I've learned that this organization has better than an 80/20 direct services to admin cost ratio, is rated by other nonprofits as the most responsive and 5% of responding clients stated the timeliness and response saved their lives. Their latest data shows life was improved for 472 children, over 300 had grants provided that kept them at work or at home or in school, and 1200 received other services. They don't give hand-outs, they give a hand up.
Review from Guidestar
Over the last 10 years I have personally watched The Home Front Cares (THFC) change the lives of hundreds of service men and women, many of whom were literally at the end of their rope. THFC is very careful not to just throw money at a problem, but rather look for those opportunities where they can make a real difference in someone's life by helping them work past a dark or seemingly impossible time in their lives. I have been very impressed by the efficient use of the donors' money--making sure to maximize what goes to help the serviceman or woman in need and keeping administrative expenses to the bare minimum. I'm proud to be associated with such and organization that is recognized around our community as doing such a wonderful job for our servicemen and women, their families and veterans.
THFC is an organization that Veterans and their families can depend upon for emergency assistance in the Pikes Peak Region. They are phenomenal community partners and a great representation of Colorado generosity.
Susan Holmes
Operation TBI Freedom
Craig Hospital
I am a big fan of the Home Front Cares because their mission is so critical to our veterans in emergency financial hardship. I have helped with the annual fundraiser dinner for the last couple years, and will continue to volunteer as long as there is a need.
The Home Front Cares is an organization that has helped thousands of Veterans and their families. We are truly blessed to have them in our community!
I recently attended a fundraising banquet for the Home Front Cares. It was an amazing experience and something that I will now do annually. It is obvious how much they truly care about the military community in Colorado Springs. The testimonials from people who have received assistance brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Home Front Cares!
What this group does is amazing! I was staggered when I heard how many vets are in need because of hardships, and the fact that these folks are doing something about it is truly inspiring! I'm telling everyone I know to give to this group!
Having had a father who served multiple tours of duty in several war zones, the mission of The Home Front Cares is very near and dear to my heart. When I hear stories of military veterans being evicted from housing and sleeping in their cars with their families, it's clear that the government is failing individuals who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. We owe our returning service men and women so much more. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their sacrifice.
The Home Front Cares bridges that gap and offers help. They offer hope when all hope is gone in the form of emergency financial aid to deserving veterans in need. And because of that, I am happy and proud to support their efforts.
Working in a non-profit that serves active duty and veterans myself, I rub shoulders with this organization constantly & they are nothing short of exceptional. They are very accommodating, personable & you can easily see that from the top down, those that work at The Home Front Cares truly do care. They have changed lives & given hope to those in need. I am proud to work in concert with them as we try and assist our military service members, past & present, with their unique challenges.
The Home Front Cares has been active for over 11 years, helping active duty and veterans get the immediate help they need with rent, utilities, car repairs, etc to prevent them from being homeless or without heat, etc. The case managers work the requests quickly and effectively to get the necessary funds to the clients to prevent eviction or electricity/gas being turned off. The staff, Board members and volunteers work tirelessly to raise money to support those who have fought for our freedom and look to us for assistance in their time of need.
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The Home Front Cares fills a desperate need in Colorado, bridging the financial gap that so many military members face when separating from military service. With the slowdown of the VA, many young servicemen and women are strapped to make necessary payments for housing, utilities, cars or car repairs. Many are working hard to support their families by trying to secure new jobs with the added pressure of health challenges such as PTS, TBI and hearing and vision loss. THFC steps in with immediate help to qualified clients. This truly is a life changing organization.
It is a privilege to serve on a Board that is so dedicated to serving our military in a time of need. The small, dedicated staff and many volunteers work amazingly hard to give back to our servicemen and women.
In 2003, my husband lost most of his right leg while serving overseas in Iraq. In December, 2009, my husband and I were mugged and it resulted in life threatening injuries for him. During that time, he was a full time student while I was working. I had to take more than a month off work to care for him and his injuries. We had no idea what we were going to do to pay our bills and were already behind. On a whim, we called The Home Front Cares. The very next morning, they called us and not only said not to worry about out bills but that they would help us make Christmas happen in the hospital.
They then paid our rent and utilities to keep us from disconnection and possible eviction AND sent us gift cards so we could also enjoy Christmas together. Without the investment they made in us that year, who knows where we would be.
They continue to selflessly support our troops here at home by providing them with essential needs like stable transportation, homes, electricity, running water and most importantly, hope. This emergency financial assistance serves as a life-transforming investment in our veterans. I don't think there exists a better, more caring organization than this one!
I work at a television station and frequently get calls from the public asking where service members can go for immediate financial help. I always recommend The Home Front Cares. The staff is sincere, kind, and knowledgeable. It has the resources in place to help those who run into red tape and can't get assistance elsewhere. The group started by helping service men and women in Colorado Springs and now has branched out, providing immediate cash and a guiding hand to veterans and military members throughout the state.
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I can't tell you how rewarding it is to be affiliated with The Home Front Cares. The funds are available immediately without any kind of red tape and they're given to families in Colorado. I've seen firsthand how this nonprofit fills a great void. It not only helps families who encounter emergencies while their loved ones are deployed, but also veterans who are desperate for cash, waiting for their benefits to be dispersed. Countless soldiers describe The Home Front Cares as a life raft that keeps them from sinking.
The Home Front Cares has a unique niche in the Non-profit world. They provide an Emergency Financial Bridge for our activity military families and those of our recent veterans. It is not 'sexy' but providing for rent, utilities, car repairs, food & diapers are many times the difference between a Veteran being unemployed or homeless. We work directly with the military and research every case and need. All the donations stay in Colorado in support of our military. These service members protect us and they are the 1% who serve. We can help them in their time of need. Remember The home Front Cares!
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The Home Front Cares has the most compelling Mission for a Charity that I have ever had the privilege to work with. We help the families of our soldiers and recent veterans that need our help for the basic needs of life. These young people face extremely difficult situations as they return from 3 to 5 deployments over a few years. The pressure on them from a financial situation is extreme and the family separations are very stressful. They serve for us and we need to serve them!
This is a truly great organzation. They were established 11 years ago and continue to get better every year. Purpose is to provide a financial bridge to our active duty, veterans and their familes. Nobody does it better !! The Home Front Cares raises funds in the State of Colorado and all the money stays here to help support our military community. Right mission, right time, and right place. Founded by two individuals who had a dream, put it into action, and founded The Home Front Cares. Since the beginning, The Home Front Cares has raised over $6.5 million to help our Colorado veterans and their families. What a great job by an outstanding team of volunteers and staff. They deserve to be recognized as a top notch organization.
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I first became aware of The Home Front Cares through one of its co-founders - Joe Henjum. I was drawn to the organization because it does so much to help veterans of all services. In 2011 I became a board member and, energetic staff and dynamic board. Their reputation continues to spread throughout the state of Colorado as the need for financial assistance to veterans continues to expand. I continue to be impressed that almost all funds raised are distributed to needy veterans. Hats off to THFC!
THFC has helped Hun dreads of soldiers & vets handling difficult financial problems. They just completed their annual dinner with Lee Wouldruff as guest speaker an outstanding event best ever. Thank you THFC for the wonderful work you do!!
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I am a volunteer with another organization called Stonecroft Ministries. We do women's ministry & I was specifically working on a Military event for all Colorado Springs military women, but had primarily connected with the women @ Ft. Carson. In the midst of that process I met Mary Carlone, & then eventually Dennis McCormack with The Home Front Cares.
I was amazed at the amazing organization that it is, and the incredible things they do & burdens they lift off of the soldiers that they help. They are such a practical hands on organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of those they serve. Being involved in ministry and service work for 30 + years, it is wonderful to see a group of people that saw a need and rolled up their sleeves and addressed it. With their handling of things and their reputation that they have built, it is obvious that they will be serving their community for a very long time!
I have been involved in several projects and programs that take the edge off the hardship of military service. The Home Front Cares is the most effective and best administered organization of it's kind. The support is always timely and appropriate, and is always in keeping with it's stated mission - providing an emergency financial bridge.
I am a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald house and we are part of the Hungry Heroes program that greets the troops when they arrive home from a deployment. We see them before the families and offer a burger and coke as they arrive. So proud to be part of the Home Front Cares. A few years ago I got to attend one of their dinners at the Broadmoor and meet Oliver North. What a thrill since I lived in Tehran in the early 70's and Julie Secord us one of my best friends.
The Home Front Cares (THFC) has been a tremendous organization over the last 10 years in doing everything they can to help the troops and their families that have been and are being impacted by the war on terrorism. It's basically staffed by volunteers who do everything in their power to handle emergencies and help the families get their feet back on the ground. It is one of the best organizations I have ever been associated with.
This is a group of people who love a community of selfless heroes and who are dedicated to improving their lives. "Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13. This tells the story of both The Home Front Cares and the community they serve.
I am in my tenth year of volunteer service with this fine organization, and it is still my favorite among the half dozen other nonprofits that I donate my time and treasure to. The amount of assistance they provide to our local military, veterans, and their families continues to increase every year as the needs increase. They act as an emergency financial bridge to all branches, with emphasis on helping our veterans transition back into society after their military service. Those numbers are increasing as the various military branches continue to draw down their numbers as the various conflicts wind down. They don't do parades, races, toy drives, or other types of events, but deal with the hard and necessary tasks of providing rent payments, keeping the utilities turned on, and food on the table on a daily basis, the things that don't get splashed across the weekend news. And they have continued to do it every day for ten years. Their primary emphasis is on preventing homelessness and keeping our veteran families together, and nobody does it better.
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I work with a number of veteran and nonprofit agencies throughout the State of Colorado, and The Home Front Cares (THFC) is at the top of my list for go-to organizations that will help our military, veterans, and their families with emergency financial, adaptive housing, referrals, and other needs. No other agency in the State can respond quicker and more forcefully than THFC. I am a Vietnam and Desert Storm Vet, and I wish agencies like this had been around when I was serving my country for 26 years on Active Duty. The organization was started by Vietnam Vets who didn't want what happened to us to happen to this generation of Military and Veterans. THFC wants them to know that we care for them as they cared for us when they put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. They want them to know that someone is looking out for their families when they are deployed to the combat zones. This is the finest nonprofit I have ever worked with. Dennis M.
As a new member of The Home Front Cares' advisory board, I'm delighted that such a small organization (by comparison) is able to accomplish so much. In its ten short years, it's raised and given out nearly $6 million in emergency grants to active and formerly military to avoid foreclosures, maintain utilities, provide food -- in short, keeping families safe and together. Most importantly, there's evidence that these grants prevent members of our community from taking their lives. And, as we know, Colorado Springs has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. I'm honored to be connected with this group -- some of the most dedicated volunteers and supporters I've witnessed in more than 25 years of nonprofit experience.
The Home Front Cares is totally dedicated to serving those military, veterans and their families who are in need of immediate help. They do it every day. They are committed to insuring that those who have served this great Nation, and made the sacrifices are not forgotten and are properly taken care. This attitude extends from the staff, through the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors. No one does more for our military servicemembers, our veterans and their families than The Home Fron Cares.
Ed
The Home Front Cares (THFC) is a Colorado Charity that supports the families of our deployed troop and our veterans and their families. The need of our military is growing as the 'pulldown' continues but the perception of this need is decreasing among most Americans. THFC steps in where the need is the greatest...basic needs for food and shelter. These young vets lack savings, have no jobs, and the VA is 9 months behind. THFC steps in as an emergency financial 'bridge' to help keep many of these young people from becoming homeless and assists in other emergency needs. The thank you notes and messages from those helped are truely heart warming. THFC fill a desperate need for our deserving troops!
As a funder of this organization, I cannot stress enough the stellar work that they do to help serving military members and their families, as well as veterans. Without this organization, there are many military families that maybe homeless, maybe hungry, and maybe cold. The graciousness of staff and volunteers can only be described as caring and dedicated, especially to those who have been deployed numerous times. My organization has supported the agency for 10 years with funding for utility assistance and will continue to do so, so that the funding they raise can be used for other programs instead of utility assistance. Thank you The Home Front Cares for caring.
The Home Front Cares is a one of a kind organization that supports Colorado active duty military and veterans in their time of need. Without this organization, many individuals would have no where else to turn to help with some of the basic needs they are struggling with such as paying rent, paying utility bills, etc. The Home Front Cares gives back when others can't - and has one of the lowest overheads of a non-profit out there! The goal is to give back as many donated dollars to those that need it as possible. I can't think of a more deserving organization to support! Thank you Home Front Cares for all you do!
I have been the financial manager for almost ten years. Bob Carlone, Joe Henjum, Vicki Kounk and I were the Incorporators in January of 1994. Our overhead has always been quite low currently below 14%. This overhead number means that The Home Front Cares makes efficient use of the donors money. The many volunteers included Vietnam Veterans whose determination to treat current military families with dignity and compassion resulted in over 2,000 cases of assistance.
This charity is amazing we handle emergencies, when others say no we say yes. In some cases we have assisted within hours. The organization has progressed to a modern competent charity that has received donations of over four million dollars since inception. These funds were dispersed with due diligence across all services mainly in Colorado Springs, but also in Denver, Grand Junction and other locations.
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I am a Vietnam Vet who was there at the beginning with several other combat Vietnam Vets who wanted to make sure the next generation of combat heroes were treated well. We started in the spring of 2003 with just a handful of volunteers. Our first years we helped deployed military families with monetary grants. Our motto was when others say no, we say yes. Today we have helped over 2,300 families since 2003, this spring will mark 10 years of service to military families including veterans. The Home Front Cares is now a dynamic organization with many efforts underway to help our military community from greeting homecoming troops with a hamburger and a drink to assisting in adaptive housing. I am proud to be an officer and board member of this superb organization.
I came to be aware of Home Front Cares while volunteering for Hungry Heroes. After talking with April Speake, I knew this was a charity that I had to be involved in. The mission of the organization, and the people running it, made me feel that I was becoming part of something that really mattered and could positively change the lives of our young men and women who sacrifice so much for our country. This is a great organization to work with and to contribute to.
I have served on THFC board since 2003. I was in the State Senate and met the founders of this great origination Bob Carlone and Joe Henjum. They asked me to be on the Advisory Board. It has been a great pleasure to be associated with this organization in helping our veterans and active duty military who have been deployed and help their families in times of need.
I have had the priveledge of observing The Home Front Cares in action over the last several years, initially from the outside looking in as a Veteran, active in our community, then as an Advisory Board member and most recently as a Director on their Board. In it's relatively short history there are already hundreds of compelling and moving stories of critical financial support provided to a servicemember or a veteran or their family at precisely the right moment. Support that frequently represents a last resort for assistance or relief when all else has failed. While wars continue to rage many of our Service Families are just a broken down car away from not being able to pay their utility bill and as a drawdown of Forces kicks in alot of Veterans, some disabled, are finding themselves suddenly out of a career and many more of them out of work altogether. Almost counter-intuitively, as the conflicts draw down in the years ahead, the demand for this type of assistance is certain to increase. We appreciate the continued support from this wonderful community. It is an Honor to serve this great organization as a Director and as a Volunteer!
As a Board member and volunteer for over five years, I have personnally seen THFC help hundreds of military, veterans, and their families deal with overwhelming burdens made worse by financial difficulties. THFC provided financial support with speed and careful protection of individual privacy while offering compassionate reassurance and comfort. As a Professional Program Manager, I rate the leadership, staff, and volunteers among the very best managers not only in the nonprofit business but in business in general. They care about maximizing every donated dollar for the benefit their clients and ensure that their business practices are ethically and financially sound. THFC's contribution to this community is providing a resource for those in need where many other agencies and organizations can not.
The Home Front Cares is one of the most effective and efficient organizations I have ever been involved with. The scope is well defined. Award action is prompt and appropriate. There is a significant amount of talent and expertise on the board of directors. Interactions between board members is consistently professional. The contribition to the community is noteworthy.
I have served on THFC board for over two years. THFC fills a need in our community that others have not been able to fill in the same way. THFC has been able to respond needs of our military to keep families in their home, give hope when there appears to be none, and give that helping hand as a bridge to self-sufficiency. The staff, volunteers and board are amazing. I have never seen people give so much of themselves to help others. As a country we are indebted to our military and we can never repay that debt fully but THFC is one way to give back. I have no military experience or family so THFC has truly opened my eyes to the efforts and needs of those who have proudly served our country.
In early 2004 just before our 1st units returned from a year in Iraq, I searched for a way to get involved in my community and show support. I wanted to be sure we treated these heroes better than those returning from Vietnam a generation earlier. That organization was then and still is today "The Home Front Cares". I have liked what I have observed and continue to volunteer with this group participating in several programs. Our military and community leaders know they can rely on this organization to expeditiously and efficiently assist those with a true crisis. When Colorado veterans since 9.11 have a financial crisis due to their deployment, this organization says yes when others are unable. In a world where needs change frequently this group has continued to remain flexible and resourceful. Nearly 90% of funds collected go directly to the mission. We need more organizations like "The Home Front Cares" across our country.
I was approached by two wonderful gentlemen in 2003 who simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of families while their spouses were deployed. Bob Carlone and Joe Henjum were retired Colonels in the Armed Forces, and asked that I listen "just for a few minutes" to hear what they had to say and to support their efforts. I have been listening ever since! The Home Front Cares is the most rewarding non-profit that I have dealt with and directly impacts the lives of military families in Colorado. I am glad I had taken the time to "listen" and now see the fruits of the labor of these great visionaries. Joe has passed, but The Home Front Cares will continue their legacy as the organization stay focussed on its mission to help military families during times of need. I am proud to have been a part of this effort.
This is the organization military leaders turn to for their troops and families when those who fight for us (and their loved ones) need help. This is the organization that other agency's refer to when a one time grant can bring a client out of crisis. THFC helps many of our veterans who went into harm's way and came home to face struggles and financial crisis with no where else to turn. You won't find a charity that is more efficient at this level. THFC was scrutinized by one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Colorado and declared to be one of the most efficient charities in the state. This organization's members treat all clients with dignity and respect, realizing that they are are brothers, sisters . . .fellow Americans . . . who served their nation and now have a need for their fellow countrymen to help them. They are the home front and they show every day that they care about those who have served in harm's way.
The Home Front Cares provides comfort to our soldiers and veterans. Over $2 million has been granted by this wonderful organization to service members affected by multiple deployments and associated mental and physical injuries. After i suffered a great personal loos and found myself alone, The Home Front Cares provided me the opportunity to get out and be part of the teams that greeted soldiers returning home from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2011 we greeted over 10,000 returning soldiers. The unselfish activities of The Home Front Cares tell our soldiers, veterans, and their family members that we care for them and our proud of their service.
Simply put, The Home Front Cares (THFC) is one of our nation's most outstanding nonprofits serving our military members and their families. THFC is volunteerism at its very best. When a community comes together for a common cause, miracles happen. God bless The Home Front Cares for proving on a daily basis that, the home front truly does care.
Giving back to your community is how you make your community strong and makes it the kind of place you want for your family. What better way to give something back than to make sure the men and woman who put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life are cared for. It’s not just the warriors but their families who have to get by without their loved ones that need our support as well. And now the veterans facing a hostile job market need our help as well. This is where I want to spend my time, supporting an organization like The Home Front Cares that is dedicated to the people who have and who continue to make sacrifices for the well being of United States of America.
I've been involved with the Home Front Cares since the time the founders had the vision of helping families of deployed troops, who were often shipped out on very short notice. Some of these families had emergency financial needs, and with their sole provider fighting overseas, had nobody to help when things got tight. The Home Front Cares came to the rescue then, and continues to offer urgent financial assistance when families and veterans need it, often responding in a matter of days. While the war fighting missions abroad may be winding down, the needs of military families and veterans will continue to grow. It seems only right that a community should rally around their brothers and sisters, who risked their safety, health and careers to serve their country. I'm proud to recommend this overwhelmingly volunteer organization, which does so much to quickly and positively improve the lives of these brave men and women.
The Home Front Cares meets the immediate financial needs of military members and their families. They come through where other's cannot to offset the practical and urgent shortfalls. The Home Front Cares has paid utility bills, overdue rents, car payments, car repairs, furnace issues, etc. These are the real emergencies that hit a family, and they are the kind of problems that need immediate resolution. Because The Home Front Cares has immediate access to volunteer case managers, red tape is not an issue and the organization can get right to the issue of helping our service members resolve these financial emergency issues.
The Home Front Cares is one of the very few in our state as well as our country is without a doubt the most outstanding organization I've ever known. They are very genuine and sincere in helping families of deployed troops in times of Dior need. I just reflect back and thought I wish they were there when I was serving my country back 40 plus years ago.– John C.
