Girl Scouts Partner on Rehabilitation Project for Veterans

Veterans from the Department of State Hospitals–Patton (DSH-Patton), located in Highland, Calif. recently participated in a rehabilitation project developed in joint effort with Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council’s ICARE program. Over 350 letters of thanks and recognition were written by the veterans of DSH–Patton to active-duty servicemen and women, before being placed into ICARE boxes. Military ICARE packages were filled with community-donated Girl Scout cookies, tokens of home, handmade cards crafted by local Girl Scouts from San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and the veterans’ letters. Each box was designated for an active service member serving near and abroad. The letter-writing project was part of a greater rehabilitation program at DSH–Patton. The veteran’s group is comprised of patients who have served in one of the branches of the military and are currently receiving treatment. DSH-–Patton’s mission is to empower patients to recover from mental illness utilizing recovery principles and evidence-based practices within a safe, structured and secure environment. “We were delighted to partner with Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio and assist a program that not only recognizes the brave men and women serving our country, but aids in the recovery of those heroes who find themselves in difficult times,” said Carlos Luna, Executive Director, Department of State Hospitals–Patton. The Girl Scout ICARE program supports military service people, local food banks, women’s shelters, camps and several other community organizations. Each year Girl Scouts San Gorgonio strives to expand its ICARE partnerships, organizations such as the USO of Coachella Valley, Operation Gratitude and now DSH–Patton. Residents from the community purchasing ICARE Girl Scout cookies can choose to donate such products as gifts to any of their deserving service partners. Knea Hawley, Director of Fund Development at Girl Scouts San Gorgonio, said, “We wanted to give these veterans a hands-on experience—a chance to give back directly and connect with members of the armed forces who are making a difference for this country.” Through yearly ICARE packing parties, Girl scouts are able to show the spirit of sisterhood and giving. This year, Girl Scouts San Gorgonio shared their passion for community service with some of our society’s most concealed citizens.