OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The new year has brought a series of changes to an organization dedicated to service. Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Inc., has new leadership and will extend its hours starting March 1. The nonprofit will now stay open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and will also be accessible on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Todd Belknap, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is the new president of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. USMC Veteran Sgt. Bob Levenson is the chairman of the board, USMC Veteran James Hilty Sr. is the vice chairman, and U.S. Army Veteran Capt. Steve Petty is the chief executive officer.
“He’s a wonderful man and a tremendous leader, and we’re very fortunate to have him,” said Belknap of Petty, a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient. “He’s also the president of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard and the CEO of the Vet Resource Center.”
The center has relied on volunteers who often work late into the evening, even though official hours have been 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The upcoming changes aim to accommodate working veterans and their families who need access to services outside standard hours.
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“Bob Levenson was a sergeant in the Marine Corps, right after Vietnam, another stellar leader, pillar of the community, he and his wife Grace are philanthropists and they’re very generous, with their time, their talent and their treasure, within our community,” said Belknap. “Both of these gentlemen (Petty and Levenson) could be sitting on the beach, but they’re not, they’re here in the trenches, trying to help veterans. It’s an honor to work with them.”
Belknap also praised the contributions of Vice Chairman Hilty.
“He’s an invaluable asset because he’s our connection to the city,” said Belknap.
Ensuring veterans have essential services remains a top priority. Veterans Helping Veterans will hold its Stand Down event on June 7 to assist veterans facing homelessness. Thanks to Hilty’s connections, the nonprofit will collaborate with Sun Tran to provide transportation for veterans needing resources.
“The Marines have landed at Vets Helping Vets,” said Belknap. “Councilman Hilty is going to be running point to make sure they have a way to get here.”
The board will now be meeting once a month rather than every 60 days. One of their objectives is to raise $400,000 in discretionary income because sometimes there are restrictions on the HUD grants the nonprofit receives as to how the money can be used.
The board now meets monthly instead of every 60 days. One objective is raising $400,000 in discretionary income, as HUD grants have spending restrictions. While the nonprofit receives no funding from Veterans Affairs, the city, or the county, it relies on grants and donations.
“We want to open up the windows and let some fresh air in,” said Belknap. “We’re open for business and we’re going to bring in veterans and their families.”