Supporting Our Huntington Beach Veterans: A Guide to Local Resources
"When Veterans come to us, they have choices! Many choices!! From colors of chairs, to pattern’s on the dishes, we are blessed to witness the stress in furnishing a home disappear from their faces as they walk through, load their truck and leave with lifted heads and ear-to-ear smiles!"
This powerful sentiment from Patriots and Paws perfectly captures the heart of why supporting our veterans is so crucial. It's about giving back to those who have given so much for our freedom and ensuring they feel valued and supported as they transition back to civilian life. This blog post is dedicated to providing you with a guide to local resources in Huntington Beach that can make a real difference in the lives of our veterans. We'll focus on the amazing work of Patriots and Paws and its founder, Carole Wolden.
Patriots and Paws: Furnishing Homes, Building Lives
The inspiration for Patriots and Paws is deeply rooted in the personal experience of its founder, Carole Wolden. Her father, a Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who served in Korea and World War II, instilled in her a profound understanding of the needs of veterans returning home
Even back then, there was a recognized need for taking care of veterans when they returned home. Carole's father would even build furniture for families from wood crates. Carole realized that the need for support, particularly in the form of basic home furnishings, continues to this day. Taking inspiration from her father, she established Patriots and Paws to address this need
Patriots and Paws is an incredible organization with a mission close to our hearts: "To provide Veterans/Active Military/Reservists and their families throughout Southern California basic home furnishings for newly acquired residences. Additionally, at Patriots and Paws for those Veteran/Military service folks that are interested, they can be matched up with a rescued companionship animal. We provide resources to support and guide them as they transition into civilian life. All provided FREE of charge."
Think about it: coming home after serving your country, maybe facing new challenges, and then having to worry about the basic necessities of setting up a home. That's where Patriots and Paws steps in, easing that burden and allowing veterans to focus on their well-being.
They go way beyond just providing furniture. Their "Paws Program" connects veterans with rescued companion animals
These furry friends offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be incredibly therapeutic, especially for veterans experiencing loneliness or struggling with emotional challenges. The program works with Westminster Adoption Group Services (WAGS) to adopt rescued animals to veterans they serve. WAGS provides animals that are fixed, up to date on their shots, and micro-chipped free of charge
Imagine the bond that forms between a veteran and a rescued animal – it's a beautiful thing!
And then there's their "Provisions for Patriots" program, which is all about providing veterans with essential household goods to make their houses feel like true homes
We're talking about everything from couches and beds to dishes and kitchenware. This program truly helps veterans get back on their feet and start building a new chapter in their lives.
A Look Inside Patriots and Paws: Direct from the Veterans
The impact of Patriots and Paws is best understood through the words of veterans themselves. In their official promo reel, one veteran shares, "My apartment is completely empty. Can be very depressing and could also be very triggering."
Another veteran expresses his gratitude, stating, "There wasn't that red tape here. Thank you, Patriots."
These poignant testimonials highlight the profound difference that Patriots and Paws makes in the lives of those who have served.
The promo video underscores several key themes:
Choice and Dignity: Veterans are given the freedom to choose the furnishings they need, empowering them to create a space that truly feels like their own
Direct Support: The organization streamlines the process of getting essential items to veterans, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles
Community and Connection: Patriots and Paws fosters a sense of community, connecting veterans with one another and with volunteers who share a common goal of support
Want to get involved and support their mission? Patriots and Paws relies on the generosity of our community. Did you know it costs them about $500 to service each veteran, providing them with $1,000 worth of gently-used items?
That means your donation, no matter the size, has a direct impact! You can easily donate funds through their website or consider becoming a "Star Supporter" with a recurring monthly contribution
They also welcome donations of gently used furniture and household items. You can drop off your donations at their warehouse located at 1825 E Via Burton in Anaheim
They are open for donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Just a heads-up: they don't accept drop-offs on days when they have special events. To stay up-to-date on their events and any changes to the donation schedule, you can follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter
BrightStar Care: Supporting Veterans in Their Homes
Once veterans have a comfortable home, BrightStar Care Huntington Beach can help them maintain their independence and well-being within that home. We understand the unique needs of veterans, and our compassionate caregivers are here to provide a wide range of services
Our services include:
Skilled nursing care: Whether it's managing a service-related injury or addressing a chronic health condition, our skilled nurses can provide the expert care veterans need
Assisted living services: We can assist with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, enabling veterans to live safely and comfortably in their homes
Huntington Beach: A Community that Cares
Huntington Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, but it's also a community that truly cares for its veterans. We see it in the enthusiastic support for events like the Patriots and Paws Hometown Hero Car Show
We see it in the local businesses that go out of their way to offer veterans discounts and special services. It's a heartwarming reminder that we all have a role to play in honoring those who have served our nation.
Conclusion
Supporting our veterans is not just a duty, it's a privilege. Organizations like Patriots and Paws are doing remarkable work to ensure that veterans in Huntington Beach receive the care and support they deserve. Let's all do our part to create a community where our veterans feel appreciated, respected, and empowered to thrive!
Ready to learn more?
Contact BrightStar Care Huntington Beach to discuss how we can support you or a veteran in your life
Visit the Patriots and Paws website to explore ways to get involved and make a difference
Continue to show your support for the incredible veterans in our community!
Together, we can make a real impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
"When Veterans come to us, they have choices! Many choices!! From colors of chairs, to pattern’s on the dishes, we are blessed to witness the stress in furnishing a home disappear from their faces as they walk through, load their truck and leave with lifted heads and ear-to-ear smiles!"
This powerful sentiment from Patriots and Paws perfectly captures the heart of why supporting our veterans is so crucial. It's about giving back to those who have given so much for our freedom and ensuring they feel valued and supported as they transition back to civilian life. This blog post is dedicated to providing you with a guide to local resources in Huntington Beach that can make a real difference in the lives of our veterans. We'll focus on the amazing work of Patriots and Paws and its founder, Carole Wolden.
Patriots and Paws: Furnishing Homes, Building Lives
The inspiration for Patriots and Paws is deeply rooted in the personal experience of its founder, Carole Wolden. Her father, a Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who served in Korea and World War II, instilled in her a profound understanding of the needs of veterans returning home
Even back then, there was a recognized need for taking care of veterans when they returned home. Carole's father would even build furniture for families from wood crates. Carole realized that the need for support, particularly in the form of basic home furnishings, continues to this day. Taking inspiration from her father, she established Patriots and Paws to address this need
Patriots and Paws is an incredible organization with a mission close to our hearts: "To provide Veterans/Active Military/Reservists and their families throughout Southern California basic home furnishings for newly acquired residences. Additionally, at Patriots and Paws for those Veteran/Military service folks that are interested, they can be matched up with a rescued companionship animal. We provide resources to support and guide them as they transition into civilian life. All provided FREE of charge."
Think about it: coming home after serving your country, maybe facing new challenges, and then having to worry about the basic necessities of setting up a home. That's where Patriots and Paws steps in, easing that burden and allowing veterans to focus on their well-being.
They go way beyond just providing furniture. Their "Paws Program" connects veterans with rescued companion animals
These furry friends offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be incredibly therapeutic, especially for veterans experiencing loneliness or struggling with emotional challenges. The program works with Westminster Adoption Group Services (WAGS) to adopt rescued animals to veterans they serve. WAGS provides animals that are fixed, up to date on their shots, and micro-chipped free of charge
Imagine the bond that forms between a veteran and a rescued animal – it's a beautiful thing!
And then there's their "Provisions for Patriots" program, which is all about providing veterans with essential household goods to make their houses feel like true homes
We're talking about everything from couches and beds to dishes and kitchenware. This program truly helps veterans get back on their feet and start building a new chapter in their lives.
A Look Inside Patriots and Paws: Direct from the Veterans
The impact of Patriots and Paws is best understood through the words of veterans themselves. In their official promo reel, one veteran shares, "My apartment is completely empty. Can be very depressing and could also be very triggering."
Another veteran expresses his gratitude, stating, "There wasn't that red tape here. Thank you, Patriots."
These poignant testimonials highlight the profound difference that Patriots and Paws makes in the lives of those who have served.
The promo video underscores several key themes:
Choice and Dignity: Veterans are given the freedom to choose the furnishings they need, empowering them to create a space that truly feels like their own
Direct Support: The organization streamlines the process of getting essential items to veterans, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles
Community and Connection: Patriots and Paws fosters a sense of community, connecting veterans with one another and with volunteers who share a common goal of support
Want to get involved and support their mission? Patriots and Paws relies on the generosity of our community. Did you know it costs them about $500 to service each veteran, providing them with $1,000 worth of gently-used items?
That means your donation, no matter the size, has a direct impact! You can easily donate funds through their website or consider becoming a "Star Supporter" with a recurring monthly contribution
They also welcome donations of gently used furniture and household items. You can drop off your donations at their warehouse located at 1825 E Via Burton in Anaheim
They are open for donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Just a heads-up: they don't accept drop-offs on days when they have special events. To stay up-to-date on their events and any changes to the donation schedule, you can follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter
BrightStar Care: Supporting Veterans in Their Homes
Once veterans have a comfortable home, BrightStar Care Huntington Beach can help them maintain their independence and well-being within that home. We understand the unique needs of veterans, and our compassionate caregivers are here to provide a wide range of services
Our services include:
Skilled nursing care: Whether it's managing a service-related injury or addressing a chronic health condition, our skilled nurses can provide the expert care veterans need
Assisted living services: We can assist with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, enabling veterans to live safely and comfortably in their homes
Huntington Beach: A Community that Cares
Huntington Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, but it's also a community that truly cares for its veterans. We see it in the enthusiastic support for events like the Patriots and Paws Hometown Hero Car Show
We see it in the local businesses that go out of their way to offer veterans discounts and special services. It's a heartwarming reminder that we all have a role to play in honoring those who have served our nation.
Conclusion
Supporting our veterans is not just a duty, it's a privilege. Organizations like Patriots and Paws are doing remarkable work to ensure that veterans in Huntington Beach receive the care and support they deserve. Let's all do our part to create a community where our veterans feel appreciated, respected, and empowered to thrive!
Ready to learn more?
Contact BrightStar Care Huntington Beach to discuss how we can support you or a veteran in your life
Visit the Patriots and Paws website to explore ways to get involved and make a difference
Continue to show your support for the incredible veterans in our community!
Together, we can make a real impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
