As our Nation takes a moment to salute and recognize the courageous men and women who served in our armed forces, the News Blog looks at Penn Medicine’s continuing support to one Philadelphia institution making a difference.
On November 11, 1918, an armistice between Allied nations and Germany went into effect, ending fighting during WWI. Now, 95 years later, we continue to recognize those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces for their sacrifice to our country and in missions around the globe.
The incalculable cost of protecting our nation’s freedom and promoting democratic interests worldwide extends well into civilian life. During this transition into civilian life, institutions like the Veterans Group are working to help servicemen reach their potential and have the greatest possible positive impact on their communities.
Started in 2007 in the Powelton Village neighborhood of Philadelphia, The Veterans Group shelters 43 male veterans. The organization gives residents three meals daily, life skills, a support system, programs helping their mental and physical fitness, and more, all aimed at helping those men overcome the dangerous effects of war. In addition, The Veterans Group works with the Philadelphia VA Medical Center to assist those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and other mental and physical health issues.
The Veterans Group marked Veterans Day earlier this week by hosting a dedication ceremony for a new Wellness and Learning Center on site outfitted with a private counseling room, gym, and resources for building job and life skills. The new center and other Veterans Group programs are made possible by Independence Blue Cross and other community partners.
One of those partners is Margie Delaney, staffing specialist in Human Resources at Penn Medicine. After Delaney was invited to a Veterans Group event, she immediately began helping, including assisting the group with numerous fund raising activities, obtaining donations from various groups, obtaining raffle items for an event, and giving resume feedback to those seeking employment. Delaney also secured two grants from Penn Medicine CAREs to help fund upgrades to bathrooms at The Veterans Group shelter and make some of them handicapped accessible.
“I wanted to help these guys who served our country and helped protect our freedom,” said Delaney. “It’s a part of me. My Dad’s a vet, I have uncles who are vets, I grew up with respect for veterans and this is the least I can do to give back.”
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: Anthony L. Thompson, who served in the U.S. Navy, HT3, and secretary at the Veterans Group, Matt Dunphy, Executive Director of The Veterans Group, and Allen Canty, who served in the USMC, SSGT, who is on the Veterans Group Board of Directors
Photo 2: (l to r): Margie Delaney, staffing specialist, Human Resources and Veterans Group Board President April Thomas-Jones