Supporting Our Heroes
We analyzed our community impact and found a surprising demographic of people that we helped live more independently – Veterans. Since 2021, 724 Veterans and their spouses have been assisted. However, our ambitions don’t stop here; with your help, we aspire to reach even more.
The Ability Center’s Veterans Fund empowers veterans with disabilities and their spouses by providing essential support for increased independence, including durable medical equipment, home accessibility projects, assistance dogs, recreational opportunities, and information and referrals.
Durable Medical Equipment
Essential mobility tools like wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive technology devices.
Home Accessibility Projects
Transform homes with ramps and other home modifications.
Assistance Dogs
Trained companionship and support to those facing mobility challenges.
Recreational Opportunities
Provide fun and social programming.
Information & Referral
Our Navigators provide essential guidance and support.
“The more you give, the more you get,” says U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Paul Johnson, who had two uncles in World War II, so the call for service has spanned generations. He served in Vietnam and is a double Purple Heart recipient.
Paul, along with his wife Stephany (pictured left), have been longtime donors to The Ability Center. Over the years, they have supported other deserving Veterans through our Home Accessibility Program and are loyal Assistance Dogs volunteers and supporters.
Veterans like Holly Koester (pictured above), who served in the U.S. Army until she was injured, continue to display her competitive spirit. Holly is the first person to complete a marathon in all 50 United States using a wheelchair. Along with being a recipient of three Assistance Dogs from The Ability Center, Spokes, Glory, and currently Flare, Holly is also an ongoing donor to the program.
Holly had this to say about the newly created Veterans Fund, “I’m a disabled Veteran, who receives wonderful care at the VA, but there are some things they cannot provide. I am truly grateful to The Ability Center for enriching my life with the three Service Dogs I’ve been blessed to have since 2000. I am VERY excited that they are starting a program to help other Veterans like me!”
Both Holly and the Johnson family are carrying on a tradition of selfless service to others. By joining them and donating to the newly launched Veterans Fund, you play a pivotal role in supporting our programs.
Quick Facts
- Over the past two years, The Ability Center has seen an increase in the number of Veterans with disabilities and their family members utilizing our services – 724 in total throughout our seven-county service area in Northwest Ohio.
- In addition to that, we have recently increased our service area to 13 counties total, with the recent addition of Allen, Hancock, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, and Seneca.
- 100% of dollars raised stays locally in our service area.
