April Reflections

According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, upward of 250,000 service members transition to civilian life each year. For some, that life bears little resemblance to the one they left behind before serving our country.

The challenges run the gamut. Some military personnel return to a broken household. Some have difficulty relating to people who don’t have their shared experiences. For others, it’s about finding and maintaining work in the private sector. A Pew Research Center survey of nearly 1,300 veterans in 2019 revealed that one in three struggled to pay their bills in the years after leaving the military.

Roughly 40 percent of the veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan pointed to their deployment in that survey as the reason for their mental health issues. That helps to explain why the VA identified veteran suicide as its top clinical priority in its 2018-2024 strategic plan. In 2018, 6,435 veterans of the U.S. military killed themselves.

Fortunately, the VA isn’t alone when it comes to looking out for veterans. Here in our own backyard, United Way of Broward County addresses a variety of needs through its Mission United program.

An initiative with Henderson Behavioral Health provides, among other things, services for counseling that includes PTSD clinical treatment. Veterans have access to pro bono legal advice and/or representation thanks to a partnership with Legal Aid Service of Broward County. Yet another program offers a year’s worth of subsidized rent assistance, case management and wrap-around services for veterans who’ve been identified as homeless.

On its own, Mission United would be a shining example of a community at its best. But for the United Way of Broward, the program only hints at the innovative, thoughtful and life-changing support available to individuals and families throughout the county.

In all, the organization led by its dynamic, forward-thinking president/CEO, Kathleen Cannon, funds and operates well over 100 programs and services—in addition to its own internal initiatives (like Mission United). The nonprofit organizations supported by the United Way’s funded programs, alone, read like a who’s who of the local charity scene—Arc Broward, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, Kids in Distress, YMCA of South Florida, Jack & Jill Children’s Center, Goodman Jewish Family Services. The list goes on and on and on.

Later this month (April 30), Lifestyle will be a proud media sponsor of the Mayors’ Gala, benefiting United Way of Broward County. We thank Cannon for offering front-line perspective in the April issue on the challenges people have faced during the COVID-19 era—challenges that United Way continues to tackle for those in need.

You May Also Like
eséna Facial Bar Debuts in Downtown Oakland Park

Quick, luxurious, and budget-friendly, eséna Facial Bar’s express treatments empower busy customers to prioritize their skincare and wellness needs effortlessly.

Read More
BE BOLD Leadership Campaign Raises $415 Million to Help Strengthen Broward’s Future

The Community Foundation of Broward’s BE BOLD Leadership Campaign has secured the funding to address the county’s most pressing challenges, ensuring long-term philanthropic impact through bold giving.

Read More
Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation Unveils Design for Students Lost in MSD Tragedy

The official public memorial is moving forward with artist Gordon Huether’s design.

Read More
The Dating Game

What’s it like for South Florida singles seeking meaningful connections in middle age? With perseverance and a sense of humor, love can be found.

Read More
Other Posts
All Aboard: Chefs Making Waves Returns with All-Star Lineup for 2025

Setting sail from the Port of Miami on May 5–9, 2025, aboard Norwegian’s Gem, Chefs Making Waves heads to Cozumel, Mexico.

Read More
A Sunday Well Spent: Polo Season’s Final Matches Await

The Palm Beach International Polo Season continues through April 27 at the National Polo Center in Wellington.

Read More
Elevated April: Wellness, Art, and Culinary Moments at InterContinental Miami

From salsa nights and poetry to Easter brunch and spa treatments, this luxe hotel curates unforgettable April experiences for guests and locals.

Read More
A Century by the Sea: Celebrate Hollywood’s 100th in Style at The Diplomat

The Diplomat invites local residents to mark Hollywood’s centennial with refined coastal luxury and exclusive resident offers.

Read More