Health and wellness effort for veterans continues to grow

What started as utilizing some space in the backyard of Eddie Beard Vet House in Chicago for a vegetable garden has grown into a full fledge health and wellness effort for the longest-running veterans' program in Illinois.

Initiated by the United Relief Foundation as part of the organization's "helping heroes heal" program, URB, inc. has again provided the volunteers and funding to ensure the garden will continue to produce plenty of nutritious vegetables for homeless veterans transitioning through the Eddie Beard Vet House at 8040 S. Western Ave., in Chicago.

Engaging veterans in caring for a vegetable garden has proven to be a health and wellness tool to help increase their ability to be self-sufficient, more involved in the well-being of other veterans, and be positive contributors to their communities and society.

"It's rewarding to be a part of an effort that is making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. Helping veterans over the past several years has inspired me also to use my resources to connect others with charitable causes in Chicago," comments URB, inc. president Brian Urbanowski.

With garden tools and vegetable plants in hand, Brian Urbanowski and URB Jonn Blazey were joined by Eddie Beard Vet House chef Kristina and veterans residents in opening the vegetable garden.

Eddie Beard Vet House chef Kristina chose the vegetables, and staff member Cheyenne Riley will supervise the engaging veterans in caring for the garden.

Inner Voice of Chicago operates the Eddie Beard Homeless Veterans Housing Program (Vet House), Illinois's longest-running Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program.

The Eddie Beard Vet House provides male veterans experiencing homelessness with a safe, comfortable environment where they receive room and board, case management and supportive services for up to 24 months.

Based in Lincolnwood, Illinois, URB's philanthropic activities include management and staff volunteering to make a difference by serving Chicago's homeless, underserved communities, foster children and veterans.

URB, inc. Director of Partnerships Jonn Blazey is heading the company's philanthropic activities like the Eddie Beard Vet House vegetable garden and serving as a conduit for others to connect with charitable causes in Chicago prescreened by him.