The mission of The League for People with Disabilities is to help individuals gain independence and increase self-sufficiency to improve their overall quality of life. The TowerCares grant will support the League’s Adult Medical Daycare Veterans program, which provides a supportive environment for Veterans enabling them to connect and build relationships. Program participants can choose activities such as physical fitness, art, and wellness programs, or simply socializing with peers. The TowerCares grant will allow Veterans to attend more days per week.

The mission of the Boulder Crest Foundation is to facilitate post-traumatic growth through transformative programs, world-class training and education initiatives, and research and advocacy efforts. The TowerCares grant will support the Foundation’s Family Rest & Reconnection Stays program, which provides Veterans, service members and their families, as well as Gold Star families, the opportunity to reconnect outside of daily life. The funds will be used to purchase supplies including recreational equipment, ingredients for cooking events, and gardening supplies. The program serves over 1,000 military families and Veterans from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia annually.

Operation Warm Heart is a non-profit program run by the first sergeant council which supports the Fort Meade military community—particularly soldiers and families going through a unique hardship. Operation Warm Heart operates 365 days a year. The TowerCares funds will be used to support active-duty service members experiencing temporary financial hardships.

USA Cares provides post-9/11 Veterans, military service members, and their families with emergency financial assistance and post-service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability. Their services help improve the quality of life for military and Veterans, and reduce potential factors that can contribute to Veteran suicide. The TowerCares grant will support the Military Assistance Response Program, which helps Veterans, military service members, and their families who are facing temporary financial hardships. The funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, utilities, autos, food, and fuel assistance.

Dog Tag Inc. empowers disabled Veterans, military spouses, and caregivers to re-discover purpose and find community post-service through an innovative business and entrepreneurship fellowship program. The TowerCares grant will support the fellowship program, which provides hands-on work experience in Dog Tag Inc.’s bakery, offers a certificate in Business Administration from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, facilitates personal and professional development workshops, and connects fellows with mentors.

The Mission Continues connects Veterans with opportunities to continue their service and leadership in under-resourced communities. The TowerCares grant will support the Service Platoon Program, which connects Veterans with opportunities to plan and execute service projects with community partners. Projects include creating gardens and green spaces, improving educational environments, and providing public recreational spaces. The funds will be used to cover supplies, materials, storage, and equipment costs for ongoing service projects in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling for military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The TowerCares grant will help provide scholarships for Gold Star students in the Greater DC area who are facing immediate need.

Building Families for Children helps Maryland’s most vulnerable children and their families thrive by providing trauma-focused, compassionate, and supportive service. The TowerCares grant will support the Safe Families for Children program, which provides support for families navigating crises such as social isolation, housing instability, food insecurity, and medical challenges. The funds will help families with rent, transportation, and tuition assistance.

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) mission is to fight chronic kidney disease and help people live healthier lives. The TowerCares grant will support AKF’s Camp Connections for Pediatric Kidney Patients, which offers interactive social opportunities for pediatric kidney patients. The funds will provide “Welcome Bags” to new participants and supplies for monthly enrichment activities for 250 youth, including several children receiving care at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

The Irvine Natural Science Center encourages lifelong engagement with the natural world through environmental learning and green living. The TowerCares grant will support the Environmental Education for Under-Resourced Youth program, which provides opportunities for under-resourced youth in Maryland’s Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County to connect with nature in outdoor experiences. The funds will be used for snacks, lunches, journals, water bottles, hats, etc. for up to 200 children.