Annual Report 22-23 Colonial Chapter PVA

..

ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR: 2022-2023

Website: www.colonialpva.org

Colonial PVA Offices

Email: jbedsworth@colonialpva.org

700 Barksdale Rd, Unit 2

Phone: 302-861-6671

Newark, Delaware 19711

TABLE OF CONTENTS Leadership………….………………………….…………………. ….…………4 Message from Our President…………………………….……………………….5 History………………………………………………….……………………….6 Membership….…………………………………………….…….………………7 Meetings………………………………………….………………….….…….…8 Fundraising………………………………………….………………………. ….9 Chapter Operations………………………………………………….………….12 Programs Advocacy…………………………………………….…………………11 Accessibility Needs Program….…………………….……………….….12.

H.E.A.R.T. Program…………………………………...……….……….12 Mentoring Program……………….……………………….……………13 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program……………………………………….13 Caregiver Program………………………………………………………13 Sport & Recreation Program………………………………………….…14 Member Outreach Program…………………….……………………….15 Communications...…………………...…………………….….…………16 Legislation………………………………………...…………………….15 Service………………………………………………...……………. ….15 Grants & Awards…………………………………….………….…….16 Donors……………………………………………………….……………….18 Financial Statements……………………….………………………………….20

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 2

THE COLONIAL PVA MISSION STATEMENT The Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America strives to restore hope and quality of life to Veterans, their families, and caregivers who face the challenges of Spinal Cord Injury or Diseases.

THE COLONIAL PVA VISION An accessible world for everyone.

The Colonial PVA Advisory Committee Raymond Torreon, Jason Spohn, Georgia Matoulas, Charles Marsh, Michael Ritmiller, Kim Dotson, Tim Besse, Dianna Neal, Jerrod Harris, Matthew Peeling, and Randy Golden.

The Colonial PVA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for veterans with paralysis due to spinal cord injury or disease and the protection of their civil rights. We are committed to assisting paralyzed veterans by advocating for access to VA health care and a barrier-free access to the community. Our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our members and all paralyzed veterans through education, information and referral, medical research, and physical, psychological, and recreational therapy. The Colonial PVA is governed by a board of directors, including a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five board members. The office staff includes an Executive Director, and Administrative Assistant.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 3

COLONIAL PVA LEADERSHIP The Colonial PVA Board of Directors Executive Committee

Board Members

Matthew Peeling, President

Crystal Young-Terrell

Ann Adair, Vice-President & National Director

Christopher Bryant

Jerrod Harris, Secretary

Patrick Burns

John Pepe, Treasurer

Betty Geer

Executive Director: Jo Ann Bedsworth

Charles Widdoes

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 4

MESSAGE FROM COLONIAL PVA PRESIDENT MATTHEW PEELING Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. The Colonial PVA’s Fiscal Year covering October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, was another extraordinary year full of inspiration and achievement. I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support this past year.

This past year has been marked by significant accomplishments that speak to the dedication and resilience of our community. From advocating for legislative changes to enhance the lives of paralyzed veterans to providing crucial support services, our chapter has been at the forefront of positive change. Our events and activities not only brought us together but also raised awareness about the challenges faced by paralyzed veterans in our community.

Your commitment to our cause ensures that we can continue to provide essential services and support to those who need it most. Please refer to the financial statements in this report for a detailed overview of our income, expenditures, and fundraising initiatives.

Our chapter's strength lies in the passion and engagement of our members. This year, we have seen a notable increase in membership, reflecting the growing recognition of our mission. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our volunteers, whose dedication has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and support.

As we look ahead to the future, there is much to be excited about. We are committed to expanding our advocacy efforts, enhancing our support services, and strengthening collaborations with local businesses and organizations.

I want to acknowledge and express my heartfelt gratitude to each member, volunteer, and supporter who has played a role in our chapter's success. Your commitment, passion, and hard work do not go unnoticed, and I am inspired daily by the positive impact we collectively make.

For those who have not yet been actively involved, I encourage you to consider contributing your time and skills.

Whether through volunteering, participating in events, or spreading the word about our mission, your involvement is crucial to our continued success.

In closing, I want to thank you for being an integral part of the Colonial PVA family. Our journey is a testament to the strength that comes from unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a difference. I am excited about what the future holds for our chapter, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to create positive change in the lives of paralyzed veterans.

With gratitude, Matthew Peeling President, Colonial PVA

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 5

HISTORY OF COLONIAL PVA Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) was originally founded by a band of service members who came home from World War II with spinal cord injuries. They returned to a grateful nation, but also to a world with few solutions to the major challenges they faced. These wounded heroes decided not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to serving veterans—and to medical research, advocacy, and civil rights for all people with disabilities.

Since 1946, the PVA has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes. We have had a single-minded mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence. The Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc. (Colonial PVA), was founded in 1968 and is a member of PVA, a 501(C)3 Veterans Service Organization, chartered by Congress in 1947. Colonial PVA advocates for: quality health care for our members and others with disabilities, research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, monitoring of legislation which benefits veterans and individuals with disabilities, promotion of

sports

and recreation as a rehabilitative tool.

Colonial PVA is dedicated to improving the quality of life

for

veterans with paralysis due to spinal cord injury or disease

and the

protection of their civil rights. We are committed to assisting paralyzed veterans by advocating for access to

VA

health care and barrier-free access to the community. Our

goal is

to ensure the health and well-being of our members and

all

paralyzed veterans through education, information and referral, medical research, and physical, psychological, and recreational therapy.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 6

MEMBERSHIP The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a no-fee membership organization consisting of over 15 thousand members honorably discharged military Veterans that have sustained a spinal cord injury, disorder, or disease. Two hundred thirty-one (231) of these veterans are members of Colonial PVA and live mainly in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersy and the Philadelphia area. Two thirds of our members have a service-connected disability, with 98 having a spinal cord injury and 133 diagnosed with a disease affecting their spinal cords. Thirty six percent (36%) of our members have a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis making it the leading cause of spinal cord disease affecting our members while vehicular accidents, at fifteen percent (15%), are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. The Colonial Chapter membership has an older population as 133 of our members are over the age of 65.

To qualify for membership an individual must meet the following criteria: 1. Be a citizen of the United States 2. Was regular enlisted, inducted, or commissioned, and was accepted for active duty in the United States Army, Navy, Air force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Space Force of the United States or an ally of the United States.

3. Was separated from the armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable or is on active duty or must continue to serve after the cessation of hostilities, and 4. Has incurred a spinal cord injury, disorder, or disease, whether service connected, or not, in origin.

Members by State

Members by Age

DE

44

19%

Under 44

10

MD

71

31%

45 – 64

88

NJ

21

09%

65 +

133

PA

52

23%

Service Connected?

Disability Type

Yes – 157

SCI – 98

No - 74

SCD - 133

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 7

MEETINGS Colonial PVA holds various meetings via Zoom or in-person at the main office located at 700 Barksdale Road Unit 2 in Newark Delaware. Types of meetings include Board of Directors, General Membership, Executive Committee, Women Veteran’s Program, MS Veteran Support, Sports and Recreation Clubs and Advisory Committee. All Colonial Chapter members are encouraged to attend the Board Meeting either in person or via Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month at 11 AM. In the past year, the Colonial PVA was represented at all training sessions and board meetings required by the National office. Members serve on state committees, boards, and commissions. Every other year, the Colonial Chapter Board of Directors receives training through DANA (Delaware Alliance for Nonprofits Advancement).

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 8

FUNDRAISING Colonial PVA raises funds in a variety of ways to support our organization.

GRANTS Colonial PVA received a grant from our National Organization to help cover program costs that total $150,655 this fiscal year. The Chapter also receives three grants from the State of Delaware. These grants defray administrative costs, cover expenses for accessibility needs items for low-income individuals in the state of Delaware (restricted funds), and unrestricted funds for veteran services. These three grants totaled $108,400 for the fiscal year. We also received small grants totaling $2,600, to help with our expanding programs.

DONORS Colonial PVA received $26,127 from donors who give throughout the fiscal year to help cover the cost of our programs and another $2,218 in donations through National PVA’s CARS donation program, which accepts donated vehicles nationwide and gives each PVA chapter half the proceeds from the donated cars in their service area. Total donations for the year equaled $32,545.

PEER-TO-PEER This year the Colonial PVA had a Peer-to peer fundraising effort. The members took charge in fundraising with our “Take a Break Drink Lemonade Virtual Lemonade stand. Ten members shared fundraising posts on their social and professional networks from June 23, 2023, until September 21, 2023, with a goal of raising a thousand dollars each. With hard work and dedication from each member they raised $54,385 and significantly exceeded their goal.

These funds went to help create new and innovative programs, increase membership and to promote the Colonial PVA Family.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 9

CHAPTER OPERATIONS The Colonial PVA office is located at 700 Barksdale Road, Unit 2, Newark, Delaware 19711. Open Monday through Wednesday 9AM-5PM and Thursday and Friday 9AM-4PM, the office is staffed by an Executive Director and Administrative Assistant. The Chapter also has a small office located at 140 Maffitt Street, Elkton, Maryland 21921.

The Board of Director is composed of nine members of the organization who are voted into office by their peers (chapter members) every two years.

The Colonial PVA Advisory Committee consists of 10 people. These volunteers have upstanding leadership and commitment to serve on this committee. They have a positive relationship with the media and are influential people in the community. The President and Executive Director and two Colonial PVA members sit on the committee.

The committee meets monthly, and their roles and responsibilities are to review fundraising proposals and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on membership recruitment, marketing, activities for fundraising, and to analyze fundraising results.

POSITION APPOINTEES 2022-2024 Chapter Hospital Liaisons: Maryland: Ann Adair Delaware: Crystal Young-Terrell Sports Director: Crystal Young-Terrell Membership Director: John Pepe Event Coordinator: Christopher Bryant Advisory Committee Liaison: Karen Miller Newsletter Editors: Ann Adair VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) Representatives Delaware: Crystal Young-Terrel Maryland, New Jersey & Philadelphia: Robert Reuter, Matthew Peeling & John Peeling

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Government Relation Directors: Matthew Peeling Jerrod Harris John Pepe Robert Reuter Veterans Administration Voluntary Service Program (VAVS)

Wilmington VA: Crystal Young-Terrell Baltimore VA: Robert Reuter Baltimore VA Loch Raven/Perry Pt VA: Matthew Peeling Perry Point VA: John Pepe Women Veterans’ Program Co-Chairs – Betty Geer & Kathleen Fitzpatrick MS Program Co-Chairs – Jerrod Harris & Jennifer Small

Page 10

CHAPTER PROGRAMS ADVOCACY PROGRAM Advocacy in the community is a major, ongoing concern. Working with other organizations has increased public awareness of the potential of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, at the polls, in the marketplace and in communities. The Colonial PVA serves as advocates for those with disabilities by participating in activities within the community. Colonial PVA members serve on a variety of organizations as a means for advocating for veterans and non-veterans. This ensures access and education within the community to better the lives of those with disabilities.

The Advocacy Program also extends to local VA Medical Centers (VAMC), Community Living Centers, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics within our region. Colonial PVA volunteers help with support services within these facilities to help with reaching a higher level of quality care for our members. The chapter also provides vital resources needed to support the success of these clinics.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 11

To celebrate PVA Awareness Month, the Colonial PVA participated in an MS walk in April of 2023. Members with MS and Spinal Cord Injury came together in Annapolis, Maryland, and distributed literature about PVA into the community along the walk.

Board and Chapter members attended ceremonies whenever possible for military organizations throughout our region, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Board members and staff are available to assist the newly injured spinal cord or diseased patient by way of a mentoring process which encourages education, employment and teaches skills for coping with a new disability.

ACCESSIBILTY NEEDS PROGRAM Unique to the Colonial PVA is the Accessibility Needs Program which was initiated in 1985. This program is vital to the disabled community because it provides much needed aids for independent living, such as wheelchairs, prosthetic aids, ramps, wheelchair home and bathroom modifications and vehicle modifications.

Program expense was $25,504. These items are provided to individuals

with

low income who cannot afford the items they desperately need. This

year’s

projects included installation of a stairlift, door opener, and ramp. Two prosthetics were also delivered.

HOSKINS EDUCATION AND REEMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (H.E.A.R.T) The Hoskins Education and Reemployment Training (HEART) program, launched in 2020, is a 24-week paid fellowship opportunity for PVA members, spouses, and caregivers to work on behalf of the Chapter while also providing them the opportunity to develop new experience, skills, and training to pursue outside employment -- this is a great “earn while you learn” opportunity. At the same time, HEART Fellows work with a PVA Veterans Career Program Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor one-on-one to develop long-term career plans, explore education opportunities, and work on resumes and interview skills. There were no participants in the HEART Program this year.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 12

MENTORING PROGRAM The Mentoring Program was designed by Colonial PVA to support the needs of our members, regardless of when they served or how they were injured. Our dedicated volunteers are trained to assist anyone, from newly impacted members to Veterans who have lived with their injury or disease for some time. Adapting to life with a spinal cord injury or disease is easier with the help of a peer who has gone through similar situations. They assist members in navigating their changing world and the services available so the Veteran can gain higher levels of health, wellbeing, and independent living.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) PROGRAM Colonial PVA’s MS Program is new and going strong. The Chair and Co-Chair call or email every member with MS weekly. This group began having monthly virtual meetings and is a resource helping Colonial PVA members and members from other chapters across the country. It provides a platform for participants to share and learn from each other’s experiences. The Baltimore VA Medical Center’s MS clinic also shares valuable information once a month. There are 85 members involved in this program and it is growing.

CAREGIVER PROGRAM Colonial PVA Caregiver Program offers comprehensive respite care for caregivers. We hold retreats to take care of caregivers, while helping them learn to take care of themselves back home. It gives caregivers the tools and strategies they need to stay stronger and healthier while they take care of our members. Through our program the goal is to break the isolation and exhaustion of caregiving. Our vision for this program is to create a community for caring and well-being of all caregivers.

WOMEN VETERANS PROGRAM The Colonial Chapter Women Veterans Program has 35 members. It provides an opportunity for women members to form bonds, share experiences and remind the Community (and themselves) that they served too! These members are deserving of the very best in health care, benefits, employment, accessibility and more. This Program is a resource to address the specific needs of women veterans with disabilities and works toward empowering women veterans to ask for the benefits and care they deserve.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 13

SPORTS & RECREATION PROGRAM Colonial PVA realizes that sports and recreation are valuable rehabilitative tools which are effective in rebuilding self-esteem and self-confidence as well as promoting the health and welfare of its members. The Sport & Recreation Program has many dimensions. It provides information, sponsorship, and support to our membership to compete and participate in sports and recreation events on a regular basis. Support is provided through the Chapters sports funding program for members to participate in various sporting and recreational events of their choice. In addition, support is provided to the Wilmington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia VAMCs for members to attend the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Golden Age Games and DAV Winter Sports Clinic.

Clubs This year the Sports and Recreational Program expanded its program by adding three Clubs. This enhanced our engagement with members by offering the opportunity to participate in activities that provide social connection and physical activity. Colonial PVA provides all equipment, coaching and supplies free to these clubs. Members are welcome to join any or all clubs. Currently, there are three clubs: 1. The Colonial Creators: This club provides an opportunity to connect and encourages participation by any member to share and explore creativity in any medium including – but not limited to - photography; quilting; metal, wood, or glass work; fiber work (knitting, weaving, and crocheting) and painting. Chair: Jennifer Small.

2. The Gearheads – This club encourages members to become involved in mechanical projects while socializing. Chair: Eddie Belton 3. Outdoor Adventures – This club engages members in meaningful outdoor experiences. Activities included the CRAB’s Catamaran fishing trip in August and the Great Outdoors Adventure in September. Chair: Carl Huggins.

Colonial PVA clubs have 67 members and meet monthly.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 14

MEMBER OUTREACH PROGRAM With the help of our members, volunteers, and office

staff, we

continue to call all our members and check on their

health

and needs. We have been making follow-up calls bi-

monthly

to keep our members engaged and to inform them of upcoming events.

LEGISLATION In March, the Colonial PVA was represented at the annual Advocacy/Legislation Seminar in Wahington, DC by the Colonial Chapter Government Relations Directors. After a training session lead by National PVA, all our Government Relations Directors meet with 22 Legislators from Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey to discuss issues of concern to veterans and people with disabilities.

Colonial PVA continually represents its members and others with disabilities at all levels of government; local, state, and national, helping to defend and ensure our civil rights in all areas.

SERVICE NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS PVA National Service Officers (NSO’s) are veterans representing many of our membership before the Veterans Administration regarding claims for benefits. NSO Tim Besse works at the Baltimore VA, NSO Joseph Weeks works at the Philadelphia VA, and NSO Senior Secretary Dawn Smith works at the Wilmington VA.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 15

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION VOLUNTARY SERVICE (VAVS) Colonial PVA maintains constant liaison with VA officials to keep abreast of changing issues. The Chapter has VAVS representatives and deputies in VA Medical Centers who regularly attend VAVS virtual meetings to serve the needs and concerns of the veteran patients. The Chapter also contributes necessary supplies to hospitalized members and administrative medical service departments.

CHAPTER HOSPITAL LIAISON PROGRAM Colonial PVA operates a Chapter Hospital Liaison Program at the Wilmington VA and Baltimore VA that maintains a relationship with the VA Medical Centers where our members receive healthcare. The liaisons visit the clinics and work closely with the National Service officers, to assist with advocacy and oversight of delivery of high quality and appropriate health care benefits and services. In May 2020, the CHL was put on hold by PVA National until further notice.

COMMUNICATIONS Communications is central to the Colonial PVA. This year at the PVA National Convention, the Colonial PVA received the Bob Webb Excellence in a Newsletter Award for the newsletter, The Ramp. The Ramp is published six times a year and keeps members and the community informed with the most recent Washington updates, articles from National PVA, and all the events from National and the Chapter. Our annual report is published each year and distributed to our membership and the public. Other communications are done through meetings (in-person & virtual), the website (www.colonialpva.org), Colonial PVA Facebook pages, YouTube Channel, phone calls, emails, and letters.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 16

GRANTS & AWARDS Grants & Awards totaling $16,152 were distributed this year.

Colonial PVA supports VA Medical Centers within our area of responsibility through quarterly and as needed donations to support patient needs. Grants and awards were also presented to various organizations during this past year, including a yearly contribution to the PVA Research Foundation, PVA Education Foundation and the Clinical Practice Guidelines Program.

ATTENDANT FUNDING GRANT The Colonial PVA Attendant Funding Grant provides members financial assistance with attendant care. This grant allows up to $500 dollars a year for each member that meets the income and asset guidelines.

RESPITE CARE GRANT The Chapter provides a five-hundred-dollar grant per year for those that need respite services. To be eligible, the member must demonstrate the need for services, and meet income and asset levels. This program helps the members caregivers to schedule additional in-home care and overnight respite. This way, the caregiver can take care of their own obligations without neglecting our member’s needs.

MEMBER REIMBURSEMENT GRANT All Colonial PVA members are entitled to $100 per fiscal year to use towards recreational activities such as dining out, going to the movies, attending events, hotel stays, vacation expenses, hobby supplies, etc. Receipts from such activities just need to be mailed to the Chapter office by the end of the fiscal year and the member will be reimbursed.

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 17

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 18

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 19

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 20

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 21

DONORS American Legion Reisterstown Post 116 American Legion Cecil Post 15 American Legion Savannah Post 135 Cecil County Memorial VFW Post 6027 Elkton Memorial VFW Post 8175 Wawa Foundation Bank of America Delaware Community Foundation United Way of DE Amazon Smile Comfort Warriors Heroes on the Water Spinlife Jerry’s Mobility Carney Rod & Gun Club Individual Donors

Colonial PVA 2022-2023 Annual Report

Page 22