Grand Opening

HOME DEPOT ‘CELEBRATION OF SERVICE’ GRANT BUILDS FOR MONTANA VETERANS FOUNDATION

Helena, MT October 24, 2011—The Montana Veterans Foundation has been awarded the “Celebration of Service” grant from the Home Depot Foundation. Home Depot has committed the grant gift to building the new Veterans Recovery Workshop. The grant awards the Montana Veterans Foundation $12,000 of in-store credit along with two fully staffed volunteer days.

Phase 1 of the project will begin on October 27, 2011 from 8:30am-5:00pm at the Willis Cruse House on 1112 Leslie Avenue in Helena.

Phase 2 of the project will draw over 30 volunteers from all over Montana in the culmination of the project on November 10, 2011 from 8:00am-5:00pm at the same location.

The Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Veterans Recovery Workshop will take place on Veterans Day November 11, 2011 from 12:30-3:00pm. The event will be attended by Guest of Honor Senator John Tester as well as other distinguished guests.

The Veterans Recovery Workshop is the newest program of the Montana Veterans Foundation. The Workshop will serve the veteran community by introducing and teaching disabled and recuperating veterans technical skills including woodworking, leather work, fly-tying, arts, crafts, and applied job skills. As part of their ongoing recovery, veterans are encouraged to work with their hands, to complete positive projects that demonstrate their own abilities and self-worth.

This work program is an integral part of the goals for veteran reintegration into the mainstream workforce. The Veterans Recovery Workshop also offers veterans the opportunity to produce and sell their products and crafts at the Veterans Thrift Store providing them with vendor and customer service experience. Carroll Jenkins, President of the Foundation states, “this community project reflects the true spirit of America; no matter your politics, we must take care of and always honor our warriors.”   

The Montana Veterans Foundation is designed to assist homeless veterans by improving their quality of life and providing comprehensive support which enables veterans to achieve greater self- sufficiency. The Montana Veterans Foundation is proud to provide the Willis Cruse House Transitional Living Facility and the Veterans Thrift Store which provide veterans with holistic recovery and employment training.

For further information about events or any programs offered by the Montana Veterans Foundation please contact Helen Pent Jenkins at 406-459-2667.