Annual Report (2022) - Thefund

Transcription

2021 Annual ReportThe basic idea that drives our efforts is simple. These hereos and militaryfamilies have sacrificed so much and they deserve the best care andsupport available in their hour of need. Injuries are often severe, and theroad to recovery or rehabilitation can be long and difficult.T O D AY, T O M O R R O W, T O G E T H E R

A Message FromOur ChairmanSince The Fund began seventeen years ago, we have served over 27,000critically wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, andmilitary families from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Year afteryear, we consistently maintain the highest ratings possible from leadingnonprofit watchdog groups: Charity Watch (A rating, one of only threeveteran nonprofits to receive their highest rating), Charity Navigator (4Star rating for 10 consecutive years, an achievement only attained by2% of charities), and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. Sinceour inception in 2004, we have provided 263 million in invaluableassistance to thousands of service members, veterans, and militaryfamilies. Additionally, 95% of those in our Fund family report animprovement in well-being due to services provided by The Fund.This past year, we sustained that record of excellence while expandingsupport to those who have sacrificed so much. The COVID 19pandemic created unique challenges to The Fund family, and wewitnessed a 24% increase in the numbers of those needing ourassistance. We were able to meet the increased demand due tothe extraordinary support of our donors. We are very fortunate tohave such loyal and generous members of The Fund family.We were also able to meet the challenges of the past year because ofthe talent, commitment, and compassion of our staff, case managers,and visiting nurses. I am incredibly proud of what they do every day todeliver on our promise to be there when and where we are needed.MeetingPandemicChallengesScan for VideoWith the continued support of our donors and the commitment of theentire Fund Team, those we serve will achieve the very best qualityof life and independence possible in the context of their physical andmental challenges. Together, we will ensure that our service members,veterans, and military families in need are never alone or forgotten.General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.Chairman

Dear SF & AFFamily & Friends,Dear SF&AF Family & Friends,I look over this last past year with bursting pride in our team, in ourmission, and in our treasured relationships with our partners andsupporters. We have been able to expand our reach and evolve ourprogramming with your help. At The Fund, we will look back over thispandemic to see the pain and uncertainty it caused, balanced by anincrease in care, love, generosity, and compassion. This last year wehave undertaken a robust outcome measurement effort to ensure ouroperations remain relevant, efficient, and effective. We are proud of theresults and our ratings. Our service members, veterans, and militaryfamilies continue to be at the center and heartbeat of all that we do!What remains constant:· The Fund delivers direct and needs-based financial assistance andtailored support. Our heroes become part of our family—and we becomepart of theirs—for life.· The suicide rate of service members is 30% lower in The Fund than theoverall combat-wounded population.· The Fund supported 750 crisis calls last year from veterans at risk ofhome eviction, car repossession, or experiencing personal crisis.· We believe it is a moral responsibility to care for our military families.· We provide hope and healing with a one-to-one, heart-to-heart, model.The silver lining this last year has been a deeper appreciation for ourconnections, our relationships, and the power of reaching out. Wecontinue to be as dedicated and passionate as we were back in 2003when The Fund was just a dream and vision to care for our nation’sheroes and their families.Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey as we take this missionforward to cast an even wider net of support and refine our programmingto those we serve. We cannot wait to see what 2022 has in store for us.Bless you all with an abundance of health, hope, happiness, and joy!Karen Guenther

Board of DirectorsHonorary BoardAdvisory CouncilJ O S E P H F. D U N F O R D , J R .General, USMC (Retired)Chairman of the Board19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff36th Commandant of the Marine CorpsJ A M E S T. C O N W AYGeneral, USMC (Retired)34th Commandant of the Marine CorpsSEAMUS AHERNSenior ConsultantDeloitte Consulting, LLPUSMC (2000–2008)A N N E T T E C O N WAYVice-Chairman of the BoardEDWARD (KIM) FOLEY IIITreasurer of the BoardChairman of Foley, IncUSMC (1967–1971)WENDY LETHINSecretary of the BoardExecutive Vice President, PhilanthropyROBERT M. (BOB) BOWLINFormer Chairman, Sony Music InternationalCPA (Retired)C. FORREST FAISON III, M.D. SC.D(HON), FAAPVice Admiral, USN (Retired)38th Surgeon General of the NavySr. VP for Research and Innovation andChief of Health Strategy at Cleveland State UniversityWALLACE “CHIP” GREGSON, JR.Lieutenant General, USMC (Retired)President, WC Gregson and AssociatesRICHARD R. JEFFRIES, D.O.Rear Admiral, USN (Retired)Family Physician, FAAFPJ A M E S M . “M I K E ” MYAT TMajor General, USMC (Retired)Trustee, San Francisco War Memorial BoardChairman, San Francisco Fleet Week AssociationDAVID J. MCINTYRE, JR.President & CEOTriWest Healthcare AlliancePETER PACEGeneral, USMC (Retired)16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffDONALD C. BOLDUCBrigadier General, USA (Retired)CHRISTOPHER COLERear Admiral, USN (Retired)JEFFREY B. CLARKMajor General, USA (Retired)MD, MPH, MSS, FAAFPTONY CRESCENZOPresident, Intelligent Waves, LLCUSMC (1979–1987)PAT R I C K G O U G HCEO, PKL Services, Inc.Colonel, USMC (Retired)LY N N E P A C EAdvocate for Military FamiliesREAGAN JONESDirector of Military and Veteran Affairs atUniversity of Notre DameUSMC (2005–2017)KAREN GUENTHERPresident, Chief Executive Officer, FounderSUZIE SCHWARTZPresident, Military Spouse Programs, MilitarySpouse MagazineBRIAN E. KAVENEYPartner, Armstrong Teasdale LLPUSMC (1998–2002)C A R LT O N W. K E N TSergeant Major, USMC (Retired)16th Sergeant Major of the Marine CorpsBARBARA WOODBURYPresident and TrusteeNavy & Marine AssociationR E V. B J O R N L U N D B E R GPastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic ChurchLAURA MITCHELLExecutive DirectorThe Bob & Renee Parsons FoundationJAMES WRIGHT16th President of Dartmouth CollegeUSMC (1957–1960)J O H N M . ( J AY ) PA X TO N, J R.General, USMC (Retired)33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine CorpsJ O H N F. S A T T L E RLieutenant General, USMC (Retired)JAMES D. WEISKOPFColonel, USA (Retired)RICHARD WELLSManaging Director, Insight PartnersCHAIRMAN, EMERITUSAlfred M. GrayGeneral, USMC (Retired)29th Commandant of the Marine CorpsCODY MCGREGORVice President, The Barrington Family FoundationManaging Director, FTI ConsultingUSA (1999–2003)R E V. C H R I S TO P H E R M E R R I SCaptain, CHC, USN (Retired)B E N S AY LO RCEO, Destiny Alliance Consulting, LLC.Colonel, USMC (Retired)MELISSA STOCKWELLFirst Lieutenant, USA (Retired)Three-Time Paralympian (2008, 2016, 2020)GARY ZEGLEYLieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired)

A record year for the Double Downfor Veterans campaign! This is the10th year The Bob & Renee ParsonsFoundation matched dollar-fordollar donations made to Semper Fi& America’s Fund up to 10 million.You helped us raise 23.6 millionduring the 2021 campaign—andwe made the match nine daysearly! Your support means so muchto so many. The funding fromthe campaign is vital for the lifechanging assistance Semper Fi &America’s Fund is able to provideour service members, military familymembers, and veterans throughoutthe year, and none of this wouldbe possible without our faithfuland generous donors like you.Double Downfor VeteransCampaign!

Who We AreMission Statement: Semper Fi & America’s Fund walksalongside our combat wounded, critically ill and injuredservice members, military family members, and veterans,from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Our CaseManagers, Visiting Nurses, and entire team support those we serveby helping navigate complex medical and emotional recovery—Today,Tomorrow, Together!FY21 At-a-Glance 26.1MIn Assistance Provided9,175Service MembersImpacted35,900Grants Delivered—1,800 ofwhich were first-time grantrecipients

Our Impact Adaptive HousingAssistance· FY2021: 2,248,000· Since inception: 20,792,000 Adaptive TransportationAssistance· FY2021: 2,076,000· Since inception: 14,248,000 LCpl Parsons WelcomeHome Fund· FY2021: 1,960,000· Since inception: 4,670,000 Apprenticeship Program· FY2021: 829,000· Since inception: 4,932,000Inception: 2004 Specialized & AdaptiveEquipment· FY2021: 1,767,000· Since inception: 14,685,000 Disaster Relief Program· FY2021: 2,156,000· Since inception: 6,141,000 Canine Companions· FY2021: 500,000· Since inception: 4,249,000

What Makes UsDifferentThe suicide rate of servicemembers assisted by TheFund since 2004 is 30% lowerthan the rate for the overallcombat-wounded population138 grants issued per dayOn average, 360 volunteersdonate 3,485 hours annually11,000 of the veterans wehave assisted are catastrophically injured and willrequire lifetime supportAlways Faithful. Ever Present.85% of our staff membershave a military affiliation40 new service membersassisted each week95% indicated an improvement in their overallwell-being due to servicesprovided by The Fund 0.92 of every dollar spentsince inception has gonetoward financial assistanceand programs for ourveterans and their families

In His Own WordsBelow is a testimonial The Fund receivedfrom one of the thousands of veterans helpedeach year. His words mirror the experiences andsentiments expressed by so many veterans fromall branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. If one thingis taken from the story he shares, it is that there isalways opportunity for a fresh start and having theright people in your “fireteam” can make all thedifference in the world to achieving every goal.That was 2015, I ended up getting out of the rutand finishing my bachelor’s in psychology fromCalifornia State with high honors. In 2018, I had myson and became a father, which brought manyfinancial challenges. Once again, I had the helpI needed to get through the tough times. At thispoint, I’m working and sober but still continued tostruggle with my trauma from combat. The teamintroduced me to NeuroFitness a class that helpedme practice mindfulness andLet me begin by first wishingprovided me with tools sucheveryone a Happy New Year.as meditation and breathingI ’M A G R E AT FAT H E R ,For many the last couple ofexercises. This along withA N D A S O B E R FAT H E Ryears have been anythingmy regular therapy, keptTO MY SON. MY LIFEbut exciting. A fresh start isme from acting erraticallyIS BALANCED, AND IT’Ssomething we could all use.towards my son and keptNEVER BEEN BETTER. IAlthough 2021 was anythingme centered mentally.COULDN’T HAVE DONE ITbut normal, it was a veryWITHOUT MY TEAM. I’Mproductive year for myselfIn 2019, I was introduced to myFO R E V E R G R AT E F U L FO Rwith the help of my teamVeteran Lead who became aW H AT T H E F U N Dappointed to me on behalflifeline and permanent partHAS PROVIDED.of the Semper Fi & America’sof my fireteam. In combatFund. My case manager waswe trust the members of ourextremely helpful as always,fireteam to get us through theand I was introduced to my Veteran Lead whoworst situations. That was my Veteran Lead, whogave me suggestions that paid off tremendously,not only helped me get the rating I deserved butas I am now gainfully employed, back in schoolbecame my go to shoulder to cry on when I justand receiving the help I need from the VA.needed to vent.When I was first introduced to The Fund, this wasnot the case. I lived alone, no children, no joband I slept in my car. I was homeless and I wasan alcoholic. I found my rock bottom. Generallyspeaking, not a lot of people have hope for anaddict that lives in a car in California, but The Funddid. They gave me resources, some monetary, butwhat helped me the most was the follow ups, andthe efforts they made to hold me accountable,requiring current proof of treatment as aprerequisite in order to receive a grant.Today, Tomorrow, TogetherCurrently, I am a VA volunteer. I help vets and I doit for free. It makes me feel good. I’m going back toschool for my master’s in social work starting thismonth, and I work. I practice meditation daily, taichi and yoga occasionally. I just got back from theSemper Fi Odyssey, which utilizes these activitiesas coping mechanisms and now I’m completelyobsessed. I’m a great father, and a sober fatherto my son. My life is balanced, and it’s never beenbetter. I couldn’t have done it without my team. I’mforever grateful for what The Fund has provided.

InnovativeSolutionsService Member& Family SupportTransitionIntegrativeWellnessA S S I S T I N G T H E F A M I LY U N I TI N T EG R AT I N G S E RV I C EPROVIDING WELLNESS TOOLSFROM INJURY THROUGHMEMBERS BACK INTO THEIRT O I M P R O V E B O D Y, M I N D ,RECOVERYCOMMUNITIESAND SPIRIT Veteran to Veteran Support Apprenticeship Program Education & CareerAssistance Veteran Reunions & UnitReunions Semper Fi & America’s FundOdyssey Retreat Bedside Financial SupportHousing AssistanceTransportation AssistanceSpecialized & AdaptiveEquipmentVisiting Nurse ProgramCaregiver Support & RetreatsSkip’s Kids ProgramLCpl Parsons WelcomeHome ProgramDisaster Relief Program Program Categories—2022PTSD & TBI SupportNeuroFitnessHigh-Tech Wellness DevicesPost-Traumatic GrowthVideo ResourcesCounselingPeter Murphy SportsProgramArts & Music ProgramJinx McCain HorsemanshipProgramTim & Sandy Day CanineCompanions Program

“Semper Fi and America’sFund was a life saver”,said a Cpl in the Marines.Integrative WellnessCombat experiences spanninga 22-year career in the MarineCorps infantry took an emotionaltoll on a First Sergeant. When theseexperiences began to affect hiseveryday life, his Case Managerrecommended the Marine enrollin our NeuroFitness program tomanage his post-traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD) and traumatic braininjury (TBI) symptoms. The grantsprovided through our IntegrativeWellness Program equipped theMarine with the tools neededto participate in neurofeedback,which has helped him engagein mindfulness practices toProgram Category 3 of 3manage his anxiety, reduce thestress in his daily life, and makebeneficial changes to his diet.Our Integrative Wellness Programemploys a holistic approach thatempowers service members toimprove their mind, body, andspirit using a myriad of health andwellness tools. This comprehensiveoutlook on recovery fosters healingin a powerful and sustainable way,through innovative technologiesand high-tech wellness devices;counseling support; and sports,art, and animal therapy.Our donors made it possible tosupport 2,250 service memberswith 2,997,000 through ourIntegrative Wellness Program inFiscal Year 2021. We extend ourheartfelt thanks to those whohave made Semper Fi and America’sFund a philanthropic priority.

“The Fund stepped in really early on, and they havekept up with us since,” said a Navy Petty Officer.TransitionA career as a combat medicincluded the loss of numerouspeers and constant stress, resultingin a diagnosis of post-traumaticstress disorder (PTSD) for anArmy Sergeant. Following hismilitary service, the Soldier beganparticipating in our Veteran toVeteran (V2V) program, but hissymptoms made him hesitant toleave his home. The V2V programfostered a connection betweenthis veteran and the local VeteranLead and, together, they workedto identify what would best helpthe Soldier manage his severesocial anxiety and depression. TheProgram Category 2 of 3essential tool they identified wasa service dog, and the VeteranLead helped the Soldier arrangefor the acquisition of his newestcare team member, a GermanShepherd named Sarge.Our V2V program provides servicemembers with connections basedon location and the commonveteran experience. Additionalassistance available through ourTransition Program includes theresources, training, and supportneeded to find employment, pursuean education, or start a smallbusiness, as well as participatein one-on-one mentorship andengage with local veterans—allof which help service membersthrive beyond their injuries andcontribute to their communities.Generous donors make all thatwe do possible. In Fiscal Year 2021,1,475 service members received thepersonalized support they needed—totaling 1,536,000—to returnhome after their military service.

When asked what TheFund means to one ofour Army Soldiers, hesaid, “The Fund feelslike God’s work.”Service Member & FamilySupportWhile deployed to Afghanistan, theblast from an improvised explosivedevice cost an Army Sergeant bothlegs. After lengthy hospitalizationsfor treatment and rehabilitation,the Soldier returned home andbegan his life post-injury. HisCase Manager arranged for anAdaptive Transportation grantthrough our Service Member andFamily Support program thatprovided for the installation of handcontrols in the Soldier’s vehicle,ensuring that he had comfortableand reliable transportation ashe regained his independence.Program Category 1 of 3In addition to transportationassistance, our Service Memberand Family Support Program assistswith housing costs, provides supportfrom Visiting Nurses and respitecare for caregivers, and muchmore. This ensures that servicemembers, military families, andveterans have what they needwhen they need it, beginning atthe time of injury and continuingthroughout their recovery journey.From everyone at The Fund, wewould like to extend a specialthank you to the amazing donorswho support our wounded andcritically ill service members andmilitary families. Every donationhelps Semper Fi & America’s Fundfulfill our critical mission. In FiscalYear 2021, thousands of generousdonors provided 21,574,000 toassist 8,350 service membersthrough our Service Member& Family Support Program.

Legacy SocietyRecently, The Fund was blessedwith a bequest from Sue PoyntzWilliams. Sue, an amazing woman,active in supporting militarycharities that train guide dogs,became a champion of Semper Fi& America’s Fund in her later years.She recognized that our Nation’sheroes have needs that will lastdecades beyond the conflicts thatinflicted their injuries and she setaside part of her estate to helpthese brave men and women.Sue is not alone. Her generousbequest is one of several gifts thatThe Fund receives every year fromhardworking, dedicated patriotsSemper Fi & America’s Fund Legacy Societywho have chosen to include TheFund in their estate plans to ensurethat those who have given so muchfor our freedom are taken careof for as long as they need ourhelp. These gifts allow us to meetthe lifetime needs of our servicemembers—replacing worn-outvehicles and equipment, makingrepairs and modifications to aginghomes, and providing support foradditional therapies and treatmentsfor service members as they agewith their injuries—helping theirfamilies every step of the way.In 2014, Semper Fi & America’s Fundestablished our Legacy Society torecognize donors who choose toinclude The Fund in their estateplans. We have received 104 gifts,totaling just under 12 million.Some cannot give during theirlifetime; others wish for their giftsto be included in their estate as acontinuation and remembrance oftheir generosity and service. Thegoal of our Legacy Society is to helpbuild The Fund’s endowment andfulfill our mission of supporting ourwounded and critically ill servicemembers, military family members,and veterans, in perpetuity.

Scan To Hear The Stories“One Moment That Stands Out?” Vincent Lynch:

Hero StoryUSMC Sergeant Jordan Maynard:A Promise to Come HomeOne week later, Jordan’s greatest wish cametrue—he and Jae were reunited at Walter ReedNational Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD,where Jordan underwent further treatment in theICU before being transferred to Balboa NavalHospital in San Diego to be closer to family. Itwas at Balboa that he met June, who became hisCase Manager at Semper Fi & America’s Fund.prom·ise: a declaration or assurance that one willdo a particular thing or that a particular thingwill happen.“I just remember waking up and seeing June,”Jordan said. “She’s been there ever since.”As USMC Sergeant Jordan Maynard lay on theground in Afghanistan in 2011 after stepping onan improvised explosive device (IED), he didn’tquestion if he’d live or die. Jordan’s first thoughtswere of six-year-old Jae and the promiseJordan now made to himself to do everythingin his power to return home to his young son.June and The Fund provided Jordan withspecialized equipment and innovative devices tohelp him live a more independent life alongsidehis family, who all love the outdoors. As Jordanhad grown up going camping and fishing withhis family, nature proved to be a great source ofsolace throughout his recovery and beyond.Having known from a young age that he wantedto join the military, Jordan became a Marine in2007 and deployed multiple times to Afghanistan,serving as a mortar squad leader and conductingover 100 patrols with multiple joint task forces. Itwas in his second deployment to Afghanistan,during an assignment with his team to providesecurity to a patrol base and clear the compoundof explosives, that Jordan stepped on the IED.“It became my therapy, and given the choice,I would always choose to be outside,” saidJordan. “We love to go on adventures as afamily. We’re not stagnant—that’s for sure.”Though Jordan had lost both legs and suffered acompound fracture of his elbow, thoughts of hisson inspired him to stay calm as he remainedconscious to direct the Marines who’d come tohis aid. While Jordan was medevaced off thescene, his heart stopped multiple times, forcing themedics to manually pump his heart by hand untilthey landed at medical facilities in Afghanistan.And now, it’s been ten years since TheFund first met the Maynard family.Jordan was sent to Germany for further treatment,and his family arrived to stay by his side in theearliest days of recovery, though Jordan had madea special request: for his son not to come, whichserved as all the motivation Jordan needed tokeep his sights on returning home throughoutthe long and painful days at the hospital.A Commitment to Care. Fulfilled Every Day.The Maynard family can often be foundexploring the outdoors or camping in theirwheelchair accessible camper, which theypurchased with help from The Fund.“ T H E R E ’ S A LWAY S S O M E O N E AT T H EFUND TO REACH OUT TO AND THEREH A S B E E N F O R T E N Y E A R S N O W ,”J O R D A N S A I D. “ T H AT C O U N T SF O R M O R E T H A N A N Y T H I N G .”Inspired by Jordan’s incredible bravery, love for hisfamily, and endless tenacity, The Fund is honored tobe a part of Jordan’s courageous adventures, alwaysremembering the promise that he made to comehome and all the ways he fulfilled that since, livingeach day to the fullest alongside his wonderful family.

Financial StewardshipRevenues:Donations .46,468,000Investment & Other Income. 3,825,000Total Revenues .50,293,000Expenses:Programs .38,229,000Fundraising & Administration . 3,465,000Total Expenses .41,694,000Change in Net Assets. 8,599,000Net Assets, Beginning of Year.32,874,000Net Assets, End of Year .41,473,000GIVE WITH CONFIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION 92.0% Program Expenses 6.0% Management & General Expenses 2.0% Fundraising Expenses“Once again, it is with deep gratitudefor the men and women whogive so unselfishly of themselvesin defense of our country thatwe enclose our donation.”“We are so proud to be a part ofsuch a strong effort in bringing abetter quality of life to our servicemembers. Job well done!”Semper Fi & America’s Fund Financial Statement Summary—Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021“Your efforts are extremely neededand so important in this tryingtime, and your assistance hashelped so many families in greaterneed because of COVID-19.”

Thank You! Our PromiseContinues For many of our service members, a split second changed their lives. Semper Fi & America’s Fund will bethere to support all service members and their loved ones during illness or lifetime of recovery. The faithfulsupport of our donors has made it possible to sustain and grow the mission we began 17 years ago. Aswe move forward, we continue to expand our assistance and enhance our programs to meet the needs ofthose we serve. With your help, we are fulfilling a solemn promise to the men and women who volunteeredto serve our country; we will never forget their sacrifices, and we will always be by their side.A from CharityWatch,one of only three Veterannonprofits to receive theirhighest rating4-Star Charity Navigatorrating for ten consecutiveyears; an achievementattained by only 2% ofcharitiesAwarded the GuideStarPlatinum Seal ofTransparencyTO S TAY C O N N E C T E D W I T H O U R S E R V I C E M E M B E R S A N D R E A D M O R E O F T H E I RSTORIES, PLEASE VISITTHEFUND.ORG

Semper Fi & America’s Fund 2022 Annual Report

National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, where Jordan underwent further treatment in the ICU before being transferred to Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego to be closer to family. It was at Balboa that he met June, who became his Case Manager at Semper Fi & America's Fund. "I just remember waking up and seeing June," Jordan said.