A retired combat veteran and his family were given an extraordinary show of public support in Highland Park recently, thanks to the teamwork of Catholic Charities’ Veterans Employment Program and two generous community partners.

Shawn H., a single father of four children, had been working with Mitch Siegel, Catholic Charities Case Manager, Veterans Employment Program in pursuit of a new career. Then Mitch was contacted by Mitch Salzstein, Executive Director of The Charity Stripe, a not-for-profit in Northbrook. The Charity Stripe was hoping to be referred to a veteran who might qualify for “Troop Dreams,” a Charity Stripe program that raises money to help fulfill a Wish List for deserving veterans in need.

Mitch Siegel explains, “I told the Charity Stripe that Shawn is a terrific veteran and father and, before long, a presentation was being planned to acknowledge Shawn’s service, and offer support to him and his family during the January 26 Highland Park High School Senior Night basketball game.”

During a courtside ceremony at that basketball game, each of Shawn’s four children received a computer tablet and Lego set, while Shawn received a check for $5,000 to purchase items on his Wish List.  The funds were raised by the basketball team, from free throw contests held throughout the season. Donations also were collected at the Senior Night event.

Founded by Mitch Salzstein in 2009, The Charity Stripe is a non-profit to help American veterans and their families. He describes, “Due to my love of basketball and sports, in general, I came up with the Troop Dreams program to help raise money for our military, partnering with high school basketball teams.” “In fact,” he adds, “the ‘charity stripe’ is the nickname for the free throw line in basketball so everything really tied together nicely, offering high school basketball players the chance to step up to the line (the charity stripe) and make free throws to help raise funds and make a real difference in the lives of military families.”

Mitch Salzstein continues, “My years of experience have taught me that military families are modest, and humble and they always believe their fellow military families need assistance more than them. That’s why it is so important for The Charity Stripe to work with a respected organization like Catholic Charities that intimately knows the stories and the needs of military families.” 

Mitch Siegel has witnessed moving moments in the lives of the veterans he has worked with at Catholic Charities, and the event at Highland Park High School was no exception. He says, “I was overwhelmed and gratified at the standing ovation the crowd gave to Shawn and his family after the Head Coach introduced them, and shared highlights with the crowd about Shawn’s service to our nation. Also, it was fantastic to witness the incredible generosity of the Highland Park High School community as they donated over $6,000 in support of Shawn and his kids.” After the presentation, Shawn quietly said to Mitch Siegel, “I am extremely grateful and feel that I am at loss for words.” 

For more information on Catholic Charities Veterans Services, and The Charity Stripe, visit the links below:

https://www.catholiccharities.net/affordable-housing/affordable-housing-for-veterans/

https://www.catholiccharities.net/homelessness-prevention/veteran-services/

http://www.thecharitystripe.org/troop-dreams