Nonprofit gives military families a back-to-school boost

Mission United’s office hummed with happy chatter as a steady flow of families stopped by its annual backpack giveaway event in Fort Lauderdale.

Partner agencies lined the lobby with informational tables. As folks departed, they took backpacks filled with school supplies which will provide some financial relief for the former soldiers, said Ryan Bancroft, Mission United’s engagment manger.

“People were lined up at the door at the beginning,” director Sgt. Maj. Ken Juede said. “Four hundred backpacks have been reserved for families.”

Filled with pens, paper, markers, crayons, and other supplies required by local school districts, the contents are valued at about $50.

“It adds up” for those have several children or are “ALICE familes” (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), Bancroft said. “They might be doing well today but are one or two major issues away from financial hardship. So we don’t have any financial requirement.”

Single mother and Army veteran Rachel Heinz gathered three bags for her children ages 4, 6 and 12.

“The [school supply] lists are expansive,” — Sgt. Maj. Ken Juede

Heinz said. “I try to provide what they ask for, so my child can get the best possible education.”

The giveaway is one of several various events the United Way of Broward County program puts on during the year.

“It’s a great way to support and continue to honor those who have served by supporting the family members,” Juede said.

Mission United is a community-based initiative that aligns public and private resources. The free program connects them to housing, job training, health care and legal aid.

“It’s really about helping veterans navigate through the services in the county and also connecting veterans with other veterans,” Juede said. “A lot of the time what a veteran needs is somebody to give them a hand and help them get back on their feet.”

Heinz said after being “systemized” in the military, returning to civilian life is almost like culture shock. She was overwhelmed raising a family and going to school fulltime until an instructor pointed her toward the nonprofit.

“Finding the tools you need can be hard,” Heinz said. She now serves on the board and works fulltime as a human resource professional.

“We’re always trying to get the word out for Mission United so other vets can find it and unitize the different opportunities that are available here.”

hwolt@sun-sentinel.com