Veteran Resources
The United Way of Pekin is deeply committed to supporting the brave men and women who have served our country. This page is dedicated to providing veterans with access to resources and services tailored to their unique needs. Our goal is to honor their service by ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve.
We collaborate with various organizations and programs that specialize in assisting veterans. These resources encompass a wide range of services, including healthcare, career transition support, educational opportunities, and assistance with benefits navigation. Additionally, we focus on connecting veterans with community support networks, offering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and it is our privilege to serve them in return. We encourage veterans and their families to explore these resources, and we invite community members to join us in supporting our veterans. Together, we can provide the care, respect, and assistance our veterans need to thrive in the community they served.
The ever changing needs of our veteran population.
The demographics and specific needs of veterans from different generations reflect the diverse experiences and challenges faced by these individuals, shaped by the era of conflict in which they served. With approximately 18 World War II veterans, 250 Korean War veterans, 1,000 Vietnam War veterans, and 500 veterans from the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts in your area, the range of needs is broad and varied.
World War II Veterans: The remaining World War II veterans are now in their late 90s or older. Their needs are primarily related to aging, including healthcare for age-related diseases, access to long-term care facilities, and benefits assistance. Emotional support is also crucial as they reflect on their service and life experiences.
Korean War Veterans: Similar to World War II veterans, Korean War veterans, often in their late 80s and 90s, face challenges related to aging. However, they also require recognition and support for the unique psychological impacts of what has been called "The Forgotten War," including addressing any unresolved feelings of neglect or under appreciation.
Vietnam War Veterans: The needs of Vietnam War veterans, now mostly in their 70s and early 80s, are complex. Many grapple with the long-term effects of exposure to Agent Orange, PTSD, and other mental health issues. They also face physical health challenges related to aging and injuries sustained during their service. Additionally, Vietnam veterans seek acknowledgment and healing from the societal reception they received upon returning home.
Gulf War Veterans: Veterans of the Gulf War, generally in their late 40s to early 60s, experience unique health issues, often referred to as Gulf War Syndrome, which includes a range of unexplained medical symptoms. Their needs encompass comprehensive healthcare services, including treatment for chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health support.
Post-9/11 Veterans: The youngest group, post-9/11 veterans, face a distinct set of challenges, including high rates of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and adjustment disorders. Their reintegration into civilian life often requires access to education, employment opportunities, and mental health services tailored to younger veterans who may be balancing family and career aspirations.
Addressing the needs of these diverse groups requires targeted support services that consider the historical context of their service, the specific health risks associated with each conflict, and the changing nature of warfare. Initiatives should span healthcare, psychological support, social reintegration programs, and benefits navigation to ensure all veterans receive the comprehensive care and recognition they deserve.
United Way of Pekin's Veteran Est. Population
Growing need for care…
Taking care of post-9/11 veterans is of paramount importance due to their increased likelihood of having service-connected disabilities, which results from their unique exposure to combat situations and the nature of modern warfare. The experiences faced by these veterans, including prolonged engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, have led to a higher prevalence of physical injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and amputations, as well as mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Addressing their needs is not only a matter of fulfilling a national obligation to those who have served but also crucial for ensuring their successful reintegration into civilian life. By providing comprehensive healthcare, psychological support, and rehabilitation services, society can help mitigate the long-term impacts of their service-related disabilities, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to contribute positively to their communities.
Post 9/11 Veterans with Service Connected Disabilities
The Disabled American Veterans…
“Every veteran is affected by service. They may face health problems, employment issues and struggles around accessing their benefits—immediately after service but also in the years to come.
Benefits and policies for veterans continue to change and become more complex from year to year. The system can be hard to navigate. It takes knowledge and persistence to understand what’s available, what’s required to file the right claims, how to manage appeals and—most importantly—how to see the process through.
The ever-changing face of the military and of service itself means that our veterans require individualized support—for wounds both visible and invisible—over their lifetime, depending on when, where and how they served.
Transitioning back to civilian life can be an especially tough time for veterans. “Finding the mission again”—creating a purposeful life through employment, service or education—is critical. Struggles in transition can cause serious problems, including depression, homelessness and increased risk of crisis. Disabled veterans facing disasters or emergencies at this point are especially vulnerable.”
Local Veteran Events
For Senior Veterans
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Transportation
(Partner Program)
Medical appointments take precedence. Wheelchair transportation is available upon request. This service is made available in part through the Pekin Park District, Pekin United Way, fundraising events, and rider donations. “In-town” suggested donation is $5. “Out-of-town” suggested donation is $15. Wheelchair transport suggested donation is $30. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
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Senior Activities
The Miller Center engages adults 50+ in active life through active living! Drop by the center to meet with friends and make new ones too! Feel active and youthful when participating in the various activities and events offered here. There is always a friendly face to greet you as you enter. Once inside, join friends for a class or one of many games; express yourself through woodcarving and crafts; maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit through exercise classes; or hop on the Miller Center bus for an adventurous day trip.
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Mobile Diner
(Partner Program)
A home-delivered meals program that caters exclusively to disabled citizens of Pekin - individuals who are homebound and unable to prepare meals for themselves. The majority of people who use this program are between 70 and 90 years of age and live alone.
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Meals On Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritional meals to homebound seniors in Peoria and Tazewell counties. While this service fills a critical food security gap, it is much more than that. Because they are homebound, the clients we serve often suffer from isolation and the associated negative side effects. By making contact with them every day, our drivers form relationships with our clients and perform daily wellness checks.
Housing, Legal & Emergency Financial Assistance Programs
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Mortgage/Rental Payment Assistance
(Partner Program)
For assistance with paying mortgage, rent, water utilities, sewage/wastewater bills. Determined on a case by case basis, as funding is available. Certain documents are required.
243 Derby, Pekin, IL 61554
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Foreclosure/Evictions
If you are being faced with a pending eviction or foreclosure and not sure what to do contact Prairie State Legal Services to discuss your situation and see if they can be of assistance to your case.
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Fair Housing
Our Fair Housing Project investigates and challenges cases of discrimination by housing providers. The Project helps clients resolve fair housing disputes and conducts community legal education on fair housing rights and responsibilities.
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Veteran Home Repairs
The Fuller Center assists Central Illinois veterans and/or widows with basic home repairs, spring and fall yard cleanups, furnace safety checks, nursing home visits and recognition of 11 veterans in November.
1101 Veerman, Pekin, IL 61554
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Veteran Home Repairs
Are you a veteran in need of home repairs? Habitat for Humanity of Greater Peoria Area provides repairs and non-cosmetic improvements to low-income veteran households to help alleviate health and safety issues in and around their home.
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Divorce Assistance
The primary purpose of the Nicholas J. Murphy Foundation is to provide free and reduced rate divorce, custody, child support and family law legal services to veterans and active duty members of the Armed Forces through the Nicholas J. Murphy Military Legal Clinic.
Local Service Organizations
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Post #44
718 Court St, Pekin IL 61554
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Post #1236
24584 E. Lake Windemere Rd, Tremont IL 61568
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Post 1232
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Post 169
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Marine Corps League