MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Elks Lodge donated $3,000 in cash and another $3,000 in fuel cards to local nonprofit FOB Columbia Veteran Resources, an organization that supports veterans in need. A variety of food was also delivered to make sure veterans don’t go hungry.  

“One of the biggest things that we run into, especially when veterans get back on their feet and get back into the community, is that they don't have fuel to get to and from those work interviews,” said Tori Douglass, executive director of FOB Columbia.  

Douglass said establishing FOB Columbia has had challenges, but she’s found it easier to connect to the community by partnering with organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Rotary and others. Many of the local organizations want to assist veterans, she said, and her organization does just that. With those organizations’ helping, FOB Columbia is working to provide the resources veterans need to get on their feet after their time in service.  

For some, that may mean job hunting assistance. For others, it may mean connecting them with therapy to address mental health needs. Still others may need a little help with gas as they start a new job; it’s about meeting each individual’s needs, especially those that don’t fall under the county, state or federal Veterans Affairs programs. 

“The county doesn’t necessarily support that part of the veteran getting back into society,” Douglass said. “... Our purpose begins where the county’s purpose ends, and when they can no longer help the veteran.” 

While she said the county and other veterans offices do a great deal, there are limits including income caps that can get in the way, FOB Columbia works to bridge the gap on those things that aren’t offered through government programs. The various community organizations she’s joined or reached out to have been a huge help in that mission, she said.  

Among other items, the organization has connected veterans to mental health resources, financial assistance, obtaining drivers licenses and other IDs, repairing vehicles and other small things. Each of those, while seemingly small outside of the mental health challenges, can mean significant obstacles for veterans struggling to reintegrate with civilian society or recover from homelessness.  

Moses Lake Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Debbie Doran-Martinez said the Elks Lodge is proud to be a part of helping veterans get on their feet and living well. With Douglass coming on, the lodge will have connections to help identify veterans in need and take steps to offer support.  

“We’re excited,” Doran-Martinez said. “With Tori taking on another role with the Elks this next year, we will also be launching what we call welcome home kits for vets. So, as vets find new housing, the Elks will come in and buy brand new sheets and towels and pots and pans, and get them set up with the essentials to live. So, they don’t have to worry about that.”  

That local effort will contribute to the national Elks organization’s goal of supporting veterans, she said.  

“Elks is a national organization; that’s one of our missions, is to support vets and children,” Doran-Martinez said. “So we’re able to, once we have a pot of money to start doing this, we can turn our receipts in and national will send us money. So, it’s a perpetuating pot that we’re able to continually help vets in the community.”  

Douglass said FOB  Columbia will always welcome more help from the community with volunteer opportunities available to help veterans out. That may mean helping with a resume, offering a ride or other supports. Cash is helpful and welcome, but any contribution is appreciated. Money may be donated through the Columbia Basin Foundation or through PayPal at https://bit.ly/FOBPAYPAL. Those looking to volunteer may call the organization or stop by the Grant County Veterans Affairs office in Moses Lake. 

FOB Columbia: Veteran Resources
1008 W. Ivy Ave.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(In the county Veterans Affairs office)
[email protected]
https://bit.ly/FOBCOLUMBIAFB
509-761-9724 

    A variety of food from snacks to easy meals was donated to FOB Columbia by the Elks Lodge in Moses Lake as well as the money and gas cards. FOB Columbia Executive Director Tori Douglass said having a variety of resources available for veterans, who often find it difficult to ask for assistance, is important and vital for the success of the nonprofit.