PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

Texas PVA was established in 1972 and currently serves veterans in Austin, Houston,
San Antonio, Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley.

From supporting important health issues to connecting veterans to resources and programs, Texas PVA is a multifaceted, fully committed advocate for veterans with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). We are a member organization looking out for its members as well as all people with disabilities. Membership in Texas PVA is free and open to honorably discharged veterans who have suffered a spinal cord injury or disease (such as MS, ALS). Currently, Texas PVA has a total membership of 570 veterans.

Texas PVA strives to build a community of confident and capable people regardless of their physical capabilities. The goal is to improve the quality of life of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. By providing services, the organization helps veterans live happier, healthier, and more satisfying lives.

Programs
From hospital liaisons to emergency assistance, we provide vital programs to veterans and their families. Our programs include:
• Sports, Recreation, and Wellness Program: Provides recreational services to veterans which ensures for the physical stability of the veteran. Extensive outdoor sports program which includes many bird and deer hunting opportunities as well as several fishing trips throughout the year.
• Advocacy: Texas PVA and its satellite offices work closely with local and state organizations to advocate for solutions to the problems affecting the disabled person’s needs.
• Research and Education: Provide funding for research for a cure for paralysis. The chapter also provides funding for continuing education courses for VA employees so that our members will continue to receive the high level of care that they need.

• Member Services:
o Peer Counseling: Texas Chapter members serve as peer counselors to newly injured or diagnosed spinal cord disease veterans in a VA approved Peer Counseling Program.
O Emergency Assistance: This program helps members of the Texas Chapter who may find themselves in need of emergency assistance. Assistance provided for paying mortgage or rent, utilities and other important living expenses.
o Family Hotel Assistance: This service is designed to assist members’ immediate family with hotel expenses when visiting with an inpatient or newly admitted patient to the SCI/D unit.
o Liaison: The Chapter provides volunteer’s supplies, toiletries and various other benefits to our veterans who must spend time in the hospital.

Management/Leadership

The Texas PVA Board of Directors are all veterans with spinal cord injury or disability. They come from all branches of the armed forces and served during recent and past conflicts. The Board Members reside in Houston and San Antonio. Their backgrounds include experience in management, finance, logistics, and leadership.

Amanda Saunders is the organization’s Executive Director. She is a native Houstonian. She has a background in accounting and has been with Texas PVA since 2008. In 2013, she was promoted to Executive Director.