Apply for Our Adopt A Caregiver for the Holidays Program

COVID-19 UPDATE: ​Delays and increased cost of USPS shipping concerns has lead us to make some changes in this program for the 2021Holiday Season. Instead of communicating directly with the Sponsor, Hearts of Patriots will pair you with a Sponsor who will donate directly to the organization so we can deliver funds to you as our gift for your holiday.

​WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
We occasionally have Sponsors who wish to Adopt a Family. If this happens, Hearts of Patriots, based on the Caregiver information you submit will chose a Caregiver Family for pairing. If you are chosen we will reach out for more information. (Please remember that most Sponsors will request a single Caregiver pairing.)

1. Who qualifies for the Adopt a Caregiver for the Holidays Program?
Caregivers are eligible based on their veterans disability and rating. All caregivers living with a veteran that suffers from PTSD and TBI with a disability rating of 30% and above are eligible.

3. How do I apply?
​You must meet the eligibility criteria and fill out the registration form. Please make sure you fill it out completely and upload the requested documents. If you participated in the program last year, please wait until 2022to apply again.
   
4. What documents are required for registration? 
VA Proof of disability letter/rating and DD214 - Member 4
     
5. Am I guaranteed to be adopted once my application is approved? 
Submitting an application does not guarantee participation or adoption in the program. The number of Caregivers sponsored is based on the number of Sponsors available to Adopt
     
6. How will I know if I am adopted? 
Once your application is approved and you are matched with a sponsor, you will receive an email from Hearts of Patriots. 
     
7.  How will I know if I am not adopted? 
Hearts of Patriots strives very hard to get all qualified and approved caregivers adopted for the holidays. In the event we are unable to provide a sponsor, we will notify you by email on Dec. 9, 2021.
     
9. When will you begin matching caregivers with sponsors? 
As soon as possible after receipt of your application and required supporting documentation. Due to the level of demand for this program, Hearts of Patriots will not be able to follow up on incomplete applications and paperwork, so please ensure you complete the application in its entirety and upload all necessary supporting documentation, as required. If you have difficulty uploading your documents you may email them to denise@vetspouse.org. 
   
10. You are asked on the application to "Provide a message to the Adopting Sponsor," how much information do I need to provide? 
Please include specific information about your family, your children, and your interests. The success of our program is based on the belief that individuals want to connect with others in meaningful ways and we do that more easily when we know that person or can "put a face to a name". Since this year our sponsors will not be providing actual gifts, getting to know you and your family is even more important. When we pair you, this information will be shared with our Hearts of Patriots sponsor.

11. How will I know if I have been adopted? 
We will email you to let you know that you have been adopted. We receive hundreds of caregiver requests and ask that you give us enough information about yourself and your situation to help our committee make a decision on who we are best able to help.
 
​19. Sponsor thank you letter?
Please email a Holiday photo(s) of you and your family and a personal  note from you to Hearts of Patriots at denise@vetspouse.org or mail to: 101 Denison Ave. Elyria, OH 44035. We will use photos and stories from our adopted caregivers to prepare a post holiday letter to our Sponsors so they can know the impact of their gifts. We must receive this as soon after Dec. 25th as possible. Deadline for this information is January 5th 2022.

CAREGIVER APPLICATION
*Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
If you were paired with a sponsor last season, please wait one year before applying again.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2020 Adopt a Vet Spouse for the Holidays ARE CLOSED