Independence for Veterans Receives Sixth Consecutive "Certificate of Appreciation" for Outstanding Contributions to Homeless Veterans

BEDMINSTER, NJ - Independence for Veterans, a multi-award-winning nonprofit based in Bedminster, has received its sixth consecutive " Certificate of Appreciation " from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for its outstanding contributions to the New Jersey homeless veterans community. Since January 1, 2024, the organization has hand-delivered over $495,000 worth of new clothing, laptops, groceries, bedding, toiletries, and other necessities to veterans' transitional housing facilities in New Jersey and has expanded its efforts into Pennsylvania. The group aims to reach $500,000 in donations by the end of the year.

In addition to these efforts, last year the organization helped a formerly homeless veteran purchase his own home. "I am thankful to Independence for Veterans as they pulled out all the stops to get me a permanent home," said Brandon Grochala, a two-time Iraqi combat war veteran. "If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be a proud homeowner today. My life has definitely changed for the better. Independence for Veterans is doing something innovative that no other organizations are doing—outright helping us buy our own home with no strings attached."

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Independence for Veterans was founded by Stacia McDonough, the widow of decorated Vietnam veteran Sergeant John E. McDonough, USAF, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron. After his untimely passing, John was posthumously inducted into The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, NJ, on Veterans Day in 2008. The nonprofit was named in honor of John E. McDonough, whose birthday was the Fourth of July.

"Stacia McDonough is a true veteran advocate," said David Culley, Superintendent of Veteran’s Haven North. "Her selfless dedication to the men and women of Veteran's Haven North is awe-inspiring and highly motivating for veterans and staff alike. Independence for Veterans is a pillar of support for our nation's bravest."

"Forty thousand veterans sleeping on the streets of this great nation is categorically unacceptable," said Louis J. Manzo, a board member of Independence for Veterans. "As a grassroots charity, it is our great privilege to provide these noble ex-servicemen and women the compassionate one-on-one assistance they deserve. Homeless and veterans are two words that should never go together."

For further information on the many missions of Independence for Veterans, or to donate to this cause, visit their website: www.i4v.org .

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