Grant paves way for significant expansion of Veterans outreach

A Veterans outreach program administered by Massachusetts Fallen Heroes expects to double the number of Veterans it serves, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Randolph Savings Charitable Foundation.

The program, called Veteran’s Edge, connects Veterans and the families of fallen Servicemembers with much-needed federal and community resources that can help them build fulfilling lives.

“Right now, we’re working with about 130 clients, including Veterans, families of Veterans, and families of the fallen,” says Dan Magoon, Executive Director of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes. “With this grant, we think we can double that number over the next two years.”

Veteran’s Edge serves as a liaison, helping clients navigate a network of organizations that can assist them in obtaining employment, education, financial assistance, and medical care. Staff members evaluate the needs of eligible individuals, then direct them to the appropriate resources.

“Veterans and their families have pledged themselves to our safety and freedom,” Magoon says. “Many of them now need our community’s support. We can never repay our debt, but Veteran’s Edge at least gives us a way to express our gratitude by lending a hand.”

Massachusetts Fallen Heroes was established in 2010 by firefighters, police officers, Veterans, Gold Star families, and other local patriots. Its original purpose was to honor those who gave their lives fighting the Global War on Terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001.

The nonprofit’s first task was to fund the construction of a memorial in Boston’s Seaport Common. Unveiled last year, the memorial is the first of its kind in the country. The organization’s mission soon expanded to include advocacy services such as those provided by Veteran’s Edge.

Randolph Savings Bank first embraced the mission of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes by being one of the sponsors of Patriot Week in May. Coordinated each year by Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and held during the week leading up to Memorial Day, Patriot Week includes a number of community events and educational programs commemorating freedom and sacrifice.

The grant for the Veteran’s Edge program comes from the Randolph Savings Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic organization established by the bank as a vehicle for giving back to the community.

“Though the foundation has a broad mission, Veterans deserve special recognition and support,” says Jim McDonough, president and CEO of Randolph Savings Bank. “Massachusetts Fallen Heroes is a testament to what can be accomplished when people decide to make a difference.”

About Massachusetts Fallen Heroes

Founded by local patriots in 2010, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes is a nonprofit organization with a three-part mission: to honor the fallen, to assist families of the fallen, and to empower returning Veterans.

About the Randolph Savings Charitable Foundation

Established in 2016, the Randolph Savings Charitable Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Randolph Savings Bank. The foundation’s primary focus is to support Veterans and their families. Secondary areas of emphasis include education, financial literacy, and homelessness.

About Randolph Savings Bank

Founded in 1851, Randolph Savings Bank is a Massachusetts-based community bank, serving households and businesses in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire. The bank is a top regional mortgage lender, as well as a leading provider of cash management and financing solutions to commercial businesses. It operates six full-service locations, three lending centers, and seven mortgage production offices.