Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans Of America

Target demographics: veterans with spinal cord injuries and spinal diseases such as MS, ALS, and others.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 300+ veterans

Geographic areas served: Minnesota

Programs: Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA), a Minnesota nonprofit organization, is an officially recognized Paralyzed Veterans of America chapter. MNPVA assists veterans with spinal cord injury or spinal cord diseases by staying active with legislative and advocacy programs which promote barrier-free design, supporting medical research, providing sports and recreation opportunities, and peer mentoring. MNPVA receives support from the National Organization, grants, donor contributions, and fundraising. The organization’s major programs include: •Advocacy and Legislative – advocating for members’ civil rights by staying engaged with national and statewide legislation. •Sports and Recreation – providing opportunities for members to participate in and attend sports and recreation programs to enhance and enrich their lives •Communication, mentoring, and assistance – reporting activities and news to members, serving as a resource for information and assistance. Advocacy MNPVA regularly serves on multiple planning boards as an ADA expert in the community, including parks, recreation, and building projects. This link allows us to advocate for accessibility and adaptive equipment inclusion criteria during planning phases. Some boards and task forces MNPVA serves with include Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD), Metropolitan Parks and Open Spaces Commission, Big Island Restoration, and the Veterans Memorial Greenway project. Additionally, MNPVA serves as a resource to individuals and businesses requesting ADA and accessibility information. Legislative MNPVA participated in US and State meetings with legislators to discuss policy related to our mission. COVID restrictions forced us to adapt, holding many of these meetings virtually. A significant task force MNPVA continues to serve on is our state, "Commander’s Task Force,” a group of congressionally chartered veterans service organizations. The president of MNPVA served as Chairman for this task force, and the legislative and advocacy team belonged as members. Additionally, MNPVA maintains working relationships with many other Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and participates in groups such as the Military Action Group (MAG), United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC), and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Through this connection, we join others to learn, collaborate, and advocate for many issues affecting veterans and their families. Sports and Recreation Another primary mission for MNPVA is to encourage and assist members in being as active as possible, including participation in sports, events, and outings. Even amidst Covid restrictions, MNPVA still afforded our veterans many opportunities through virtual and in-person events when safety allowed. We assisted several athletes in competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and supported those who participated virtually from home. MNPVA successfully and safely held the annual MNPVA Brainerd Area Fun Shoot. Throughout the year, the chapter hosted regular bowling groups. MNPVA participated and co-sponsored the yearly ELY Fishing event with another PVA chapter. MNPVA sent several people to participate in an annual deer hunting event in northern Minnesota in the fall. In addition, our chapter provides opportunities for our members to attend professional sporting events such as baseball, football, and hockey through our annual season ticket program. MNPVA also participated in multiple “drive-by" parades to honor veterans and patients/residents at the Minneapolis VA and Minneapolis VA Home. Communication, Mentoring, and Assistance A vital service performed by MNPVA includes keeping our members informed of new opportunities, legislative and policy changes, and information relating to research. The chapter sent out at least six newsletters and additional mailings as needed. COVID restrictions required that office hours be reduced; however, the chapter continually connected with our members by working remotely. MNPVA regularly receives calls requesting information or assistance. Despite the challenging work situation, MNPVA continued serving members by pursuing resources, sharing knowledge, and assisting with adaptive equipment and emergency help when alternative funding was unavailable.