America’s Warrior Partnership’s Four Star Alliance

America’s Warrior Partnership’s Four Star Alliance America's Warrior Partnership's Four Star Alliance provides recreational services to military, veterans, their families, and caregivers across the nation.
(7)

In the aftermath of Post-911 conflicts more than 650,000 service members are returning home with disabilities that will require continued care. As a result of the private sector’s unprecedented support, we have seen a niche market arise in providing therapeutic outdoor experiences for Our Military Family. As a new industry, this niche is experiencing growing pains. To effectively provide recreation services, the following needs must be met: • The need for unified research efforts to prove service efficacy • The need for establishing standards of practice and codes of ethics to improve service delivery • The need for effective communication between service providers to create and maintain a quality continuum of care • The need to develop focused education and training protocol to improve the competence of the service providers while meeting Our Military Family’s needs • The need to maintain economic viability while programs and networks are created and/or expanded In November of 2012, R4 Alliance was formed to meet these needs. A workshop was hosted with eight of the top nonprofit programs providing recreation services to Our Military Family from across the nation. Working with the founding members were representatives from the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, the Veterans Administration, and representatives from Our Military Family. A second workshop hosted in June 2013 brought on new founding members, further defined the Alliance mission/vision/objectives, and laid the foundation for a strategic plan. In February 2014, R4 Alliance gained formal 501c3 status in only 4 months. A recently concluded third workshop brought it all together and adopted the following: Alliance Objectives • Create and utilize collaborative Research and evaluation tools providing a substantial evidence base to: advocate recreation as a crucial component to health and wellness, disseminate findings through the medical community, and provide protocol for individualized client treatment plans • Serve as a nationally recognized alliance of service providers promoting Standards of Excellence developed and driven by our membership organizations to ensure effective recreation services to Our Military Family • Provide information sharing systems facilitating communication between service providers necessary for a collaborative Continuum of Care to ensure the highest quality of service provision • Establish Education and Training guidelines to facilitate the distribution of our collective experience and knowledge • Enhance funding and Economic Viability through creative private sector fundraising initiatives and securing private and public grants

In the aftermath of Post-911 conflicts more than 650,000 service members are returning home with disabilities that will require continued care. As a result of the private sector’s unprecedented support, we have seen a niche market arise in providing therapeutic outdoor experiences for Our Military Family. As a new industry, this niche is experiencing growing pains. To effectively provide recreation services, the following needs must be met: • The need for unified research efforts to prove service efficacy • The need for establishing standards of practice and codes of ethics to improve service delivery • The need for effective communication between service providers to create and maintain a quality continuum of care • The need to develop focused education and training protocol to improve the competence of the service providers while meeting Our Military Family’s needs • The need to maintain economic viability while programs and networks are created and/or expanded In November of 2012, R4 Alliance was formed to meet these needs. A workshop was hosted with eight of the top nonprofit programs providing recreation services to Our Military Family from across the nation. Working with the founding members were representatives from the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, the Veterans Administration, and representatives from Our Military Family. A second workshop hosted in June 2013 brought on new founding members, further defined the Alliance mission/vision/objectives, and laid the foundation for a strategic plan. In February 2014, R4 Alliance gained formal 501c3 status in only 4 months. A recently concluded third workshop brought it all together and adopted the following: Alliance Objectives • Create and utilize collaborative Research and evaluation tools providing a substantial evidence base to: advocate recreation as a crucial component to health and wellness, disseminate findings through the medical community, and provide protocol for individualized client treatment plans • Serve as a nationally recognized alliance of service providers promoting Standards of Excellence developed and driven by our membership organizations to ensure effective recreation services to Our Military Family • Provide information sharing systems facilitating communication between service providers necessary for a collaborative Continuum of Care to ensure the highest quality of service provision • Establish Education and Training guidelines to facilitate the distribution of our collective experience and knowledge • Enhance funding and Economic Viability through creative private sector fundraising initiatives and securing private and public grants

Mission: America’s Warrior Partnership’s Four Star Alliance was formed to leverage national and local resources to help member organizations serve more warriors and build stronger programs.

Operating as usual

Congratulations to Four Star member Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.. on their film, "God's Country," for being ...
08/03/2020
Project Healing Waters Selected for 2020 Bozeman Film Festival

Congratulations to Four Star member Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.. on their film, "God's Country," for being selected to the 2020 BZN International Film Festival. http://ow.ly/a7yC50ANtnv

We are pleased to announce that “God's Country” has been selected for the 2020 BZN International Film Festival. Written by Captain Rob Fordyce and Directed by Reid Ogden, this short film follows Sgt. Jim Graham U.S. Army (ret) on a special trip to Freedom Ranch for Heroes in Wise River, Montana ...

Rep. Jared Golden, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the free access is “a small but meaningful way for ...
07/30/2020
House OKs free national park access for Gold Star families

Rep. Jared Golden, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the free access is “a small but meaningful way for our country to thank Gold Star Families.” #empoweredveteran #recreation

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a proposal from two Maine lawmakers to give families of fallen military service members free access to national parks.

Four Star Alliance member Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. continues to prove the success of therapeutic outdoor...
07/28/2020
Healing those who serve: Project Healing Waters brings peace to wounded combat veterans with fly fishing - Dominion Post

Four Star Alliance member Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. continues to prove the success of therapeutic outdoor recreation by its successful application of the sport of fly fishing, as a rehabilitation tool for veterans. #empoweredveteran #recreation

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — What can we give to someone who’s risked it all overseas? The answer is simple for Parkersburg resident Bubba Holt: Healing. “Healing Waters had just started – it was only a couple years old – and I didn’t know a lot about it,” Holt said. “I was asked to come dow...

Mental health therapy can come in many different forms. Four Star Alliance member StableStrides continues to improve the...
07/24/2020
Horses helping people rebound from mental health challenges

Mental health therapy can come in many different forms. Four Star Alliance member StableStrides continues to improve the well-being of our nation's veterans, through a connection with horses. #empoweredveteran #recreation

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns there's a surging mental health crisis in our communities. Just a short drive from Colorado Springs you'll find the Stable Strides horse ranch where horses and mental health pros are teaming together and are ready to help.

These specialized rehabilitation events aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being and qua...
07/13/2020
Veterans compete in 2020 Golden Age Games… at home - VAntage Point

These specialized rehabilitation events aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being and quality of life. #empoweredveteran

Veterans representing 36 states, the Virgin Islands and 61 medical centers competed in the VA 2020 National Veteran Golden Age Games.

07/06/2020
America's Warrior Partnership Welcomes TAPS to the Four Star Alliance

Please join us in welcoming Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) into the alliance! We're delighted to accept such a caring organization that provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes.

​America’s Warrior Partnership announced today that the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the nation’s leading organization providing compassionate care and survivor support …

An interesting study involving equine therapy will examine equine and human health in the treatment of PTS, specifically...
06/16/2020
Large-scale research project focuses on horse-human bond for veterans with PTSD; therapy will be conducted at Special Strides in Monroe - centraljersey.com

An interesting study involving equine therapy will examine equine and human health in the treatment of PTS, specifically within the New Jersey veteran population.

The Equine Science Center has announced its fundraising initiative kickoff for a large-scale research project focusing on Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies (EAAT) for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which will coincide with June’s Month of the Horse in New Jersey. The rese...

This past March, Four Star member Project Sanctuary held a therapeutic retreat for military families. Project Sanctuary ...
06/11/2020
Something to Celebrate - Project Sanctuary

This past March, Four Star member Project Sanctuary held a therapeutic retreat for military families. Project Sanctuary works hard to remove the barriers and build a network of support for military families - including those who may be impacted by #PTS.

"Twelve courageous military families signed up for our 200th Therapeutic Retreat in Texas this past March. Despite the emerging news and fears about the Covid-19 virus, every single family showed up ready to take the next steps in their family's journey of healing. All volunteers and all staff demonstrated their dedication and passion for serving by attending in full force. 'The resilience of our military families was evident, and I was brought to tears when a Gold Star mom performed "I’m Still Standing" with her two children', Heather Ehle, Founder/CEO."

Read the full story: http://ow.ly/ApgS50A50Ci

Twelve courageous military families signed up for our Therapeutic Retreat in Texas. Despite the emerging news and fears about the Covid-19 virus, every single family showed up ready to take the next steps in their family’s journey of healing.

Wounded Eagle UAS is using small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) as adaptive recreational therapy for veterans. A therapy...
05/26/2020
Adaptive Recreational Therapy utilizing sUAS - sUAS News - The Business of Drones

Wounded Eagle UAS is using small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) as adaptive recreational therapy for veterans. A therapy treatment that strengthens/teaches eye and hand co-ordination, spacial thinking, muscle training and so much more!
http://ow.ly/QRJM50zQCM6

Joseph Dorando Over the many years that I’ve been training disabled veterans into becoming small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) commercial (FAA Part 107) operators with Wounded Eagle UAS, it’s come to my attention that there is an amazing therapy treatment that physical therapists and those in t...

Camp Red Cedar has found a creative way to keep participants engaged with their recreational therapy program. What are s...
05/07/2020
Virtual Horseback Riding: Recreational Therapy Turns To Alternate Methods During COVID-19

Camp Red Cedar has found a creative way to keep participants engaged with their recreational therapy program. What are some creative methods your organization is utilizing during this period of physical distancing? https://www.wboi.org/post/virtual-horseback-riding-recreational-therapy-turns-alternate-methods-during-covid-19#stream/0

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the job titles of Camp Red Cedar employees Alisha Key and Kayla Wagner. The story has

“The biggest thing recreation therapy did for me is give me a focus. I suffered from nightmares, insomnia and an explosi...
05/04/2020
Recreation therapy gives Veteran new lease on life - VAntage Point

“The biggest thing recreation therapy did for me is give me a focus. I suffered from nightmares, insomnia and an explosive temper. Getting out there and exercising was the biggest boon to my mental health."

Army Veteran Rick Weisbrod, 70, says recreation therapy saved his life. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/71711/recreation-therapy-gives-veteran-new-lease-life/

VA celebrates National Therapeutic Recreation Month. Here’s the story of a Veteran who was in “a dark place” and says recreation therapy gave him a focus.

A bill that seeks to make it easier for veterans to access New York state’s scenic and restorative outdoor spaces awaits...
04/24/2020
Tidball advises NY State Senate on veterans outdoor act | Cornell Chronicle

A bill that seeks to make it easier for veterans to access New York state’s scenic and restorative outdoor spaces awaits the governor's signature. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/04/tidball-advises-ny-state-senate-veterans-outdoor-act

A Cornell senior research associate served as a consultant to members of the New York State Senate on the Outdoor Rx Act, a bill that seeks to make it easier for veterans to access New York state’s scenic and restorative outdoor spaces.

What a great way to spend a Sunday morning! Tune in this Sunday at 10am EDT and connect with Mother Nature. https://www....
04/23/2020

What a great way to spend a Sunday morning! Tune in this Sunday at 10am EDT and connect with Mother Nature. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-to-nature-at-home-tickets-102431086136?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&fbclid=IwAR0NGqv4ADaGFtRnuLWmY2-vIELAaNlbOjDrB6mI3iCUvZI889de3wv2bko

We're throwing down on a virtual workshop this weekend. While we all keep our distance we wanted to share how you can still connect with nature in your immediate areas. Please join us! It's free and a reason to get out of bed on Sunday.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-to-nature-at-home-tickets-102431086136?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Please join us in welcoming the National Ability Center, the Lakeshore Foundation, and Mending Waters Montana as our new...
03/31/2020

Please join us in welcoming the National Ability Center, the Lakeshore Foundation, and Mending Waters Montana as our newest Four Star Alliance members! We're so excited to have these three wonderful organizations join the alliance and to add their dedication to improve the quality of life of veterans to our collective goal.

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana is able to offer more veterans adaptive sports thank to a grant and partnerships ...
03/25/2020
RHI Hopes VA Grant Leads to Further Growth

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana is able to offer more veterans adaptive sports thank to a grant and partnerships between their local YMCA and other veteran-serving organizations. http://ow.ly/Acyr50yQ2SQ

The sports director for the RHI Foundation in Indianapolis says a recently-awarded grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was critical in bringing more disabled veterans to its adaptive sp

This equine therapy program in Kentucky is offering free services to veterans. Here's how their program works to benefit...
03/20/2020
Horse Therapy Aims to Help Local Veterans - 44News | Evansville, IN

This equine therapy program in Kentucky is offering free services to veterans. Here's how their program works to benefit those with mental health issues. https://44news.wevv.com/horse-therapy-aims-help-local-veterans/

For those battling depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues, it can be difficult to find a healthy outlet, but it’s here in the Tri-State that one program is reaching out to a group of people who may need the extra care. “These horses actually take on your persona. They read your...

A new bill introduced to the US Congress aims at getting veterans outdoors to promote their well-being. It's called the ...
03/19/2020
New bill aims to accelerate veterans recovery with 'outdoors therapy' - KRDO

A new bill introduced to the US Congress aims at getting veterans outdoors to promote their well-being. It's called the Accelerating Vets Recovery Outdoors Act. What are your thoughts on this new bill? https://krdo.com/news/2020/02/11/new-bill-aims-to-accelerate-veterans-recovery-with-outdoors-therapy/

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A new bill introduced to the US Congress aims at getting veterans outdoors to promote their well-being. It's called the Accelerating Vets Recovery Outdoors Act. On Feb. 27, a group of veterans will be promoting the newly proposed bill -- H.R. 2435 -- that would "req...

The veteran community is getting a helping hand from an unexpected ally - Xbox. The Microsoft gaming giant is matching e...
03/17/2020
Xbox is matching donations to OSD, a charity that helps military veterans transition to civilian life

The veteran community is getting a helping hand from an unexpected ally - Xbox. The Microsoft gaming giant is matching every dollar, up to $250k, in charitable donations to OSD until the end of March. OSD is an organization focused on helping active and non-active military veterans through community engagement - including recreational therapy. https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-is-matching-donations-to-osd-a-charity-that-helps-military-veterans-transition-to-civilian-life/

Giving vets the upgrades they need

Thanks to technology, three VA hospitals are able to offer rural veterans the opportunity to participate in creative art...
03/16/2020
VA Centers Use Telehealth to Give Vets Access to Creative Arts Therapy

Thanks to technology, three VA hospitals are able to offer rural veterans the opportunity to participate in creative arts therapy. https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/va-centers-use-telehealth-to-give-vets-access-to-creative-arts-therapy

The VA is expanding a program with the National Endowment for the Arts to give rural veterans living with traumatic brain injury or PTSD access to creative arts therapy through telehealth.

For veterans who prefer not to seek traditional therapy, "adventure therapy" helps them cope with -- and process -- comb...
03/13/2020
For war-weary veterans, a dose of “adventure therapy” can help them ski off the war

For veterans who prefer not to seek traditional therapy, "adventure therapy" helps them cope with -- and process -- combat-related stressors in the comfort of their brothers and sisters. Well done. https://coloradosun.com/2020/03/09/skiing-off-the-war-veterans-suicide-adventure-therapy/

A four-day mission took veterans across the Sneffels Range and through “Break-a-Bone Meadow” to help deal with their demons. “This can be a cathedral for people,” one vet said.

Four Star Alliance community partner, Clemson University, officially has a wheelchair tennis team. We look forward to se...
03/12/2020
Wheelchair tennis introduced as Clemson’s first adaptive sports team

Four Star Alliance community partner, Clemson University, officially has a wheelchair tennis team. We look forward to seeing them participate in more adaptive sports tournaments. https://newsstand.clemson.edu/mediarelations/wheelchair-tennis-introduced-as-clemsons-first-adaptive-sports-team/

Clemson has introduced wheelchair tennis as its first adaptive sports team, making it one of only a few across the U.S. Faculty working in recreational therapy and a student formed the team, which has already competed in collegiate tennis matches. Those same faculty members are actively recruiting i...

Kudos to Travis Manion Foundation on expanding their partnership with Under Armour to reach more veterans and families o...
03/10/2020
Veterans, families of the fallen work to develop character in next generation through partnership

Kudos to Travis Manion Foundation on expanding their partnership with Under Armour to reach more veterans and families of fallen heroes with their Character Does Matter Program. Pairing veteran role models with young adults empowers entire communities and only strengthens us as a nation. https://www.wmar2news.com/news/voice-for-veterans/veterans-families-of-the-fallen-work-to-develop-character-in-next-generation-through-partnership

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) has expanded their partnership with Under Armour and their UA Freedom initiative.

After recovering from their own wounds and adjusting to new normals, these American veterans are helping, inspiring and ...
03/06/2020
Air Force Wounded Warrior program partners with Ukrainian vets to find healing in war-torn country

After recovering from their own wounds and adjusting to new normals, these American veterans are helping, inspiring and empowering wounded Ukrainian veterans as well -- building a network of support. #empoweredveteran https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-culture/air-force-ukrainian-war?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3

One Ukrainian veteran shared during a visit that they had just received word of increased fighting, and that some of their friends had been killed. Gonzales said it was hard to remain unemotional, knowing that not far away, more Ukrainian soldiers were dying in the conflict. While providing wheelcha...

If your programs include promoting entrepreneurship among female veterans and female military spouses, the SBA has a gra...
03/05/2020
SBA announces funding competition to organizations providing training to female veteran entrepreneurs

If your programs include promoting entrepreneurship among female veterans and female military spouses, the SBA has a grant opportunity for you! They are granting $300,000 to up to six organizations that help start, grow or expand small businesses. Submission deadline: March 19. https://www.unionleader.com/news/veterans/sba-announces-funding-competition-to-organizations-providing-training-to-female/article_55102718-e626-5f84-9873-43a3f330c0ec.html

Up to six awardees will receive a total of $300,000 in grants administered by SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development to participate in the Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program.

Address

1190 Interstate Parkway
Augusta, GA
30909

Telephone

(706) 434-1708

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when America’s Warrior Partnership’s Four Star Alliance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to America’s Warrior Partnership’s Four Star Alliance:

Videos

The Recreational Therapy Panel from America's Warrior Partnership's 2018 Warrior Symposium.

It’s about time that I spoke from the heart. As the social media person for R4 Alliance, I always consider myself behind the scenes as a writer, editor or social media poster person :-) but you really need to know how awesome you are! Happy Veterans Day

Can you get a more perfect venue to host a reception than at one of our founding members Georgia Aquarium ballroom? #WarriorSymposium17

John Scott from Fox News is live from #WarriorSymposium17 with Col. Wayne Waddell & Capt. Jim Warner. Remembering Col. Leo K. Thorness and sharing stories from Hanoi Hilton POW

Bert Gillette, Director of Operations, R4 Alliance discusses the Coordinated Care Network. Learn more: www.r4alliance.org/get-assistance.

R4 Alliance Interview with Bob Calvert, Talking With Heroes Program

R4 Alliance Interview with Dave Kumlien, Trout Unlimited Veterans Service Partnership. Visit www.tu.org for more information.

Gratitude America
Gratitude America

R4 talks with GratitudeAmerica, Inc #R4Live #StrongerTogether

Bob & Barbara from Marriage Management share what they do and why. #R4Alliance #members #strongertogether #bettertogether

Jennifer Mackinday from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation shares her story of caring for her brother after he returns home from deployment. #R42016 #HiddenHeroes

Kathy Egan, President and COO of Beaver Hollow Conference Center, talks about next year's #R4Alliance conference and the treatments available at the center. #R42016

Good Creations LLC works to help nonprofits raise funds, streamline their data and offers other much-needed services like graphic design and more. #R42016

Steven from Unite US shares how they support organizations through their robust network. They are helping #R4Alliance do this, with improved search capabilities as well. #R42016 Learn more:

The founder of PsychArmor talks about the free courses they create for the civilians who serve our nation's heroes, as well as how you can partner with them to offer these courses to your organization. #R42016

The Sierra Club has military programs across the nation. #R42016 Learn more about them:

J. David Gray, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and board member of 10 CAN, Inc., discusses both organizations and the benefit of collaboration. #R4Alliance #R42016

Jeff from www.paws4pets.org talks about his organization and their partnership with #R4alliance. #R42016

Matt Staton, special assistant to the Secretary of the US Army. He shares his story and provides great insights into partnering with DoD. #R4Alliance #R42016

Valor Games
Valor Games

Bridge II Sports is proud to be hosting the 2016 Valor Games Southeast for the 4th consecutive year from May 23-26. Valor Games Southeast is a 4 day adapted sports event drawing disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces to North Carolina for fierce, fun and spirited competition and comradery. Register here: http://buff.ly/1VdxdFf

Shortcuts

Category

Nearby health & beauty businesses

Other Disability services in Augusta

Show All

Comments

Help please. Questions for the group. Is anyone doing background checks on participants before they attend one of your programs??
As members of the Four Star Alliance we would like to announce that applications for our 2020 Voyage are now open! Open to Veterans of all eras. Apply online: https://www.deepseavalkyries.com/summer-2020 More info: https://www.deepseavalkyries.com/faq
I’m looking for 501 c Organizations that are interesting in Fundraise opportunity.
HooYah
A great piece on the power of golf lessons to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities.
Please check us out at www.qlplus.org and message me if you or others have a specific Challenge you would like engineering students to solve. They have already worked on many adaptive sports innovations for service members and Veterans.
Can anyone please help guide me in getting lower cost plane tickets for military widows to attend a military widow retreat in MN? Are there certain phrases or questions to say or ask? It is usually for 12- 13 attendees flying into Fargo ND. Thanks in advance! :)
Could anyone give me some ideas, pointers, point me in the correct direction on how help cover plane tickets for military widows to be able to attend a widows retreat? Please comment here or send me a PM Thank you in advance!! :)
Learn more about training highly skilled service dogs. Trainers Program by Canines for Service.
Adaptive Header FY2018 Adaptive Sports Grant Update The FY2018 Adaptive Sports Grant (ASG) has been authorized and funded for the FY2018 ASG application cycle; however, due to one particularly significant uncertain factor, we have held off on updates to avoid any misinformation or confusion. Since 2018 is almost here, the following information is provided to help us plan for the FY2018 ASG application and award process and improve adaptive sport activities nationwide for disabled Veterans and disabled Servicemembers. Enjoy the holidays and have a Happy New Year! ASG Extension through FY2019: In September 2017, Public Law 115-62 extended authorization for the Adaptive Sports Grant program, as well as the Monthly Assistance Allowance for Disabled Veterans Training in Paralympic [and Olympic] Sports, not only through FY2018, but also FY2019. Therefore, the ASG application process is authorized for the next two years. Grants.gov Retirement of PDF Legacy Application Package: On December 31, Grants.gov will discontinue the use of the downloadable .pdf package for submitting grant applications. Therefore, all future ASG applications will have to be submitted through the Grants.gov online application creation and submission processes. Grants.gov updated videos on their new process at the following site: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNSNGxQE7NWlPcYxVJsglJbRc6cPcfC8X&utm_source=alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=applicants&utm_content=Deadline Reminder of Registration Requirements: ASG applicants must have current registration in Duns & Bradstreet for a D-U-N-S Number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/), the System for Award Management (SAM) for a Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE) (https://www.sam.gov/index.html/home#1), and Grants.Gov with a current E-Business Point of Contact that will be submitting the application. Every year there are ASG applicants that experience significant difficulties or fail to submit successfully due to not maintaining current registration and user information. Verify your status early and be prepared. Continuity of ASG Application Process: Currently, the processes and forms for the FY2017 ASG application cycle are posted on the Adaptive Sports Grant Program webpage (https://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/va_grant_program.asp). There is no initiatives to change the ASG authorizing legislation (38 U.S.C. 521) nor the regulation (38 CFR Part 77) and the forms and other processes should remain basically the same. Therefore, if you review the FY2017 ASG documentation, it should prepare you well for the FY2018 ASG application process. Equine Assisted Activities & Therapy Amendment (EAAT): In the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, an amendment currently exists to augment FY2018 funding in the FY2018 ASG program by $5.0 million; however, this is only an amendment and is not authorization of appropriations which would require it to be retained throughout the entire legislative process. Therefore, organizations considering programs for FY2018 ASG applications should be aware of this amendment, but it may never become law or may be significantly modified in the legislative process. We will provide an update when we have actual information on the final status of this current amendment and any other changes that may affect the FY2018 ASG program. Also, as currently written, the EAAT amendment increases funding for the ASG program in order to fund these programs and therefore would not decrease funds for non-EAAT programs. FY2018 ASG Application Submission Timeline: Due to the many factors associated with submission, vetting, review and selection of Adaptive Sport Grants, VA will issue the FY2018 ASG Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) as early as possible and plans for a similar timeframe as the FY2017 ASG cycle: a 60-day application period in February-April 2018. However, the EAAT amendment in the Make America Secure Appropriations Act could have significant effects on how the VA must evaluate and award FY2018 ASG applications, because the amendment focuses on EAAT programs. Therefore, there may be a delay in the application submission dates if the situation warrants it.
Learn service dog training from the longest serving provider in North Carolina. Enrollment now open for January 2018! Veterans can be sponsored by another Veterans organization. https://www.caninesforservice.org/trainers-program
Watch this second episode from www.pptrc.org Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center in Colorado with Melissa Anthony Melissa Anthony Development Coordinator, Bill Reed – PPTRC Volunteer Extraordinaire and 30 year Veteran of the US Air Force, Shannon Mitchell - PPTRC Executive Director, Chester DeAngelis - PPTRC Program Director. They introduce themselves and talk about PPTRC Helping Children, Military, Veterans since 1981. Equine Therapy Works!! Please Watch and Share! https://youtu.be/2qR2-1i9ahk More Info at: http://thankyouforyourservice.us/issue/september-2017/article/watch-pikes-peak-therapeutic-riding-center-melissa-shannon-chester-bill Please Watch and Share!!