mental health, all of which are critical for long-term sustainability and success.
We build between 8-10 homes a year and we have an application process that lasts. 6-12 months. We select those who are outstanding citizens, do extensive background checks and financial solvency checks.
We are invested in their lives for the long-term and after we build their home or provide them with their mobility devices. Our outreach staff stays connected to them to know how they are progressing in their independence, well-being. family and caregiver relationships. Many of our home build recipients become Ambassadors and represent the Gary Sinise Foundation at events and as speakers.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
$10,000,000.00
Description
Life can change in an instant for our nation's defenders. Thousands have returned from their service with severe injuries from amputations, paralysis, burns, traumatic brain injuries and more.
For many of us, home is where we take comfort from the world. However, for our severely wounded heroes, simple tasks and small chores can become insurmountable challenges and safety risks. Living in total reliance on caregivers for even the most mundane and sometimes very personal tasks is a profoundly demoralizing for our heroes who pride themselves on competence and self-reliance.
We build mortgage free, custom specially adapted "smart" technology homes for their specific needs and injuries and ease their daily challenges and restore their independence. Their new home is a healing sanctuary for them to feel at peace and to recover from their injuries and follow up surgeries for the rest of their lives. Their families and caregivers' lives can now revolve around family, living and thriving.
Program Successes
"The Gary Sinise Foundation not only provided my family and I a safe house, but the customizations transformed my daily tasks from challenging to easy. I now have the energy and independence to live my life to the fullest and follow my dreams". U.S Army Master Sergent (RET)
"We're put in a very stable environment. Outside of military bases you are lucky if you get put in a nice stable location. The Gary Sinise Foundation team considers the best places for a family, the school system, the neighborhood, and they put you in a community that is veteran minded.
They gave me a short cut to get to where I need to be and won't allow me to lose because I lost my legs. I feel like they put you right back where I should have been".
"Everything was tailored around me in a way that gave me the opportunity to not only independently achieve the things that I could never really do
again but also, forging a greater bond with my family."- U.S. Army Maj. (RET.)
Beneficiaries
People with physical disabilities
Veterans
Adults
Long-term Success
Key Outcomes
To provide these heroes with the tangible resources they need in order to regain their mobility and independence, to alleviate reliance on caregivers and become more self-sufficient and participate in caring for their loved ones. With this comes return to dignity, freedom, self-respect, empowerment and energy to rebuild their life.
To help them and their families heal together and rebuild their lives post-injury with physical, mental, and financial wellness.
To eliminate safety hazards for these severely wounded veterans and minimize risk of injury allowing them to better care for themselves.
To alleviate financial burdens with a mortgage-free home or fully paid for modified home
To receive recognition and support from a grateful local community network
Short-term Success
The physical, emotional and financial relief that comes with being selected as for a custom-built mortgage free home cannot be underestimated. The recipient is able to focus on designing a forever home that takes into account his/her needs now and in the future as well as their hobbies and interests.
Program Success Monitored By
We address both the short and long term needs of our severely injured heroes as we empower them to live a more independent life and support their social, emotional, physical and mental health, all of which are critical for long-term sustainability and success.
We build between 8-10 homes a year and we have an application process that lasts. 6-12 months. We select those who are outstanding citizens, do extensive background checks and financial solvency checks.
We are invested in their lives for the long-term and after we build their home or provide them with their mobility devices. Our outreach staff stays connected to them to know how they are progressing in their independence, well-being. family and caregiver relationships. Many of our home build recipients become Ambassadors and represent the Gary Sinise Foundation at events and as speakers.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
Budget
$6,800,000.00
Description
When our nation's heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, we never forget them and their families. We are there for them in their greatest time of need and beyond.
We host community events for these families all year long. From baseball games to arts & educational opportunities, to overnight experiences these families can strengthen their community close to where they live. These events are essential for children and surviving spouses to develop bonds with the only people who can truly understand their loss.
The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families. Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian at Walt Disney World® Resort. With special time to honor their fallen and a blend of fun entertainment and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support.
Program Successes
"We attended [Disney] in 2019, the year of our loss. I cannot express what an impact this made on the kids. Loss is an incredibly isolating experience, but Snowball gave us a sense of community and hope. It helped us build new relationships with other survivor families, who continue to be cherished friends. We are so grateful!! And, the kids had a fantastic time and still talk about it often!"
Rachel Lavana Alquaddomi
Beneficiaries
Families
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
For more information on these programs, visit https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express
Strengthen the families and get them on their feet again
Create a safe, understanding community for them to heal, bond, learn, grow and make lasting memories with new friends in an emotionally safe, inclusive environment.
Provide complete support to those in need in times of trauma and loss.
We have children joining us from a young age and stay with the program through their high school graduation. We have expanded the program to continue serving the children until they reach 26 years.
12,446 loved ones of fallen heroes have joined us for support events and celebrations.
Short-term Success
Honor each military member who has paid the ultimate price
Renew the surviving family's awareness that the American people care and appreciate them
Renew the children and surviving spouses' energy by loving on them, giving them a good time and lifting them up from their grief and difficult times
Program Success Monitored By
We have very high standards for our programs and listen to our participants and volunteers for guidance and feedback. We strive to exceed the goals of those we serve and ourselves.
Family retention is strong, once you are a Snowball family, you're with us forever.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
$6,800,000.00
Description
When our nation's heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, we never forget them and their families. We are there for them in their greatest time of need and beyond.
We host community events for these families all year long. From baseball games to arts & educational opportunities, to overnight experiences these families can strengthen their community close to where they live. These events are essential for children and surviving spouses to develop bonds with the only people who can truly understand their loss.
The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families. Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian at Walt Disney World® Resort. With special time to honor their fallen and a blend of fun entertainment and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support.
Program Successes
"We attended [Disney] in 2019, the year of our loss. I cannot express what an impact this made on the kids. Loss is an incredibly isolating experience, but Snowball gave us a sense of community and hope. It helped us build new relationships with other survivor families, who continue to be cherished friends. We are so grateful!! And, the kids had a fantastic time and still talk about it often!"
Rachel Lavana Alquaddomi
Beneficiaries
Families
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
For more information on these programs, visit https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express
Strengthen the families and get them on their feet again
Create a safe, understanding community for them to heal, bond, learn, grow and make lasting memories with new friends in an emotionally safe, inclusive environment.
Provide complete support to those in need in times of trauma and loss.
We have children joining us from a young age and stay with the program through their high school graduation. We have expanded the program to continue serving the children until they reach 26 years.
12,446 loved ones of fallen heroes have joined us for support events and celebrations.
Short-term Success
Honor each military member who has paid the ultimate price
Renew the surviving family's awareness that the American people care and appreciate them
Renew the children and surviving spouses' energy by loving on them, giving them a good time and lifting them up from their grief and difficult times
Program Success Monitored By
We have very high standards for our programs and listen to our participants and volunteers for guidance and feedback. We strive to exceed the goals of those we serve and ourselves.
Family retention is strong, once you are a Snowball family, you're with us forever.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
Budget
$3,000,000.00
Description
When crises occur, our Firefighters, Police, and EMTs put their own lives at risk to save others. They answer the call, rush toward danger, and lead the way.
It's a perilous job, and oftentimes these heroes, particularly firefighters are exposed to hazardous materials that cause cancer. Their gear is horribly contaminated after a fire.
We provide critical funding for emergency relief, training, essential equipment, cleaning equipment and mental wellness to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities and to minimize exposure to contaminants.
We also help those who are severely wounded in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to restore their mobility and independence.
We also recognize and show our appreciation for these heroes by serving them classic American meals
Category
Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief - Fire Prevention
Beneficiaries
Adults
Other Health/Disability
Long-term Success
Key Outcomes:
Educational programs, training and equipment especially for our volunteer groups and in rural areas.
Huge opportunity to deliver more services due to gap of underfunded needs
12,887 pieces of essential gear & equipment donated which ensure that they can provide the highest level of service and support and with urgency
1,135 training grants provided which improve their skills and knowledge to serve their communities even better.
428 emergency relief grants were awarded to police, firefighters, and EMTs who faced an urgent need
Short-term Success
Stability
Safety
Improved quality and speed in service delivery
Reduced stress
Comfort from a supportive community
Program Success Monitored By
We have very high standards for our programs and listen to our participants and volunteers for guidance and feedback.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
$3,000,000.00
Description
When crises occur, our Firefighters, Police, and EMTs put their own lives at risk to save others. They answer the call, rush toward danger, and lead the way.
It's a perilous job, and oftentimes these heroes, particularly firefighters are exposed to hazardous materials that cause cancer. Their gear is horribly contaminated after a fire.
We provide critical funding for emergency relief, training, essential equipment, cleaning equipment and mental wellness to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities and to minimize exposure to contaminants.
We also help those who are severely wounded in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to restore their mobility and independence.
We also recognize and show our appreciation for these heroes by serving them classic American meals
Category
Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief - Fire Prevention
Beneficiaries
Adults
Other Health/Disability
Long-term Success
Key Outcomes:
Educational programs, training and equipment especially for our volunteer groups and in rural areas.
Huge opportunity to deliver more services due to gap of underfunded needs
12,887 pieces of essential gear & equipment donated which ensure that they can provide the highest level of service and support and with urgency
1,135 training grants provided which improve their skills and knowledge to serve their communities even better.
428 emergency relief grants were awarded to police, firefighters, and EMTs who faced an urgent need
Short-term Success
Stability
Safety
Improved quality and speed in service delivery
Reduced stress
Comfort from a supportive community
Program Success Monitored By
We have very high standards for our programs and listen to our participants and volunteers for guidance and feedback.
Program Areas Served
Nationwide
