Medford, Ore., — A non-profit organization that has helped hundreds of veterans here in the Rogue Valley has U.S. Representative Greg Walden’s support.
The Easter Seals do a variety of great work in the community, including finding homeless veterans housing and jobs.
They already receive some federal funding, but now Congressman Walden is leading a bi-partisan effort to make sure that funding doesn’t run out any time soon.
Easter Seals was founded in Medford about 20 years ago, but their veteran program is just in its 3rd year. Since then, CEO David Cheveallier has helped the organization aid 240 veterans. But the work they do doesn’t come easy.
“There’s an alarming proportion of them that come back in our communities and need job training, employment, assistance with housing.”, says Cheveallier.
But helping veterans integrate back into their lives here at home is why meetings with power brokers like Congressman Greg Walden are so vital.
Cheveallier says Walden has “been so instrumental in helping us maintain funding for this program not only in Oregon but nationally. He’s been a champion of ours.”
This afternoon the Medford Easter Seals team sat down with the congressman to help give him a better idea of what exactly it is they do.
“This is really an important program for our veterans and especially those who are really struggling right now in life. We need to be able to give them a hand up and get the help they need to get employed”, says Walden.
And with Walden calling it a priority to keep Easter Seals funded, Cheveallier’s organization is a little more secure tonight – knowing that some veterans who so badly need help, have Congressman Walden behind them.
Easter Seals is always looking for volunteers and doesn’t turn anyone away who needs help. If you or anyone you know wants to get involved, go to their website at www.easterseals.com
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