BVL Recreation Therapy Grants Distributed

BVL is now distributing our 2015 grants, sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to VA Hospitals nationwide for recreational programs and services to meet the needs of the current patient population for each facility.  The grants provide recreational and therapeutic programs and services for veterans in care at our nation’s VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers and State Homes.  BVL picks up where government funding leaves off, providing the ‘extras’ that brighten spirits and boost morale.

Thanks to BVL, music, the arts, recreation and sports are incorporated into the rehabilitation process – speeding recovery and sending a message of care and remembrance to our country’s heroes.

The grants will have an immediate, and powerful, impact — and will  BrightenVeterans Lives.  Here are some of the comments from VA facilities nationwide:

• “If we want to get a music therapy group together and need guitars, I go to the BVL.  If we want to take a group of the veterans to a ball game — get them out of the hospital and have some fun, we call on BVL. They have always been there for us.”

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

•  “Providing opportunities for veterans to engage in physical activities makes a big difference in their physical and emotional progress.  BVL understands that this is a critical piece of the puzzle.  Not only did they help us with our new gym, but they have supported hundreds of other projects here, too, making a difference in thousands of lives.”

Richmond, VA Medical Center

• “Without the help of BVL, our residents would not be able to have the quality of life they deserve.  Your donation helps to enhance the residents’ lives through recreation programs including trips to baseball games, fishing equipment, snacks for bingo parties and much more.”

Wilmore, KY Veterans Center

• Books, magazines, art projects, puzzles, cards and games are part of the daily lives of veterans thanks to BVL.  “These activities with staff and volunteers are very meaningful to the residents.  It gives them reassurance that they are not alone and also helps them maintain a sense of self.”

Caribou, ME Veterans Home

• Off-site field trips for veterans are funded through BVL. “Participation in activities outside of the VA facility encourages veterans to become more involved in their community and makes their hospitalization more bearable and provides something to look forward to.”

Fargo, ND VA Medical Center

• BVL funding brings veterans a wide array of on-site programs from pet therapy to gardening.  “The bird feeders we purchased with part of our BVL grant provide continuous entertainment and help improve the quality of life.   Thank you so much for thinking about us year after year.”

Salt Lake City, UT Veterans Home

•  “For many of our patients, being able to participate in a fun and normalized experience such as bowling has aided in their health and recovery to a significant degree.  Thank you so much for your support!”

Seattle, WA Medical Center

• Special events – 4^th of July picnics, bingo nights and holiday activities — are part of the annual BVL programs.  “Thanks to BVL, Christmas gifts and personal comfort items will be purchased to give the residents an environment that is as close to ‘home-like’ as possible.”

Miles City, MT VA Community Living Center

• “The BVL contributions provided to the Life Skills Transitions program have resulted in better opportunities for the patients to heal their psychological and emotional wounds enabling them to lead healthier lives.”

Washington, D.C., WalterReed National MedicalCenter