Country Financial Representative Sarah Viall announced the Manteno Fire Protection District and Illinois Veterans Home as 2019 recipients of the Country Financial Operation Helping Heroes Donation. Viall presented a $1,000 donation to Manteno firefighters, and a $500 donation to the Illinois Veterans Home in April 2019 for special projects.
The donation to Manteno Fire will assist in creating a “destination” (Memory/Sensory Garden) near the fire station with a focal/gathering point for all ages. “We All Grow Together” supports community health and well-being for all ages through daily exercise, socialization, life-long learning and memory reflection, and began with an idea and grant through Dementia Friendly America.
“Our firefighters go above and beyond, serving others selflessly and providing an invaluable service to our community,” said Viall. “Country Financial recognizes the work of our first responders and the work they do each day with our Operation Helping Heroes program. I am proud to support the department and particularly this very special project that pulls the entire community together as one.”
The Illinois Veterans Home donation will be used to help support the Prince Home at Manteno. The Prince Home is a program for homeless and disabled veterans co-located with the Veterans Home in Manteno. Opened in 2007, the Prince Home provides housing and supportive services for homeless Illinois veterans, helping them cope with many issues, including Post Traumatic Stress, substance abuse, and other challenges. In addition to providing a safe and secure living environment for homeless veterans, the program helps equip the veterans to achieve individual growth and independence.
“Manteno is blessed to have a facility in our back yard that recognizes and assists our Country’s heroes who need therapeutic and supportive services,” added Viall. “Our veterans deserve the highest respect and every opportunity toward independence and success.”
Country Financial initiated Operation Helping Heroes in 2015 to support non-profit events and programs that benefit active duty service members, veterans and their families. More recently, Operation Helping Heroes expanded to provide support for emergency first responders. In 2019, Country Financial and its financial representatives have provided more than $500,000 in donations to first responders and service members.
