Connecticut Veterans Legal Center Receives $50,000 Donation to Advance Legal Services for Connecticut Veterans
Additional contribution follows successful 15th annual Ride for Our Vets and will help advance CVLC's legal advocacy on behalf of Connecticut veterans
WEST HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC) today announced a $50,000 donation from Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) to support the organization's mission of providing free legal services and advocacy for Connecticut veterans. Legal issues are the root cause of many challenges veterans face today including housing, healthcare, employment and more. Through the work of CVLC and others, thousands of veterans have won long-overdue benefits, discharge upgrades, and access to healthcare, housing, income, and stability.
The donation follows PMI U.S.'s support of The Ride for Our Vets, CVLC's annual cycling fundraiser, which celebrated its 15th year on June 13, 2026. Held in Stamford, Connecticut, the event drew nearly 150 riders who collectively rode more than 4,645 miles. The event raised nearly $150,000 to support CVLC's mission, making it one of the most successful rides in the organization's history.
Through free legal representation and advocacy, CVLC helps veterans address legal issues related to housing, healthcare, income, and recovery and ensure access to the benefits they have earned through their service. As a recovery-focused organization, CVLC works through a Medical-Legal Partnership model, collaborating with Veterans Administration hospitals and other healthcare and community providers to help veterans resolve legal challenges that can affect their health, stability, and quality of life.
"Legal issues can often determine whether a veteran is able to access healthcare, maintain stable housing, or obtain benefits earned through service," said Alison Weir, Executive Director of CVLC. "Support like this allows us to continue providing free legal services that help veterans overcome barriers, protect their rights, and build stronger foundations for the future. We are grateful for partners who share our commitment to ensuring veterans have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve."
"Supporting veterans has long been a priority for PMI U.S., particularly through organizations that provide pro-bono legal services and help former service members access the benefits, housing, healthcare, and stability they have earned," said Lisa Rechsteiner, Director of Civil Society at PMI U.S. "The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center is a remarkable example of that work, delivering life-changing support to veterans across our home state. As a company headquartered in Connecticut, we are proud to partner with an organization that strengthens the same communities where our employees live and work, and that shares our commitment to ensuring veterans have the opportunity to thrive after service."
Building on the momentum of this year's Ride for Our Vets, CVLC is preparing for several upcoming community events. In October, the organization plans to host a screening of the documentary American Solitaire (2025), followed by a discussion with the film's director. CVLC will also host its annual Saluting Service gala on November 5, 2026, featuring retired U.S. Army General and former CIA Director David H. Petraeus as they keynote speaker.
As demand for legal services continues, support from community partners, donors, and participants in initiatives like Ride for Our Vets helps ensure CVLC can continue providing critical advocacy and representation to veterans throughout Connecticut.
About Connecticut Veterans Legal Center
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center is an independent 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2009 with a mission to empower, support, and improve the lives of Connecticut Veterans by providing free legal assistance to help them overcome legal barriers to housing, healthcare, income, and recovery. The organization supports 1,800+ low-income Veterans across the state of Connecticut each year, while also advancing public understanding of systemic issues facing the Veteran population. Learn more: www.ctveteranslegal.org
SOURCE Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC)
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