In a powerful demonstration of community support and gratitude for our nation’s heroes, Helping Restore Ability (HRA) is thrilled to announce a significant milestone: a $75,000 grant from Women Inspiring Philanthropy (WIP) in Arlington, Texas. This funding will fuel the expansion of HRA’s Veterans Program, delivering essential in-home caregiving services to veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses through the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. As Arlington’s veteran population exceeds 15,000, this partnership arrives at a crucial time, addressing gaps in care for those facing age-related challenges, disabilities, or chronic conditions.
At HRA, we’ve long been committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. Founded in 1977, our nonprofit has evolved into a cornerstone of support across Texas, directing 95% of every dollar toward client care. This new grant from WIP not only amplifies our reach but also underscores the shared mission of honoring veterans by ensuring they receive the at-home assistance they deserve. Let’s dive deeper into how this collaboration is set to transform lives, the details of the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit, and why it’s a game-changer for veterans in Arlington and beyond.
The Impact of the $75,000 Grant: Expanding Access to Veteran In-Home Care
Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a dynamic group of over 170 women dedicated to high-impact giving, has awarded this grant to specifically bolster HRA’s Veterans Program. The funds will enable us to connect more qualifying veterans and their families with free in-home caregiving services. This expansion is particularly vital in Arlington, where many veterans struggle with non-service-connected disabilities that make daily living difficult.
HRA’s Veterans Program leverages the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit to provide up to 19 hours of no-cost weekly care. This support can include assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, light housekeeping, and companionship – services that help veterans maintain their independence and avoid the need for institutional care. For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit extends a lifeline, reducing the emotional and physical burden on family caregivers.
“Too many of our nation’s heroes and their loved ones are struggling alone,” said Vicki Niedermayer, CEO of HRA. “This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure more veterans in Arlington get the support they need to live safely and comfortably at home.”
The program’s focus on in-home care aligns perfectly with HRA’s core philosophy: independence is key to a fulfilling life. By alleviating challenges like mobility issues or chronic health conditions, we help prevent hospitalizations, ease family stress, and improve overall quality of life. With this grant, HRA plans to increase outreach efforts, educate more veterans about eligibility, and streamline the application process for the VA benefit. [Download the FULL Press Release]
Understanding the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: Eligibility and Benefits
For veterans unfamiliar with the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, it’s an underutilized resource that can make a world of difference. This pension supplement is designed for wartime veterans (or their surviving spouses) who require assistance with daily activities due to age, disability, or illness. It’s not just for service-connected injuries – it’s available for non-service-related needs as well.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Age or Disability Requirement: Veterans must be 65 years or older, or have a permanent and total disability.
- Wartime Service: At least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period (e.g., World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War).
- Income and Asset Limits: Household income and net worth must fall below VA thresholds, which are adjusted annually.
- Need for Assistance: The veteran (or spouse) must require help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
Once approved, the benefit provides a monthly pension increase that can be used to cover in-home care costs. Through HRA’s partnership with the VA, we handle the caregiving directly, ensuring seamless, professional support. For many, this means staying in the comfort of their own home rather than moving to a nursing facility.
Arlington veterans, in particular, stand to gain immensely. With over 15,000 veterans calling the city home, HRA’s expanded program addresses a critical gap. Non-service-connected disabilities often go unsupported, leading to isolation and health declines. By integrating the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit, HRA offers a holistic solution that honors veterans’ sacrifices while promoting long-term wellness.
“This is more than just caregiving; it’s a statement of gratitude and action,” shared Breanne Lovely, Project Specialist at HRA. “Thanks to Women Inspiring Philanthropy, we’re able to bring meaningful, life-changing support to those who’ve given so much to our country.”
A Legacy of Empowerment: About Helping Restore Ability and Women Inspiring Philanthropy
Helping Restore Ability’s journey began in 1977 when founder Sam Provence envisioned a world where individuals with disabilities could thrive independently. Today, HRA offers a suite of services, including Consumer Directed Services, Agency Directed Services, Licensed Home Health Care, and the Veterans Aid and Attendance Program. Operating across Texas, we prioritize transparency and efficiency, ensuring that resources directly enhance clients’ lives.
This grant from WIP builds on HRA’s decades-long legacy, allowing us to apply our expertise in disability advocacy to veteran care. It’s a natural extension of our mission, as many veterans face similar challenges to those we’ve supported for years.
Women Inspiring Philanthropy, founded in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) organization, is a vibrant community of women transforming Arlington through philanthropy. Members contribute annual gifts of $1,150, pooling resources for high-impact grants while fostering education, empowerment, and engagement. To date, WIP has distributed $1,475,000 in grants, supporting local causes that uplift families and communities. Their focus on lifelong giving resonates deeply with HRA’s values, making this partnership a perfect match.
By joining forces, HRA and WIP are not only expanding services but also inspiring broader community involvement. It’s a reminder that collective action can create lasting change for veterans who have served us all.
How Veterans Can Get Involved: Next Steps for In-Home Care Support
If you’re a veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse in Arlington or across Texas, now is the time to explore the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit through HRA. Our team is here to guide you through eligibility checks, applications, and service setup. Don’t let daily challenges diminish your independence. Click here to more learn about our Veterans Program or check your eligibility here.
Women Inspiring Philanthropy invites interested women to join their mission. Visit www.arlingtonwip.org to discover how you can contribute to transformative grants like this one.
At HRA, we’re grateful for partnerships like this that amplify our impact. Together with WIP, we’re ensuring that veterans receive the care, respect, and support they’ve earned. Stay tuned for more updates on how this expansion is making a difference in our community.
