The Ability Center Contact: Nick Vargas, Director of Development, nvargas@abilitycenter.org, 419-699-2471

The Ability Center Launches Veterans Fund for #GivingTuesdayNWO: Empowering Veterans Toward Greater Independence

[Sylvania, OH, November 27, 2023] – The Ability Center is proud to announce the launch of the Veterans Fund as part of #GivingTuesdayNWO, a campaign dedicated to supporting and empowering our nation’s heroes. Through this initiative, we aim to extend our reach and positively impact the lives of even more Veterans.

Since 2021, The Ability Center has assisted 724 Veterans and their spouses, providing them with the tools and resources to live more independently. The Veterans Fund seeks to build upon this success, focusing on areas such as durable medical equipment, home accessibility projects, assistance dogs, recreational opportunities, and providing vital information and referrals.

“As we analyzed our community impact, we found a surprising demographic of people that we helped live more independently – Veterans,” said Stuart James, Executive Director. “Over the past two years, we have seen a tremendous growth in providing programs and services to the entire Northwest Ohio community and have had the privilege of supporting 5,370 individuals with disabilities.”

Veteran Testimonials:

• Paul Johnson, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and double Purple Heart recipient, and his wife, Stephany, emphasize the importance of giving back, having been longstanding donors and volunteers at The Ability Center.
• “The more you give, the more you get.”
• Holly Koester, a U.S. Army Veteran and wheelchair marathoner, expresses her gratitude for the three assistance dogs she received from The Ability Center and her excitement about the new Veterans Fund.
• “I am truly grateful to The Ability Center for enriching my life with the three Service Dogs I’ve been blessed to have since 2000. I am very excited that they are starting a program to help other Veterans like me!”

A Call to Action: By supporting the Veterans Fund, you join Holly, the Johnson family, and many others in a tradition of selfless service. Your contribution is more than a donation; it’s a commitment to the well-being and independence of our Veterans.

100% Local Impact: Every dollar raised through the Veterans Fund stays within our service area, ensuring direct support to local veterans and their families. “The Ability Center extends its gratitude this #GivingTuesdayNWO to Principle Business Enterprises for their generous contribution of $5,000 through their annual Veterans Silent Auction. This act of kindness reflects PBE’s deep commitment to honoring Veterans and strengthening our community,” said Stuart James, Executive Director.

Donate: Join us in making a difference. To learn more or to donate, visit The Ability Center’s Veterans Fund page at www.abilitycenter.org/veterans or call 419-885-5733.

About The Ability Center: Founded in 1920, the northwest Ohio agency strives to make our community the most disability friendly in the country by increasing independence for people with disabilities, discovering true passions, and changing the community’s perception of disability.