The word commitment means dedication to a cause. That word adequately describes Veterans OutReach. The commitment Veterans OutReach has in serving the Veterans is remarkable. Veterans OutReach, led by Bro. Jake Sanford, has provided so much over the years to assist the residents, their families, and staff. They have purchased equipment and furniture such as whirlpool tubs, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, air mattresses, special beds for our large and/or tall residents, leather furniture for the lobby and dayroom area, just to name a few. But Veterans OutReach does more than just buy equipment. Bro. Jake, his wife Shirley, and others are at the home nearly every day visiting with residents and families. Of all the things Veterans Outreach does for the residents, providing spiritual guidance is the most important. Some members of Veterans Outreach have been able to develop a special bond with many of the residents which has created opportunities for them to counsel and pray with many elderly veterans. Someone once said, “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Veterans OutReach has proven time and again that it does not utter words but lives by them. Thank you for all you do.

Veterans OutReach is an amazing organization. I have had the pleasure of meeting all nine of the board members of Veterans OutReach and working closely with them and Brother Jake and Ms. Shirley. Words cannot describe how much they are loved and appreciated at the State Veterans Home in Collins. They visit and fellowship with the men and women on a daily basis. They are such a blessing to see each and every day. They help in meeting the physical and social needs of our veterans by helping to provide clothing and shoes if someone does not have the financial ability to do it themselves. They have helped in purchasing items for the veterans to enjoy and to make it feel like a true home environment. Just to list a few items they have purchased; a beautiful Grand Piano for the chapel; two computers for the veterans to use in the “quiet“ room; two game tables; whirlpool bath tubs for each wing (3); beautiful leather furniture for the recreation rooms and lobby. The Veterans OutReach volunteers help in organizing social events and preparing “home cooked” and “cookout” barbecue meals. They are an essential part of our home.

If there were a cause nobler than the one taken up by Veterans OutReach, I am not aware of it. Bro. Jake and Mrs. Shirley, as well as the dozens of volunteers, are doing God’s work on earth – caring for those who often have no one to care for them. Our nation’s heroes who find themselves at the veterans home in Collin or Kosciusko are fortunate to have such a loving group of people to help meet their physical and emotional needs.

Veterans OutReach is a non-profit group composed of people who are volunteers compassionately committed to their cause of helping our veterans residing in our MS State Veterans Homes. The Veterans OutReach organization stands out as the model for any and all volunteer groups through it‘s strong and dedicated leadership and passionate members. Amazingly, the Veterans OutReach members are able to come together and work closely as a team to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they are committed to serve. They excel in the betterment of the lives of veterans in tangible ways from durable goods, physical activities, personal needs, socialization and spiritual needs and guidance. The positive effect of the work of Veterans OutReach does not stop with those residing in the veterans homes. Veterans OutReach excites the communities with spirit and appreciation for our veterans. I have been blessed to work closely with Veterans OutReach in Collins and also had the pleasure of helping them expand their impact to the MS State Veterans Home in Kosciusko.