The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. Veteran Caregiver Respite Care Program provides respite care; counseling referrals; assistance with Veterans’ claims and benefits; legal, housing, and access to resources for emergency assistance for military families caring for severely wounded warriors, disabled Veterans, and their caregivers residing in the greater Washington metro area.
In 2007 NAAV’s CEO was instrumental in getting support for Veteran caregivers in the final recommendations for the President’s Commission on Care of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, which became Public Law 111-163, the Caregivers and Veterans Services Act, on May 5, 2010. This legislation was signed into law by President Barack Obama to improve health care for Veterans and recognized the important role of military family caregivers in the recovery of their injured loved ones. Under this law, caregivers can receive help with lodging allowances, counseling, and training in self-care and methods of care from accredited trainers and coaches.
NAAV’s Military Family Program was created in 2007 to provide accredited self-care training, career coaching, stress counseling referrals, respite care, and access to resources for military families caring for severely injured Veterans, service members, and their families residing in the greater Washington metro area, VA Medical Center, military hospitals, and the Fisher Houses as well as those in critical need nationwide.
NAAV collaborates with other private organizations and small businesses that focus on prevalent Veteran and military spouse and family issues. Through this collaboration, we seek to ease the burden on these families, who are unexpectedly thrust into the caregiver role, by providing accredited coaches and trainers to equip them with the tools, training, and resources needed to become optimally effective caregivers for their Veteran loved ones. By learning proper methods of care, stress management, and coping strategies, caregivers can help their disabled Veterans move toward a healthy reintegration into society.
Program Message
“As a caregiver of 29 years, I was looking for a way to use my experience to ease the burden of military caregivers. This respite care program is an avenue to return the favor for the sacrifices made for our great country.” The Veteran Caregiver Respite Care Program will help the service members, disabled veterans, and the family members. —Constance A. Burns, Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of NAAV, Inc.
Working with our collaborative partner in Maryland, the Holiday Inn Express in Hyattsville, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., BW Parkway awarded a complimentary three-night stay in December 2018 to Charlie and Lola Johnson, a disabled Veteran and his spouse and caregiver of Bowie, Maryland. Mr. Johnson is a retired Gulf War Veteran. The couple spent an enjoyable three-night stay, with a complimentary breakfast, a comfortable upgraded suit with workspace, and assistance with other meals from donations received by NAAV supporters. See their testimonial below.
“I want to give a special thanks to Ms. Burns and the NAAV for choosing me, to take this much needed respite care. My stay at the Holiday Day Inn Express in Hyattsville, Maryland was very peaceful. I want to give a special thanks to Andre, who helped make my stay enjoyable. Andre you’re the best! I also want to thank Sereke the Van Driver for taking me to the Mall and waiting. I really appreciated it. To the Housekeeping staff, and to the kitchen staff, everything was wonderful. Everyone make me feel as though they were glad I chose to stay there. Ms. Brittany Keys, Sales Manager, you have a great staff!! To the NAAV and Ms. Burns, I really had a great respite. I thank God you chose me. I pray I get selected again when I truly need another. Thank you again.”
—LTJ, Bowie, Maryland
How You Can Help
NAAV operates on donated funds. The funds received are used to benefit Veteran caregivers and their Veteran loved ones who live in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia as well as those in critical need nationwide. You can donate online via our website at https://www.naavets.org or mail in a check to P.O. Box 6865, Washington, DC 20020-0565. All donations are tax-deductible. If you are a federal employee, you can make your donation at www.cfcnca.org. Our CFC designated number is 85065. Thank you.
Volunteer
NAAV depends heavily on its volunteers to help us serve those most in need in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and nationwide. Volunteer opportunities exist for professional services such as community outreach specialists, donation advisors, grant writers, media consultants, event planners, and Veterans’ service representatives.
Spread the Word
Please spread the word if you know of someone in need. Please refer them to us. More information about NAAV and how you can help is available on our website at https://www.naavets.org.