A Helping Hand

CVAC was created to help veterans and their families. We are a team of veteran and citizen volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families in Cape May County. We have positioned our website as a “one-stop shop,” designed to easily identify available resources.

Our veterans re-enter a world very different from what they experienced in combat. As they re-enter civilian life they often need a helping hand in a variety of different arenas. CVAC is there as one of the organizations to help. We can provide immediate assistance, as well as offer guidance for a variety of long-term needs.

We welcome anyone who wants to join our group of 40 volunteers by contributing to the various committees we have set-up to help our returning military and their families. Please contact our Chairman Johnnie Walker HERE for volunteering options. We recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by our veterans and their families, as well as the challenges they face back on the home front. It is our turn to give something back to them. We love helping veterans and their families; will you please join us in contributing to our neighbors in Cape May County?

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History

 

Citizens/Veterans Advisory Committee of Cape May County (CVAC) officially began on February 22, 2013 with our first meeting to define our mission and primary goals. Our mission is “to promote awareness of veteran’s needs and to identify proper resources for referrals that support these needs to enhance the lives of our veterans.” Our initial central concentration was on the three key issues concerning veterans of all ages in Cape May County - Homelessness, Transportation, and Veteran’s Benefits.

Over the years we have offered yearly events that bring together providers of services and employers in November. These events provide resources desperately needed by veterans and their families and provide a way for service organizations and employers to connect with veterans.

We work with local non-profit and for-profit organizations to secure needed services. For example, we were instrumental in securing a second van for the Disabled American Veterans. Thanks to Burke Motor Group, who made the initial donation of $10,000 and to the many local organizations and individuals who made this van a reality. Five days a week this van takes our veterans to doctor’s appointments at VA clinics and the VA hospitals in Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE.

Weekly we receive requests from veterans in immediate need. For example, a veteran needed rent until his first paycheck. Another veteran, on a fixed income, needed help when his car repair expense exceeded his ability to pay. He needed $900.00, because he has doctor’s appointments for his Multiple Sclerosis and he takes his five-year old daughter to school. The stories are endless, but as of June of 2021 we have helped over 100 individuals avoid homelessness, get needed VA benefits, or obtain transportation. This was all done on the donations of individuals and veteran organizations. We received our 501c3 status in January of 2016 making all donations to CVAC tax deductible.

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Contact CVAC

We'd love to hear from you. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are of the utmost importance to our success. Please start by clicking on a contact below for more info and an email contact form. We'll be sure to get back in touch with you promptly. Our mailing address is:

Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee
PO Box 491
Ocean View, NJ 08230

Tel: (609) 246-0077

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Name Position Phone

Johnnie Walker Chairman(609) 425-8608

Dennis Crippen Vice Chairman(609) 602-1620

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For more information on CVAC    https://www.cvaccapemay.com/

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