FRIENDS IN SERVICE OF HEROES INC

F.I.S.H. focuses on improving the quality of life of our troops, our veterans, and their families in the Kansas City area. Our 3 Pillars, Health-Recognition-Support provides living assistance, food, durable medical equipment and service dogs and camaraderie to our troops. F.I.S.H. strongly emphasizes helping veterans and their families continue moving forward by providing tools to enhance their emotional and physical needs. We do this by providing specially trained service dogs to overcome Post-Traumatic Stress. We also provide mobility chairs and specialized outdoor Track Chairs so veterans can get out of the house and engage with the community. Our efforts extend beyond physical support. We believe in enhancing the morale and well-being of wounded soldiers through recreational activities. These activities, such as cookouts and outdoor sports like motorcycling, hunting, and fishing, are designed to reignite the spark in veterans' lives. By engaging them in activities they loved before their injuries, we aim to bring back a sense of normalcy and joy, reminding them that life can still be fulfilling and enjoyable. Providing emergency financial assistance to our nation's Veterans who are wounded, injured, or ill in the form of rent and mortgage payments to prevent homelessness and evictions. Utility payments, flights, and lodging are needed so family members can be together during recovery. Assistance is provided rapidly to our Veteran's needs within 24-48 hours, making payments directly to their creditors. In 2024, Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH) made a profound impact on the military community by providing 4 life-changing service dogs, feeding more than 1,000 people, and delivering 5 mobility chairs to veterans in need. The organization also supplied a new water heater, a new air conditioning unit, and distributed gift cards to 35 military families just in time for Christmas. Additionally, FISH hosted the largest Military Recognition event in a six-state region, drawing over 4,000 attendees in a powerful show of support and gratitude.