Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Bedford, Virginia, the Elks National Home provides a sanctuary for veterans and their families who have served our nation with honor. Founded in 1903 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), this 113-acre campus offers a range of comprehensive programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of those who have sacrificed so much.
History and Mission
The Elks, a fraternal organization with over 2 million members, have a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans. In 1903, the BPOE established the Elks National Home as a place where veterans could receive medical care, housing, and other essential services. The Home was originally intended for members of the BPOE, but its mission has since expanded to include all veterans and their families.
Today, the Elks National Home remains a vital resource for veterans and their loved ones. The Home’s mission is to “provide a quality of life for veterans and their families where they can achieve their full potential through innovative, compassionate, quality programs and services.”
Programs and Services
The Elks National Home offers a wide range of programs and services tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. These services include:
- Healthcare: The Home’s medical center provides comprehensive medical care to veterans, including primary care, specialty care, and long-term care. The medical center is accredited by the Joint Commission and has been recognized for its high quality of care.
- Housing: The Home provides housing to veterans in a variety of settings, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The housing options are designed to meet the specific needs of each veteran, ranging from private apartments to semi-private rooms.
- Education: The Home offers educational programs to veterans and their families, including GED preparation, job training, and higher education courses. The Home’s education programs are designed to help veterans transition into civilian life and achieve their career goals.
- Social Services: The Home provides a range of social services to veterans and their families, including counseling, case management, and financial assistance. These services are designed to help veterans overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
The Benefits of the Elks National Home
The Elks National Home provides a number of benefits to veterans and their families. These benefits include:
- Access to quality healthcare: The Home’s medical center provides veterans with access to high-quality medical care in a compassionate and supportive environment.
- Safe and stable housing: The Home provides veterans with safe and stable housing in a variety of settings, allowing them to live independently and with dignity.
- Educational opportunities: The Home’s educational programs provide veterans and their families with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in civilian life.
- Social services: The Home’s social services provide veterans and their families with the support and resources they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
The Future of the Elks National Home
The Elks National Home is committed to providing quality programs and services to veterans and their families for years to come. The Home is currently implementing a number of initiatives to improve its services and expand its reach. These initiatives include:
- Expanding healthcare services: The Home is expanding its healthcare services to include more specialty care and long-term care options. The Home is also exploring the use of telemedicine to provide care to veterans in rural areas.
- Developing new housing options: The Home is developing new housing options to meet the changing needs of veterans. The Home is building new independent living units and assisted living units to provide veterans with a wider range of choices.
- Increasing educational opportunities: The Home is increasing its educational opportunities for veterans and their families. The Home is partnering with local colleges and universities to offer more affordable and accessible education programs.
- Expanding social services: The Home is expanding its social services to provide veterans and their families with more support. The Home is hiring more counselors and case managers to provide veterans with the individualized support they need.
How You Can Help
The Elks National Home relies on the support of donors and volunteers to provide its programs and services to veterans and their families. There are a number of ways you can get involved:
- Donate: You can make a financial donation to the Elks National Home to help support its programs and services.
- Volunteer: You can volunteer your time at the Elks National Home to help with a variety of tasks, such as providing companionship to veterans, assisting with events, and fundraising.
- Spread the word: You can help spread the word about the Elks National Home by talking to your friends and family about its programs and services. You can also share information about the Home on social media.
Conclusion
The Elks National Home is a vital resource for veterans and their families. The Home provides a range of comprehensive programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of those who have served our nation with honor. The Home is committed to providing quality programs and services for years to come.
FAQs
Q: How many veterans live at the Elks National Home?
A: As of 2023, there are over 600 veterans living at the Elks National Home.
Q: What are the admission requirements for the Elks National Home?
A: To be admitted to the Elks National Home, veterans must have served honorably in the U.S. military and must meet certain financial and need criteria.
Q: How much does it cost to live at the Elks National Home?
A: The cost of living at the Elks National Home varies depending on the type of housing and the level of care required. However, the Home is committed to providing affordable housing to all veterans.
Q: What are the visiting hours for the Elks National Home?
A: The Elks National Home is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
Q: How can I apply for admission to the Elks National Home?
A: To apply for admission to the Elks National Home, veterans can contact the Home’s admissions office at (800) 355-0841.
Q: How can I make a donation to the Elks National Home?
A: You can make a donation to the Elks National Home online at www.elks.org/donate or by mailing a check to the following address:
Elks National Home
113 Virginia Avenue
Bedford, VA 24523
Q: How can I volunteer at the Elks National Home?
A: To volunteer at the Elks National Home, please contact the Home’s volunteer coordinator at (800) 355-0841.
Q: How can I spread the word about the Elks National Home?
A: You can help spread the word about the Elks National Home by talking to your friends and family about its programs and services. You can also share information about the Home on social media.
