The ‘00s saw some big changes at the VFW National Home for Children, including the completion of the $1 million renovation of the historic Heath and Education Building in 2001, funded by the VFW Auxiliary. One of the biggest changes to the campus landscape was the 2005 groundbreaking for the first new home built at the National Home in 40 years. The 2,400 square foot duplex was built and sponsored by the United Auto Workers National Veterans Affairs Department. It was dedicated in 2006 for Steven P. Yokich, who served as president of the UAW from 1994 – 2002. Also in 2006, a $500,000 gift from Douglas and Joanne Blake led to the creation of the Amy Ross Endowment Fund, a permanently restricted endowment fund that provides annual income to the National Home. The Blakes made their generous gift in honor of their son, Army Private Joseph R. Blake, who was killed in action while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. View a special message from the Blakes about what inspired them to give to the National Home. In 2007, construction was completed on a second new duplex. The Alaska House and Hawaii House were constructed with funds the National Home received from the Buick, Pontiac and GMC division of General Motors – the proceeds from General Motors’ 2006 Memorial Day promotion, in which they donated $100 to the National Home for each Buick, Pontiac or GMC sold between May 22 and May 31 of that year. In 2008, the National Home launched a new service, founded on the premise that sometimes the best way to help an American war hero is just to listen, get to the heart of the problem, and find the right kind of assistance in his or her local community. Since that time, the Military and Veteran Family Helpline (800-313-4200) has helped thousands of military and veteran families by providing information, creating connections and giving hope. Learn more about the Military and Veteran Family Helpline. The ’00s brought major changes to the National Home, and those changes have created greater opportunities for the National Home to serve more struggling military and veteran families. We look forward to continuing to serve these families for decades to come.
