Operation Homefront and Armed Services YMCA Collaborate to Support Military Families

Working Together Will Make Both Organizations More Effective In Assisting Military Families

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) announce a commitment to collaborate on the provision of programs and services to military personnel and their families. The two leading military support organizations will refer those who need their services to each other based on available programs, allowing them to better serve those who serve. Operation Homefront is a national non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and Wounded Warriors. The ASYMCA provides a variety of recreation, wellness and other programs and services for military personnel and their families.  

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"We're pleased to be able to work more closely with the Armed Services YMCA as we both serve our military families," said Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront.  "Our service members on the battlefield are more successful when they work as a team, and we're more successful in taking care of military families when we work with other great organizations that share our commitment and values.  Each playing to our strengths, we can more effectively and efficiently get military families to the organization best suited to meeting specific needs."

"We are proud to work closely with Operation Homefront to better serve our military families in need," said Mike Landers, National Executive Director and CEO of the Armed Services YMCA.  "With our shared commitment to making military life easier, this collaboration is a tremendous opportunity to expand our program and service offerings to better serve those who rely on our organizations."

Both the Armed Services YMCA and Operation Homefront have received a four star, exceptional rating from Charity Navigator for several years running.

"ASYMCA and Operation Homefront are both best-in-class organizations that help fill gaps in supporting military families," continued Knotts.  When we work together, it is our military families who reap the benefits."

The partnership will also extend to the Army Homefront Fund, a legal sub-entity of Operation Homefront, which provides emergency financial and other support to Soldiers and their families, with a focus on Wounded Warrior care and transition assistance.  

About Operation Homefront:  A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 5,000 volunteers across 26 chapters and has met more than 430,000 needs since 2002.  As four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, and a top-rated charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy, Operation Homefront ensures that 94 percent of its total donated revenue goes to programs.  More information is available at www.OperationHomefront.net.

ABOUT ASYMCA: 150 Years of Service to America's Military: The YMCA's dedication to America's armed forces began in 1861 when a handful of members voluntarily provided relief services to Civil War soldiers. Today, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is the leading private provider of educational, recreational, social and support services to military personnel and their families, promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Armed Services YMCA, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, recently earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year and is a top-rated charity according to the American Institute of Philanthropy. An affiliate of the YMCA of the USA, ASYMCA is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. For more information, visit www.asymca.org.

SOURCE Operation Homefront