Stetson volunteers improve veterans’ residence
Stetson University College of Law’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic volunteered to help improve a group residence for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Nov. 11 in St. Petersburg.
Veterans Advocacy Clinic paralegal Shirley Wells volunteered Nov. 11 to help with landscaping a veterans’ home.
U.S. Representative David Jolly led the effort to improve the Martin Lott Residence with assistance from volunteers from Stetson University, the U.S. Coast Guard, MacDill Air Force Base, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s Veteran Service Organization, and the Boy Scouts. The Abilities Foundation, Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, Home Depot, L.R.E. Ground Services, Merit Professional Coatings and Smith Fence all volunteered to make improvements to the property as well.
Stetson’s volunteers show off their landscaping work.
Stetson’s volunteer team of Veterans Advocacy Clinic director and professor Stacey-Rae Simcox and husband Mark Matthews, Veterans Law Institute paralegal Shirley Wells, and Stetson Law student Barbara Wood spent a half-day at the veterans residence landscaping the backyard recreational area. Other volunteers tackled painting, fencing, and adding a basketball hoop and outdoor furniture.
“Too often, veterans are welcomed back with open arms when they get off the plane and are shuffled back into society without another thought,” said Professor Simcox, who joined Stetson’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic this summer as its new director. “For those veterans who are struggling to reintegrate into society or to heal from wounds that are not always visible, a handshake and a pat on the back are not enough. We cannot all be doctors or counselors who can help these veterans through the healing process, but we can all be part of a support system that encourages that recovery, even in small ways that just say thank you.”
(L-R): Shirley Wells, Barbara Wood and Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox.
The veterans returned home to a much improved property thanks to the help of the volunteers.
To learn more about Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute and Veterans Advocacy Center, please visit www.stetson.edu/law/veterans.
Post date: Nov. 13, 2014
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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