DAR Juniors Award $50,000 to the Veterans Community Project St. Louis

Jessica Ratts, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution's (NSDAR) Junior Membership Committee, South Central Division Vice Chair, was successful in obtaining a $50,000 Helen Pouch Memorial National Project Award, which she had applied for to benefit the Veterans Community Project (VCP) in St. Louis, MO (STL).

This financial award was recently presented to VCP STL's Executive Director, Adam McBride and Rebecca Tallman, VCP STL's Director of Operations. A group of DAR members from across the state were present for the award presentation, including the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) Regent, Renee Pace, and fellow Junior members Elisa Leighton, Junior Membership State Chair, and Melanie Brady, who holds the position of Historian on the Board of the Olde Towne Fenton Chapter, MSSDAR.

Authorized in 1938, the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund (HPMF) finances projects chosen by the Junior Membership Committee with approval of the NSDAR Executive Committee. One of the projects financed by the HPMF is the National Junior Committee Project, which provides funds to a non-DAR affiliated nonprofit organization related to NSDAR objectives. Jessica saw a close alignment with NSDAR's objectives of serving Veterans as it relates to the mission of the Veterans Community Project. The VCP STL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending Veteran homelessness by providing transitional-housing, wrap-around support services, and emergency assistance. Phase 1 of the community is currently under construction, and will result in the completion of the community's outreach center and the first 20 tiny homes, of what will become a community of 50 tiny homes. The $50,000 awarded to VCP STL through the HPMF will assist in the costs of building one of the tiny homes in the community.

Following the check presentation, the DAR group was treated to a tour of the construction site by Rebecca Tallman, and then everyone reconvened to provide a volunteer service project. The service project included the preparation of personal notes of appreciation to Veterans for their military service and which offered words of support for the Veterans that will be receiving assistance from VCP. Personal care items were also packaged in pairs of warm socks to be provided to those Veterans who are currently dealing with homelessness.