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Homefront Report - VA Awards $28M in Grants & How Rumi Spice is Cultivating Peace with Saffron
Plus new research suggesting how the Mediterranean diet can reduce PTSD symptoms.
Nick Kellermeyer
July 16, 2024
The Homefront Report brings you the best news and resources that U.S. military veterans need to know.
This week we cover:
Legal News: VA Awards $28M in Grants to At-Risk Veterans
Health & Wellness: Wounded veteran inspires champions
Product Of The Week: Rumi Spice
Finance: Making the Most of Military Benefits and Lump Sum Payments
LEGAL NEWS
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of $28 million in grants to support legal services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This significant funding initiative aims to address the critical legal needs of vulnerable veterans across the country.
The grants, part of the VA's Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program, will be distributed to 87 organizations in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
These funds will enable recipient organizations to provide a wide range of legal services, including assistance with evictions, foreclosures, child support issues, outstanding warrants, and driver's license revocation.
"Legal services are critical for Veterans experiencing homelessness to secure permanent housing and those at risk to remain housed. These grants will help Veterans address legal issues that may contribute to their housing insecurity and support VA's goal of ensuring every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home."
Ultimately, this support could be instrumental in reducing veteran homelessness and promoting long-term stability for those who have served our country.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
After losing his leg in Iraq, Army veteran Omar Avila found a new passion and purpose in competitive powerlifting. Now a world champion, Avila hopes his story can inspire other wounded veterans.
The VA's Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation service is actively helping nearly 20 million visually impaired people in the U.S., including many Veterans, to navigate life more independently through vision-enhancing devices, technological tools, and related training.
Emerging research suggests the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, could be a key factor in reducing or even preventing PTSD symptoms among veterans.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
The Product: Rumi Spice offers world-class, ethically sourced Afghan saffron, connecting U.S. consumers with the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Afghanistan.
The Story: Rumi Spice was founded in 2014 by a group of U.S. military veterans who had served in Afghanistan. While there, co-founder Keith Alaniz met Haji Yosef, an Afghan saffron farmer who had an abundance of high-quality saffron but no one to sell it to. Recognizing an opportunity, the veterans teamed up to create a business that could empower Afghan farmers and create a sustainable foundation for peace.
Driven by their mission to foster peace through commerce, the team embarked on a journey that led them back to Afghanistan as civilians. They established partnerships with local farmers, focusing on empowering Afghan women and creating a sustainable supply chain for premium saffron.
Rumi Spice has grown into a national brand partnering with over 350 farmers and employing nearly 4,000 Afghan women.
Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban's takeover, the company remains steadfast in its mission, continuing to operate and support its network of farmers and processors.
Where there is ruin there is hope for treasure. We can create value in the world, even in the toughest places.
FINANCE
Service members or dependents may receive one-time lump sum payments for injuries, loss of life, insurance, or lawsuit proceeds. These payments can replace lost future income, so it's important to take steps to ensure they provide a long-term benefit.
This bulletin from the SEC and FINRA provides valuable tips on how to make the most of these payments, such as paying down high-interest debt, building an emergency fund, and investing for long-term growth through tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"If you want to be around in 10 years you've got to do something to differentiate yourself from the pack."
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontLaw.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.