PWR Opens First Property to House Families of Sick, Injured Veterans
American Express Sponsors ‘Home Away from Home’ for Military Families
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Jan. 20, 2008) – Project We Remember, a nonprofit agency that provides short-term housing for U.S. military personnel and their families during visits to V.A. hospitals, opened the doors to its first residential unit Jan. 11. Funding was provided by a donation from American Express.
The two-bedroom condominium at the new Partenza on Highland community at 13th St. and Highland Ave. in Phoenix , is the first of four units the organization expects to open over the next 90 days. Additionally, the organization’s first family began occupying the condo shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Every month in Arizona there are at least 60 families who live more than 50 miles away from V.A. hospitals in Phoenix and Tucson who want to visit their loved one, have no place to stay and receive no financial support to visit their wounded or ill family member,” said Vernon Bagley, executive director of Project We Remember and a decorated Vietnam War veteran. “Project We Remember will provide a place for families to be together during the times when it’s most important for those who are injured or sick to have their families nearby.”
Project We Remember grew out of Bagley’s desire to help “fill the gaps in the care veterans receive,” and he began formulating the concept for the new nonprofit early in 2007. The grand opening marked the official launch of the organization, and a handful of dignitaries and community partners were on hand for the ribbon-cutting.
“American Express has a long history of supporting our military and veterans going all the way back to World War I,” said JoEllen Lynn, American Express Community Affairs manager. “Project We Remember is a powerful way for us to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families right here in our own neighborhood.”
Veterans in need of Project We Remember’s services will be referred to the organization by area veterans groups and social workers at the V.A. Medical Center . Families can stay in the homes for as little as one night or as long as several months as needed. The nonprofit is relying on corporate and individual donations to fund operating costs. American Express is the first major corporation to step forward and provide support. In addition to the donation, American Express provided a welcome basket to the first family and American Express gift cards for future residents.
Project We Remember is currently working with the Tucson V.A. Medical Center and Pima County veterans groups to offer similar housing near that facility. The organization hopes to take the concept to other cities and states in the future.
About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, and travel. American Express was the recipient of the 2007 Corporate Volunteerism Award for large companies. The company was recognized for making volunteer efforts a central part of their culture. To find out more about American Express, please go to www.americanexpress.com.
About Project We Remember
Project We Remember provides short-term housing for U.S. military personnel and their families during visits to V.A. hospitals for therapy, surgery, and medical examinations. Project We Remember works with local V.A. hospitals to inform incoming patients and families of the availability of housing for the patient and their family. Project We Remember is a 501(c)3 non-profit. For information, visit www.projectweremember.org.
Editor's Note: High Res Photo Attached. Project We Remember Executive Director Vernon Bagley cut the ribbon on the organization's first residence for the families of sick and injured veterans on Jan. 11 with help from American Express Community Affairs Manager JoEllen Lynn.
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