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Introducing I Carried the Cross Foundation...
I Carried the Cross Foundation is a vital 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that attempts to moderate the negative impacts of apathy and lack of available services on the veteran populationof Michigan and beyond. Our organization’s projects, implemented by a well-trained staff, offer many opportunities for the reduction of depravity and poverty through needed human services and the documentation of veteran’s stories. Supporting the development of mind, body, and soul, I Carried the Cross Foundation provides as many individuals as possible with a thorough foundation for future success.
Mission: To serve those that have served our country using the Christian principles upon which our country was founded without compromise.
Recognizing the needs that exist among our target population, I Carried the Cross Foundation’s staff provides individuals with a variety of social services programs that focuses on individual empowerment. Throughout implementation of the proposed activities, our organization will continue to address the needs of our target communities, to brighten lives, and to assist each participant achieve their personal goals. The organization’s objectives are accomplished by implementation of stimulating activities and materials that are organized around a well-developed prospectus.
The Need
Across the United States, a recognizable need has developed for the provision of outreach services for the underserved veteran population, particularly the aging Vietnam and Korean war veterans. While the obstacles that must be faced by this demographic can be seen as immeasurable, some of the most pressing issues facing today’s community are the number of military families living in poverty and the lack of development programs aimed towards those who have served in the military. Each year the statistics become more disheartening, illustrating the dire need for programs that seek to break these cycles and begin reversing these disturbing trends.
Recent surveys have shown that a staggering amount of veterans have difficulty making ends meet when seeking adequate housing and basic needs. In 2011, about 5.2 million veteran-headed households spent over 30 percent of their income on housing costs. Almost a quarter of those households spent more than half of their income on housing costs. The rising housing costs make it difficult for these families to save for potential emergencies, or afford other basic items, due to a large portion of their income being directed towards housing needs.
In a recent news report, the National Low Income Housing Coalition released a study called Housing Instability Among Our Veterans. This report details the characteristics and housing needs of veterans. This report provides evidence that veterans who are racial minorities, females, who have a disability, and who served after September 11, 2001, have the greatest housing cost burden, placing them at risk of homelessness. Other disheartening statistics showed that low-income female-headed veteran families are just as likely as married veteran families to experience housing cost burden. Affordable housing accommodations are an issue that is affecting all military families regardless of age, gender, or race.
I Carried the Cross Foundation Solution
To assist servicemen and women, both past and present, the organization will research and identify nonprofit organizations and government agency programs that assist veterans, current servicemen and women, and their families. Our representatives will create a database of such organizations and government programs that will include their required qualifications and application processes. I Carried the Cross Foundation’s volunteers stationed in American Legion posts throughout the country will assist individuals in identifying the services they need and applying for said services.
Our secondary program is to document our American Veterans’ stories to preserve American history, promote patriotism and honor, and increase public awareness that “Freedom Isn’t Free”. Using the American Legion, AMVet, VFWs, VA, Veterans’ Hospitals, and other veteran organizations, we will identify veterans who wish to tell their stories. The organization has designed a 25 questions questionnaire as a guideline to gather veterans’ stories.
Using this information, the organization will document veterans’ stories in written, recorded, and DVD format. Our group of volunteers then follow-up on the questionnaire and record the veteran’s story. Our goal is to compile these recordings into a variety of documentaries. These documentaries may focus on military families, specific wars and conflicts, the role of the family in military life, widows, parents who lost their children, and other related subjects. I Carried the Cross Foundation will publish the documentaries in formats that include books, DVDs, and website articles. Each veteran who tells their story will receive a free DVD of their testimony. Ultimately, our organization’s goal is to use these documentaries to create a mini-series movie to be played on Channels like the History Channel, PBS, and other Channels that are willing to share these stories.
Many veterans do not feel comfortable going to a professional counseling center but are often willing to talk to individuals on a one-on-one basis about issues they may be facing. Our organization will recruit qualified volunteers from all walks of life to assist veterans on any level. These volunteers will be available to support the veteran and assist them throughout their struggles. Our goal is to have volunteer certified mental health counselors who can assist veterans in our program and have volunteers willing to serve as mentors.
Why Become a Corporate Partner?
Partnering with I Carried the Cross Foundation is not only a good community investment...it is also a good business investment!
- Align yourself with a well-respected, growing 501(c)(3) organization.
- Create awareness of your corporate identity and portray a positive image to your stakeholders.
- Provide a great opportunity for employee involvement.
- Year-round promotional opportunities.
Promotion &
Visibility
Your Company’s Logo
& Link on Website
Your Company’s Logo, Link &
Mention in Social Media
Organization Current
Year Calendar
Recognition in Monthly
Newsletter and Email Blasts
Logo on Marketing for Events
Custom Donor
Recognition Plaque
Sponsor’s Recognition Dinner
Bronze
$500
Silver
$1,000
Gold
$2,500
PLatinum
$5,000
Diamond
$10,000+