Leah
It’s been nearly two decades since Leah left the Army, but the wounds from her time in the service still trouble her today.
“I suffer from PTSD from Iraq,” Leah explained. “I had some things go on over there that kind of led to that.”
Her condition is severe enough that Leah cannot work. Her husband, a fellow Army veteran, is designated as her caregiver through the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The family’s monthly stipends from the program help, but they don’t leave much room for financial emergencies. So, when the family car required $6,000 in repairs, Leah thought she might have to choose between their home or transportation.
“I had no idea who to turn to,” Leah said. “We don’t have extra money every month, so we can’t take out loans, and caring for me is hard for my husband because it requires him to miss work, and a lot of employers can’t accommodate that.”
Fortunately, Leah was referred to USA Cares at just the right time.
In July 2024, the Commonwealth of Kentucky allotted USA Cares $2 million in state funding. The significant increase in resources expanded USA Cares’ grant guidelines and limits for Kentucky applicants like Leah. Previously, case workers were limited to granting a maximum of $3,000 in assistance per family, not enough for Leah to avoid eviction, car repossession, and a food shortage.
“We have three kids,” Leah said. “I’ve never wanted them to be without a house or food. If (USA Cares) had only been able to help with one thing, I still would have been grateful, but it would have meant giving up something until I could find assistance somewhere else.”
Luckily, she wouldn’t have to. Within 48 hours, Leah’s case was reviewed and approved for the full requested amount.
“I just had this enormous weight lifted off my shoulders,” Leah said. “To be able to have a military organization that looks out for veterans and doesn’t pass judgement during difficult times, that’s something we’re blessed to have.”