Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Blanchard.
Hi Chris , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Gateway Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans service organization that represents honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces who have sustained a spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D).
Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946 with a mission to help veterans with SCI/D regain what they fought for: freedom and independence. PVA’s 33 chapters cover all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Based in St. Louis and incorporated in 1976, Gateway PVA serves more than 600 members in Missouri, southern Illinois, and beyond. We were named “Most Outstanding Chapter” in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
We are proud to maintain a program expense ratio of almost 90%. Governorship by an all-volunteer, all-member board of directors ensures the most responsible and informed stewardship of the funds that we receive.
The St. Louis Better Business Bureau recognizes us as an Accredited Charity on its Wise Giving Guide and awarded us their Torch Award for Ethics in 2024; we also hold a Platinum Seal of Approval from GuideStar.
By choice, we receive no federal funding, as doing so would impede our ability to advocate for change in the VA system or to federal ADA legislation. Instead, we hold fundraising events, apply for corporate grants, and receive individual donations from our supporters to fund our programs (which are detailed on the following pages) and member grants.
In fact, since 2014, we’ve awarded members more than $2 million for accessible vehicles, home accessibility modifications, and home generators — helping to fulfill our mission statement:
“Veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, living life to the fullest.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our veteran service organization does not accept any federal or state funding by choice as that would impede our ability to advocate for change within the Veterans Administration or with federal and state legislation regarding disability access.
Having said that, securing funding sources for our programs is our biggest obstacle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Gateway Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans service organization that represents honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces who have sustained a spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D).
Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946 with a mission to help veterans with SCI/D regain what they fought for: freedom and independence. PVA’s 33 chapters cover all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Based in St. Louis and incorporated in 1976, Gateway PVA serves more than 600 members in Missouri, southern Illinois, and beyond. We were named “Most Outstanding Chapter” in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
We are proud to maintain a program expense ratio of almost 90%. Governorship by an all-volunteer, all-member board of directors ensures the most responsible and informed stewardship of the funds that we receive.
The St. Louis Better Business Bureau recognizes us as an Accredited Charity on its Wise Giving Guide and awarded us their Torch Award for Ethics in 2024; we also hold a Platinum Seal of Approval from GuideStar.
By choice, we receive no federal funding, as doing so would impede our ability to advocate for change in the VA system or to federal ADA legislation. Instead, we hold fundraising events, apply for corporate grants, and receive individual donations from our supporters to fund our programs (which are detailed on the following pages) and member grants.
In fact, since 2014, we’ve awarded members more than $2 million for accessible vehicles, home accessibility modifications, and home generators — helping to fulfill our mission statement:
“Veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, living life to the fullest.”
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
No
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gatewaypva.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PVAGatewayChapter
