VA New England Health Care System

CT Department of Labor

CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Homes for the Brave Supports Kick for Nick
Nick Madaras of Wilton, CT joined the army in 2005. During his time overseas, Nick felt a need to bring positive change to lives of the Iraqi children who he saw every day. While home on leave, Nick gathered soccer balls to bring to Iraqi children. Tragically before he could deliver the balls, Nick was killed in action on September 3, 2006 at the age of 19. With a desire to keep Nick's memory and kindness alive, Kick for Nick began. Through the donations of funds and soccer balls, Kick for Nick has sent over 10,000 soccer balls to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan. In April, Nick's mother, Shalini, father, Bill, and brother, Chris, visited Homes for the Brave. In honor of the visit, residents contributed their personal funds to purchase 8 soccer balls and donate them to Kick for Nick.

To find out more about the incredible work of the Kick for Nick campaign, visit www.kickfornick.org.

Bridgeport Elks Lodge 36 is a fraternal organization dedicated to the ideals of charity and patriotism. Lodge 36 is especially supportive of veterans and has partnered with Homes for the Brave for many years. In 2008, Lodge 36 received a grant from the national Order of Elks to benefit the Veterans at Homes for the Brave. This grant allows Elks members to purchase, prepare, and serve monthly Sunday dinners at Homes for the Brave. Elks members have also purchased numerous items from the home including flatware, coffee, linens, alarm clocks, and much more. Homes for the Brave greatly appreciates the support of the Bridgeport Elks.

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness

Junkluggers is a junk removal company that goes into people's homes and businesses to remove items that are not wanted any more for a fee. In an effort to keep as much as possible out of landfills and to give to people in need, Junkluggers sorts the items that are received for donating and recycling. Junkluggers has decided to partner with Homes for the Brave and the VA in West Haven. The company plans to supply formerly homeless veterans, who now have shelter, with the furniture and household goods that they need. Junkluggers feels that the cliché "one person's junk is another person's treasure" rings true here, and they are honored to be of service to those who have served.

Visit the Junkluggers' website at www.junkluggers.com

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans