Programs That Support Veterans, Military Members and Their Families
Formerly known as Operation Backpack, this program was established in 2013 to address the growing need for school supplies among children of military and veteran families in Massachusetts. We believe that the youth is among the most vulnerable members of veteran and military families, as they are affected by almost every situation and decision. That is why we aim to help these children through the Backpack4Kids program.
To help with their education, we provide them with the basic tools they need to participate in school. This program culminates in late August before classes resume.
Through this program, we distribute coats to veterans in need to help make sure that they are safe from the unforgiving winter weather. Coats4Vets is made possible through the generous donations from Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation and with the assistance of Home Depot and the New England Patriots Foundation.
Coats4Vets buckets are distributed to Massachusetts Law Enforcement who are then able to distribute those coats to homeless veterans and other veterans in need in their area.
Each year in early June, Massachusetts Military Support Foundation hosts U.S. Veterans, Active Duty and Reservists for a wonderful day of competition and camaraderie on Cape Cod Bay. Prizes are awarded at a Post-Tournament Reception where all participants and other guests come together to brag about “the one that got away.”
In response to the massive food insecurity problem posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, by recent inflation, and by a possible government shutdown in 2023 we focus on sourcing, packaging and distributing Vital Meal Kits (VMKs). These contain nonperishable and well-balanced meals. Each food package contains enough food and nutritional value for two people to have three meals a day for 14 days.
Our distribution process follows all COVID-19 health guidelines. Participants have limited interaction as they pick up their VMKs, which are easy to access. To date, we have provided more than 3.5 million meals to Veterans and Military families.
Veterans, active duty military and National Guard can also make an appointment at our nearest Empowerment Center where they can shop for the food and personal care items they need.
Please see our Jobs page for openings with MMSFI and for other job resources for veterans.
As part of the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation’s ongoing mission to provide crucial assistance to military personnel, veterans, and their families, MMSFI has established the Lawyers4Vets Referral Service to connect military personnel, veterans, and families with resources appropriate to their needs. The MMSFI's Lawyers4Vets Referral Service has been organized in order to assist with the unique personal issues that present and former members of the military and their families face. Lawyers4Vets aims to assist veterans and their family members when they cannot afford the assistance that they need.
The holidays can be exciting and stressful. For veteran and military families, it may also mean that one or more parent is away from home, whether they are on duty or deployed. With Operation Santa, we aim to ease some of the burdens.
We host holiday parties where children can receive toys and choose a gift for their parents. They can also experience exciting pony rides, explore the petting zoo, enjoy the fantastic food, and have pictures with Santa.
The program also provides recreation opportunities for the children and their families throughout the year. Our goal is to relieve some of the stress and anxiety when a parent or loved one is deployed.
Duxbury Bay Maritime School, in partnership with MMSFI, offers rowing courses open to current and former service members.
These courses will immerse you in the sport of rowing using their Ergs (indoor rowing machines), indoor rowing tanks and rowing shells from Hudson Boat Works. The classes run for 6 weeks through the fall and winter seasons, providing a great opportunity to workout alongside your fellow service men and women.
Please visit https://dbms.org/outreach/veterans/ for more information and to register.
Support Our Cause
If you are interested in supporting our Foundation through volunteerism in one of these programs, please contact us at 617-378-2974 or check out our volunteer page for more information - individuals and groups are welcome. You may also provide financial support by clicking the Donate Now link below.