Partner’s Corner February 2020

The value of our partners at in2Action cannot be overstated. And while it would be impossible to highlight each partner in a newsletter that gets published only quarterly, it is equally impossible not to highlight the Veterans United Foundation for what they have done for in2Action. If you are from Columbia, you are already aware of what is arguably the most generous and compassionate foundation this region has ever seen. Because the Veterans United Foundation is indeed so generous and supports so many wonderful efforts throughout our community, it might be easy to overlook the enormous impact this single foundation can have on an agency like in2Action.
On October 17, 2019, in2Action launched the grand opening of the Reentry Opportunity Center. We received a lot of very positive press. What we did not see, however, was the picture of the Veterans United Foundation presenting The ROC with a check for $15,000 (we did put this on our Facebook page). As the Director of in2Action (and The ROC), I cannot tell you what that meant to a guy who was awake the night before wondering how we were going to get The ROC off the ground. This check was completely unsolicited and a complete surprise. What a blessing.
The ROC is now off the ground and we are open for business 40 hours a week serving people in Boone County who have been recently released from jail or prison, as well as those who are on probation or parole. The ROC is much needed in our community and people are cheering us on across the state. It sometimes takes a while, however, before the funding begins to follow the cheers. So just 3 months after receiving a $15,000 check from the foundation, I requested more funding to help offset our rent.
Again, the Veterans United Foundation came through. The Foundation has awarded The ROC the funding needed for six months’ rent. Words cannot convey the significance of this contribution. We literally live day to day with our budget at The ROC. While we know six months will go by quickly, it’s the most breathing room we have had since we first conceived of The ROC in March of last year.
To everyone at Veterans United who cares so deeply about the work we are doing at in2Action – THANK YOU!