FRIENDS OF FISHER HOUSE-ILLINOIS

The purposes for which this corporation, a nonprofit charitable and patriotic Association, is formed are:

1
Provide financial, volunteer and emotional support for any compassionate care facility (Fisher House) located on military bases or VA medical facilities in Illinois constructed under the national Fisher House Foundation umbrella beginning with the 20-suite Fisher House on Hines VA Hospital grounds, Hines, IL. The financial support is obtained from individual, Association and corporate contributions, gifts and donations to FOFH-IL. Volunteer support is recruited to assist with Fisher House operations.
FOFH-IL has helped provide 11,000 military families (22,000 individuals) for 10 years, savin them $13,980.000 in accommodations with meals and special needs.
Fisher Houses provide compassionate lodging in warm, supportive home environments free of charge for the families of seriously ill patients being treated at military and VA medical centers. Having family support close by has proven to speed up the recovery process.

When Fisher House Foundation completed construction of the first Fisher House in Illinois on Hines VA Hospital grounds on 3/01/10, this “home away from home” was presented as a gift to the VA. At that point, Hines VA Medical Center began shouldering all expenses for operating this program providing accommodations free of charge to military families for as long as necessary. When Hines administration asked for assistance with this ongoing expense, Friends of Fisher House-IL stepped up to fill this need.

This assistance makes it possible for military family members from 16 surrounding states plus Illinois to stay close to loved ones to support them through their medical crises without the burden of costly accommodations. This assistance is beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

2 Partner with other organizations dedicated to assisting military families who wish to contribute funds or volunteer time to support the Fisher Houses in Illinois beginning with the Hines Fisher House.
3 Increase awareness of Fisher House humanitarian services by educating the public and private donors / foundations about the funding needs for operating and sustaining this vital program for our nation’s military men and women and their families.
4 Foster awareness in military circles, by informing active and retired military personnel and their families about this humanitarian support available to them during their medical crises.
5 Engage in any other lawful activity which may hereafter be authorized from time to time by the Executive Board, provided, however, that the purposes for which the corporation is formed shall at all times be consistent with Section 501©(3) of the Code.