As do nearly all CVSOs, I strive daily to better serve my Veterans and their families. Regardless of my experience or the availability of federal and state resources, I too often encounter a situation or request for which I have limited or no solutions. I will continue to struggle alongside other service providers and those in need until such things as a lack of transportation, home health care, affordable housing, or skilled nursing are resolved. When the opportunity arises to address just a single request or remove a potential barrier, then I feel duty bound to share.
I was recently introduced to Stair Lift for Vets, a completely donation-based organization located in Minnesota. Plucked right from their website, “We are proud to offer mobility solutions to our Veterans’ needs so they can live safely at home with independence and dignity. Our work at StairLifts for Vets comes from the heart”. They connect Veterans and their families with used/reconditioned stairlifts and residential lift equipment with a goal to build better lives for all Minnesota Veterans and/or family members.
StairLift for Vets also accepts donations of used stairlifts. You may send them a photo or call them to start the donation process. They work with you to schedule an “un-installation appointment”. They send out a licensed technician to uninstall the stairlift. Your donation will go to a Veteran in need. The organization also accepts monetary donations to help support the operations budget and reduce installation costs.
If you are a Veteran and/or family member in need of a stairlift or someone wanting to donate your stairlift to a Veteran, then please use the following contact information:
StairLift For Vets
www.stairliftforvets.org
888-683-8543 (toll free)
651-488-7926 (call or text)
stairliftsforvets@gmail.com
Regardless of your situation or need, I would highly encourage you to visit their website and click on the “About” link. Their origin story may bring a tear to your eye or a smile to your face or both. I find it to be inspirational and another example of what drives me forward in my quest to be a better person and an exceptional CVSO.
Brad Anderson is the Lake County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.834.8326, or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
