Paralyzed Veterans Of America

Sports and recreation: mscpva believes that physical and emotional well-being go hand in hand. This year, we strengthened connections between veterans and health professionals through partnerships with va recreation therapists and adaptive sports programs across our region. Our adaptive sports and recreation initiatives help veterans build strength and confidence. In turn, these experiences promote healing as veterans rediscover purpose and connect with others who understand what it's like to live with a disability. This year, mscpva supported more than 30 members who competed in national events, including the national veterans wheelchair games, the golden age games and the national disabled veterans winter sports clinic. Chapter funding made it possible for many members to participate who otherwise could not have attended. Participants reported improved mood, greater confidence and stronger social connections-key indicators of long-term well-being. Locally, mscpva hosted adaptive clinics in paracycling, pickleball, bowling, archery, shooting, boccia and fishing, offering members new ways to stay active and engaged. Members also participated in move united's annual education conference, strengthening partnerships with organizations across the region that support people with disabilities. This year's theme was "catalyzing change through sport." in the year ahead, mscpva will continue expanding access to these opportunities, with special focus on reaching rural veterans and first-time participants. Callout box: during the national veterans wheelchair games in minneapolis, athletes from the mountain states won 60 medals.

Membership: connecting with our members sits at the heart of everything we do. In addition to helping members access va benefits, career development opportunities and other accessibility resources, we organize events that bring our community together. One standout moment this year was the super bowl watch party we hosted with the rocky mountain va spinal cord injury and disorder center in aurora, colorado. Twenty-five members, including 11 inpatients, gathered to share food, camaraderie and team spirit. Our annual membership meeting, held in march at the hyatt regency aurora- denver conference center, was another highlight. Twenty members and their families, the most since the covid-19 pandemic, attended the dinner, joined by national pva vice president josue cordova, national pva treasurer tom wheaton, and pva service officer james kelly. Throughout the year, we also organized visits to va hospitals and assisted living centers, where pva community members connected with veterans who are convalescing or no longer live at home. These events are important because they strengthen bonds within our chapter and remind members that no matter their disability, they are not alone. Through elevations, our quarterly newsletter, along with website updates and targeted outreach campaigns, we share resources, upcoming events and member stories that inspire and inform. This year, we connected with more than 800 veterans and supporters across the mountain states through digital outreach, regional events and community partnerships-building a stronger, more connected network of veterans helping veterans.

Communication: we were very successful in our overall communications efforts in 2024 producing many publications, including: the mountain states news, our membership brochure, volunteer brochure, donors brochure, and organizational information brochures. We also maintain an actively library of resources, including clinical practice guidelines available to our members. We enhanced our website from a passive to an active service interface. We also won a national website award for our efforts.