A group of Lancaster County veterans, a national veterans' organization, and a local furniture and furnishings store recently came together to purchase new bedding - including mattresses, foundations, bedsheets, pillows, and other supplies - for the Lancaster Barracks, a group home for veterans participating in the Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court.

Funds to purchase the six mattresses and accompanying supplies were donated by the Lancaster Pennsylvania Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), which received a $2,500 grant from the national organization. The local chapter provided a separate $1,000 contribution to supplement the competitive grant. Representatives of the Lancaster MOAA were scheduled to formally present a grant check during Veterans Court on July 11.

The financial donations benefit veterans who are participating in the Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court, an alternative sentencing program aimed at giving veterans who have committed a crime the opportunity to get their lives back on track.

Fae Skuya, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who serves as a volunteer mentor in the treatment program and is a member of the Lancaster Chapter of MOAA, noted that finding a job and affordable housing can be difficult for people with a criminal record. The Lancaster Barracks helps to address housing needs. In addition, comfortable bedding is important in helping the veterans to get quality sleep, increasing the chance of successful completion of their treatment program, said Skuya.

Interiors Home offered mattress sets at a significant discount, allowing the donations to go a long way in replacing bedding that was more than 10 years old.

The Veterans Treatment Court Program saves money for the county when veterans are rehabilitated instead of incarcerated. Since the program started in 2012, 100 veterans graduated from the court program, and the county saved an estimated $1.4 million in jail expenses and recovered an estimated $300,000 in fines.

Rich Wilson, the volunteer Veterans Court mentor who worked closely with Skuya on the project, says the program welcomes veterans willing to serve as volunteer mentors. These volunteers attend weekly court sessions; keep in touch with their mentee by text, phone, or personal contact; and serve as a supportive presence throughout their journey in the program.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Rich Wilson at 717-466-0978.

In addition, financial donations are welcomed by the Veterans Court Community Partnership (VCCP), a nonprofit volunteer organization committed to the vision of "Honor, Respect, and Justice for Veterans." The VCCP provides support for the Lancaster County Veterans Court by raising funds to assist the participating veterans. For information on how to donate, call VCCP treasurer Laurie Moir at 717-575-3599.

Donations of new pillows, single sheets and double sheet sets, blankets, and coverlets are also welcome to replenish the supply at the Barracks and for the veterans to take with them when they graduate from the program and settle into their own apartments and houses.

The Lancaster Chapter MOAA has approximately 160 members who are retired, active, or former officers of the uniformed services. They aid various community projects, work with schools, and have social gatherings throughout the year to facilitate camaraderie. To learn more, go to http://www.moaalancasterchapt.org.