CVAC’s First Half of 2018 Full of Activity

The first six months of this year have been a whirlwind of activity for the Cape May veteran’s advocacy group known as CVAC. Since their inception in 2013, CVAC’s caseload has quadrupled and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Compared to 2017 when the number of cases CVAC assisted was 34, that number is 26 in the first six months of 2018. Assisting veterans and their families with food, housing, utilities, work-related expenses and other incidental daily living expenses, the group has brought comfort, peace of mind and immediate help to those in need disbursing almost $5,000 to clients since January and more than $25,000 in total.
In addition to its daily mission of assisting clients, CVAC has taken on a signature project this year, after being made aware of some home repair work faced by the widow of a decorated Vietnam veteran. Working with other volunteer agencies, businesses throughout Cape May County including Keller Williams, Lower Township and the State of NJ are in the process of renovating and repairing the home, including replacing the roof, some appliances and a section of fencing, among other projects. CVAC Project Lead, Lou Ginsberg, says of the project, “Being able to help improve this woman’s quality of living in recognition of her husband’s service to our country really drives home the mission of CVAC. Working side-by-side with other Cape May County organizations brings the sense of community to life.”
The group is also working with the American Red Cross to promote that agency’s Home Fires Campaign. CVAC volunteers are installing free smoke alarms provided by the Red Cross into the homes of veterans. The program also encompasses fire safety education on critical topics such as planning an evacuation route, building a go-kit, and how to reduce the risk of fires. If you are a veteran in need of smoke alarms in your home, please call (609) 646-8330.
CVAC will soon issue its first Stewardship Report, detailing the assistance they have provided from 2014 through the present time. That report will be made public and distributed to CVAC’s financial supporters.
The group has also been the grateful recipient of donor dollars from a host of Cape May County businesses and organizations in the first six months of 2018. It wishes to publicly thank the Mad Batter and its owner Mark Kulkowitz, OceanFirst Foundation, Sturdy Savings Bank, the Avalon Lions Club, Sons of American Legion Post 331, and Burke Motor Group. The continuing support of all its community partners, especially the Philadelphia Flyers and the Impact Club of Cape May County, both of whom made significant gifts to CVAC last year, have helped propel their mission this year.