JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — They are called hidden heroes -- people who take care of our veterans who have come back after serving our country.
Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon sheds light on a new initiative from Wounded Warrior Project helping hundreds of families with the financial burden of taking care of a loved one.
Jennifer Smith Mackinday takes care of her brother James. James is an Army veteran who was injured in Iraq while serving his country in 2005.
“He just needed me and I stepped into the role, not really understanding what it would mean,” Smith Mackinday said.
Like so many other caregivers, she stepped in to help nurse him back to health, take care of his finances and help him make decisions.
It’s a job that’s impacted her own ability to work and make money full-time.
“Caregivers often pay out of their pocket for help with their loved ones,” she said.
That’s why Wounded Warrior Project is stepping in.
The organization says with the pandemic it’s been even harder for caregivers to get the support they need.
“Nearly 80% say they’re not taking the time or they don’t have the resources to take care of themselves or their loved ones,” Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington, WWP CEO said.
The nonprofit is providing over $7 million in funding to help relieve some of the financial burden for those families.
The Wounded Warrior Project is helping about 700 families with seriously wounded warriors.
The nonprofit is giving each caregiver for that warrior a grant of $3,000 to help pay for things like mental health and in-person care.
Smith Mackinday said the support she’s received from the nonprofit has been life changing and she couldn’t help her brother James without it.
“For me it really wasn’t much of a decision, of course I would take care of my brother if I had to and, you know, he deserves it,” she said.
If you would like to help Wounded Warrior Project, click here.