Veterans: Foundation seeks to “stand in the gaps”
Veterans in North Georgia needing basically any type of help are now able to go through the North Georgia Veterans Assistance Foundation (NGVAF) in Blue Ridge.
The foundation’s mission is to “stand in the gaps for those who’ve served.”
Since establishing an organization, they have already been able to help veterans file claims, file for pre-need burial into a national cemetery, find housing, help with utility bills and clean things up around a veterans’ home.
They’ve delivered donated medical equipment, facilitated support to family members for obtaining caregiver status, helped apply for Progressive’s veteran vehicle giveaway program, which was accepted, and helped a veterans’ family who committed suicide.
Their office includes a reception area, board room, three private offices to help assist veterans, and back area, which they plan to transition into a shelter.
For the shelter, there are plans for a shower, washer and dryer, and there are currently pull out beds.
The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the organization Wednesday, September 11.
At the ribbon cutting, foundation Founder and Board Chairman Ken Brenneman said, “I want to thank the chamber for giving us the platform on this very special day, a day that we should never forget and actually should shock the conscious of all of us.”
He went on to recognize the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on 9/11/2001.
Of the idea for the organization, Brenneman said it was two years ago in October that he and around 12 other veterans from different veteran organizations in the area got together, and he had asked what they all needed help with.
Then, in February of 2023, he got together with three people to form an organization.
However, they later learned that the name they were trying to operate under could not be used.
Brenneman credited God for the events leading up to the creation of the non-profit.
“I’ve got a long list of thank yous because it takes a village,” Brenneman said.
“Number one, Jesus Christ because with Him all things are possible. If I were to tell you the already tens of stories that I’ve got, if you didn’t think that His hands are all over this, then you’re ready for a health exam to check your eyes and your heart.”
He continued by thanking his mentors, who chose to remain anonymous, several individuals, RidgeMen from The Ridge Community Church and the new board.
In addition, he thanked Biglife, a charity with an office next door, for allowing him to use the space before the foundation obtained their unit.
“The volunteers are going to be the key to our success,” Brenneman said. “So, with enough volunteers, about 30 to 40 in all, we can open the doors Monday through Friday, and the volunteers will only have to put in four to five hours every six-ish weeks—at least that’s the plan.”
Brenneman hopes that, in the future, other faith-based organizations will join them in their efforts.
The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Veterans who need assistance or individuals who know a veteran who does should fill out the contact form on their website listed below.
Anyone interested in supporting their mission by volunteering can call 205-874-2265.
Monetary donations can be sent to North Georgia Veterans Assistance Foundation, P.O. Box 1281 Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513.
Cards can also be accepted on their website, www.ngvafinc.org.