Adopt A Caregiver | Holiday Application

1. When do you accept applications from veteran caregivers for this program?
Registration for the Adopt a Caregiver for the Holidays program opened on Nov. 1, 2019.

2. 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 2020 to apply again.

4. What documents are required for registration?
Proof of disability, 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. Each application is reviewed matched with an adoptive individual, family, organization or business based on availability.

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. Your sponsor will contact you to get additional information.

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 locate a sponsor, we will notify you by email on Dec. 9, 2019.

8. What kind of gift will the sponsor provide?
Our sponsors are asked to provide you with a minimum $50 gift/gifts and a minimum, $100 food card or prepaid VISA gift card to help with your holiday meal and trimmings. This program is meant to serve as a token of appreciation from the community.

9. When will you start 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. We are going out of the area to be with our family for the holidays, can we still apply?
Yes, you may still apply for the Adopt a Vet Spouse for the Holidays program if you will be traveling or away from your home for the holidays. However, you must specify when you will be away from your home so that delivery of packages will not be made during your absence.

11. You ask on the application to "Provide a message to the Adopting Sponsor," how much information do I need to give?
Please include specific information about your family, your children, and your interests. This information will be shared with our Hearts of Patriots sponsor so they are comfortable purchasing a gift for you and they appreciate knowing more about the spouse they will be adopting.

12. Do you give the sponsor my application with all my information?
Sponsors will have access to your application but will not have access to your submitted supporting documentation.

13. How will I be notified if you have matched me with a sponsor?
We will email you to let you know that you have been adopted. Your sponsor will contact you. It is then your and your sponsor's responsibility to communicate regarding the program. If you have not heard from your sponsor within 48 hours of notification please email denise@vetspouse.org so we may follow up.

14. Do I have to invite the sponsor to my home?
No. For your comfort and to ensure the safety of all we do not ask that you meet your sponsor.

15. My sponsor is a company and they have requested I come to an event. Do I have to attend?
No.

16. My sponsor has asked me for a list of items I might like to receive, do I have to give them a list?
If your application was not very thorough in regards to your interests and gift request, the sponsor may request a better list. If requested by the sponsor, please give them a list of items so they may choose what is within their budget and abilities. Please do not put anything on your list that exceeds $50. The purpose of the
Adopt A Caregiver for the Holidays program is to provide you with small tokens of appreciation. Please be mindful of this as the sponsors are participating in the program to help you have a special holiday season.

17. Can I ask the sponsors for gift cards only?
No, please do not ask a sponsor for gift cards for gifts. If gift cards are requested, your application will be denied.

18. I am having difficulties communicating with my sponsor, what do I do?
Please contact Hearts of Patriots at denise@vetspouse.org and someone will get back with you to discuss and help facilitate the communication or assign you to another sponsor.

19. Should I send my sponsor a thank you letter?
Yes! We will send you your sponsor’s mailing address so you can send them a thank you letter or note. Please also send a photo of yourself with the gift if possible. If the sponsor has indicated to us that they do not wish to share their contact information, please send us the letter and we will forward to the sponsor. Please indicate their name on the letter and address to c/o Hearts of Patriots, 101 Denison Ave. Elyria, OH 44035.

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