Introduction The Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida Chapter (PVACF) primary goal has been to assist its members in improving the quality of their lives. The implementation of the Educational Scholarship Program would directly affect our organizations contribution to our members as well as providing our members a program to help them achieve higher education.
PVACF will award up to 10 scholarships per school year. Total amount of scholarship funding will be decided annually by the board during the budget process. Initial scholarship fund for the 2017/18 school year will be $10,000 with a maximum scholarship of $1000 per award for full-time student (14+ credit hours per semester) and a maximum scholarship of $500 per award for part-time student (6+ credit hours). Scholarship funds are released solely in the name of the university. Under no circumstances will payment be made to the students. This award will be paid directly to the institution. Awardees must reapply every year.
Application Submission
All components of the application must be post marked no later than July 1st of the year in which application is being made. Late applications will not be accepted, incomplete applications will not be considered. The components of the applications should be clipped, not stapled or bound.
1. Application – Enclosed
2. Personal Statement – The statement should explain why you wish to further your education; short and long academic goals; how this will meet your career objectives; and, how will it affect the PVACF membership. Also describe how and when any unusual family or personal circumstances have affected your achievement in school, work or your participation in other activities.
3. Verification of Enrollment – This can be a copy of your class schedule, confirmation of your registration, or other documentation issued by the college or university showing you are enrolled for the following academic year
4. Two letters of recommendation – Official Form Enclosed – School Official, from your current or most recently attended school. Official Form Enclosed – Personal Reference, from someone other than an immediate family member. To properly identify your letters of recommendation, please have each author attach their letter to the appropriate form.
Review of Applications
The PVACF Scholarship Review Committee will select award recipients based on: application completion, personal statement, academic records, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular and community activities. The review board will also weigh the impact that the potential recipient and their education will have on the chapter.
Initially, applicant will be sent an email acknowledging receipt of application. Applicant will be notified by August 1 of the Review Committee’s decisions. Please do not call the office, as no information will be provided. Once notified of an award, all recipients must submit a Scholarship Confirmation Form prior to funds being released. In addition, a picture would be appreciated for publicity purposes as outlined in the Release Information section of the application. PVACF advises each applicant to verify the effect this program may have on their VA benefits. All applications and questions should be directed to:
scholarship@PVACF.org
You heard correct. We want our members to get out of their houses and into the community and we will reimburse you for every dime you spend.*PVA Central Florida is proud to present this program to our members on ongoing basis annually.
Take your wife out on the town, we have your back. Take a friend to see the Blue Man group we will pay for that to. Our goal is to make sure our members are part of their community, also to provide information regarding establishments within Central Florida and elsewhere concerning their handicap accessibility.
November-2017-WIM-for-Web-1 (pdf)
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DownloadDecember-WIM-2016 (pdf)
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Download Donation of Beach Wheelchairs Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Central Florida Chapter (PVACF), a congressionally chartered veteran’s service organization, received a very special donation of two Nomad Beach Power Wheelchairs in memory of decorated Vietnam Veteran Bill Greer. Dale Greer (brother of Bill) and his wife Melissa presented a check to PVACF for $15,060 for the purchase of two power beach wheelchairs that will allow paralyzed people to go on the beach and st-roll along the water’s edge with their loved ones (something that is impossible to do with a standard power wheelchair). “Melissa and I hope that programs like this can develop throughout the United States. Where paralyzed veterans can get out of the house and go off road to places like the beach or the lake or out to the park with their families. My goal is not only to provide these chairs for the PVA chapter here in Central Florida but to also inspire other s to donate similarly throughout our great country.” PVACF member Charlie Merritt (a C-2 level quadriplegic) stated that “these chairs will allow me to “take a walk” down the beach with my wife at my side, something I haven’t been able to do since my accident two years ago”. Merritt a 12 year Marine Veteran was an avid boater and spent many weekends at the beach. He broke his neck while on a boat outing. Chapter President Steve Kirk (a quadriplegic since 1980) has lived in Deltona for the past 34 years and “for the first time will be able to cruise down the beach.” PVA Executive Director John DeMauro stated that “The Bill Greer Beach Recreation Program will be available to the paralyzed community as well as paralyzed veterans in Central Florida. Our office is less than 30 minutes from the Florida coast and folks can come by and pick up the chairs to use for a few hours or a few days. This is another way in which we fulfill our mission of providing the highest quality of life experiences for those paralyzed as a result of a spinal cord injury or disease.” Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida is a 501 (c) (3) located in Sanford, Florida which strives to keep ve
terans with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction connected through core programs that assist them in obtaining veteran’s benefits in a timely manner, by publishing a monthly magazine that keeps them informed of what is happening nationally and locally in legislature that directly effects them and their families and by providing opportunities in adaptive sports and recreation in an effort to enhance a lifetime of health and fitness in order to offer a better quality of life. Visit www.pvacf.org to learn more about PVACF. To request the use of a chair please use this link:
https://pvacf.org/programs/get-outside
Please fill out the below form to request the use of either all-terrain wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come first-served basis with members having priority.Please provide notice at least two weeks in advance to allow us to schedule the use of these chairs.
Our most vital resource is our family and friends most of which take on the role of full-time caregiver and supporter of paralyzed veterans. We hope to expand this page to provide the necessary information all in one place that you need to take care of your injured service member. As always if you have any specific questions not answered here call our chapter office 407-328-7041 and anyone will be more than happy to assist you.
Caregiver Resources
Healthcare Helpline:1-800-232-1782
Benefits Helpline:1-866-734-0857
Caregiver Support:1-855-260-3274
Donor Hotline:1-800-555-9140
Member Hotline: 1-888-VETSPVA1-888-838-7782