FOX VALLEY VETERANS COUNCIL

The Fox Valley Veterans Council (FVVC) is a nonproft 501(c)3 organization established in 2006/2007 to bring together 20 veteran service organizations in Outagamie, northern Winnebago and Calumet counties.  The purpose of the FVVC is to provide a central forum within the Fox Valley to disseminate veteran information between veteran organizations and support veteran organization activities for the common good and welfare of all veterans.  Their mission is to uphold the principles of the Constitution of the United States; promote the goals and objectives of all veteran organizations for the common good and the welfare of active and veteran personnel of all the Unformed Services as well as their dependents and survivors; and to foster and support the exchange of information and ideas among all veteran organizations in order to provide better service to veterans and their families.  The Veterans Memorial in the old Outagamie County Courthouse is maintained and updated by FVVC.  FVVC holds an annual Memorial Day celebration to honor those who gave their lives while serving our country.  One of the primary goals of the FVVC is to sustain a Veterans Emergency Fund to provide short term help to veterans and veteran families in the Fox Valley in time of need.  Needs include housing, utility payments, clothing, food, transportation or any other high priority need.  In 2011, FVVC assisted 20 veteran families totaling $10,300; 32 veteran familites totaling $46,800 in 2012 and so far this year 56 veteran families totaling $35,900.  Emergency fund requests are increasing therefore the need for funds is increasing.  Funds are managed by the Veterans Emergency Fund Council made up of committee members from the veteran service organizations who meet on an as needed basis to review requests.  A person is eligible to apply for emergency assistance if they are a veteran or immediate family member of a veteran.  They must also provide form DD214 showing honorable service, must be a resident of one of the three counties and provide copies of bills in consideration for assistance.  Most responses are within 48 hours.  FVVC is an all volunteer organization.  In March 2011, they partnered with American National Bank Fox Cities to create the Veterans Emergency Fund.  The bank donates $10 for every checking and saving account and $50 for every mortgage.  Total donations from American National Bank from 2011-2013 total over $33,000.  For more information, please visit www.foxvalleyveteranscouncil.org.