America's Little Helpers Turned ONE!

Hip! Hip! Hooray!

America's Little Helpers

is O N E year old!

In January 2021, the idea to develop a program for our nation's youngest heroes was presented by the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes Director of Programs, Sarah Daughenbaugh. Behind closed doors, the passionate work immediately began. The soft launch of America's Little Helpers (ALH) followed a few short months later, in late July 2021.

 

Since launching, our membership has grown to 168 helpers strong!

 

Through our FREE membership program, our dedicated ALH team has created opportunities for children ages 3-24 to connect and thrive with an online community of support through monthly virtual events, newsletters, resources, and MORE!

To date, we've hosted 29 events plus even more opportunities for connection and inspiring hope through activities like our Valentine's Day Card Exchange, Back to School Supplies Support, and Graduation Sign gifts! Additionally, we put on our very first (virtual) Summer Camp this summer! 54 youth and young adults attended four different multi-day camps based on age incorporating not only fun and friendship, but also focused on life skills such as cooking, finance, and mental health. 

 

There are 2.3 million children under the age of 18 living in a home with a wounded veteran. Through the latest research findings from Mathematica 2021, evidence revealed "caregiving children are more likely to:

• Experience isolation and have fewer opportunities to interact with their peers and develop friendships
• Have increased feelings of stigmatization
• Have difficulties expressing emotion and learning in school
• Have more health problems such as stress, burnout, and fatigue"

 

While we would never minimize our wounded veterans' physical, psychological, and emotional struggles, the burdens these children face are real too. 

We are incredibly proud of this program we've designed and implemented. 

ALH is making a difference!

 

Quotes from our members & their parents: 

I'm glad there is a program like ALH for my wounded veteran's child because it gives them a sense of hope that there are other kids who are in similar situations and that they are never alone. 

 

My favorite thing about ALH is being with other kids who "get it!"

 

I like being included in fun activities while still being at home.

 

A note to our current ALH Members: We can't thank you enough for all you do to help your family! We know it's not easy at times, but always remember you are not alone!

 

For questions or to contact the America's Little Helpers' team, send us an email at: americashelpers@saluteheroes.org

 

To register for America's Little Helpers, go here: https://saluteheroes.org/americas-little-helpers/

         

 

Written by: Tiffany Steinmann, America's Little Helpers Program Manager