Transcript Slide 1
Operation Second Chance Program Overview Mission Statement: “To aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded service men and women. To assist in the modification of housing to accommodate disabled veterans. To assist the families of wounded service men and women. To facilitate the transition of wounded service men and women back into civilian society.” How it all started • Cindy’s Friend Mike Russo Deployed to Iraq as an advisor attached to a Stryker Brigade. •Sept. 2004, Cindy McGrew began tracking wounded service members from Mike’s unit •Cindy began visiting with wounded military and their families and offering assistance •Word spread through the ranks and Cindy began receiving requests from new families •Ride Allegheny offered a fundraising event to support Cindy’s efforts •Operation Second Chance is born •March 16, 2005 Operation Second Chance received 501(c)3 Status Our Executive Board Cindy McGrew Founder & President Adam Kisielewski (Sgt, USMC, Ret) Vice President Debbie Sacramo Secretary Hank Tuell (Col, USA, Ret) Western Regional Director Tom Boyle Treasurer Deane A. Shure Attorney for OSC Frank Mielenz Operations Manager Tom Plant Director of Advisory Board Visiting Military Hospitals •Peer Mentors •Family Support •Good Food •DVD Players •Movies •PSP and Games •IPods Day Trips and Evening Getaways •Fishing •Shopping •Special Events •Dinner or Lunch •Ball Games (VIP Seating) •Movies (Private Screenings) Retreats Our Retreats are all expenses paid week long getaways for wounded warriors and their families. We work directly with the hospital staff and medically clear all patients to attend during their recovery. Host Sites Currently Include: •Montana (Red Lodge) •Florida (Jupiter) •South Carolina (Myrtle Beach) •International Cruises (Caribbean) New Upcoming Host Sites Include: •Alaska •Georgia •Texas (San Antonio) •Florida (Gulf Coast) Weekend Retreats Our Weekend Retreats are hosted in local areas but away from the hospital settings offering warriors and their families a chance to reconnect without having to request special liberty or leave. Transitional Housing If a service member or family of a service member is in need of temporary housing with handicap accessibility OSC can assist for up to 90 days. Special Events Events OSC Hosts •Golf Tournaments •Appreciation BBQ’s •Christmas Events •Fishing on the Bay •Car Shows •Hunting Trips •Kids and Family Events •Many Other Events OSC is constantly hosting special events in our local communities to benefit our wounded heroes and their families and spread awareness of their sacrifices and how you may be able to assist. Home Modification “It can be as simple as adding a temporary ramp or installing hardwood floors to adding an entirely handicap accessible wing.” Family Assistance Family Assistance OSC provides •Access to private counseling for PTSD •Flights for family members •Housing for family members •Assistance with errands •Phone cards and gift cards •Care packages to Combat Zones Financial Assistance •Rent or mortgage payments •Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer) •Childcare during illness or surgery •Special assistance for extreme hardships •Car Payments Our Partners OSC does not receive any government funding and we rely solely on private donations to allow us to continue to serve those who serve us. Thank you to all of you who have contributed to Operation Second Chance and truly impact these warriors lives. Questions?