Employees of Veterans United Home Loans give $20,000 to University of Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic

August 15, 2017

Clinic provides free legal services to Veterans and their families looking to secure VA benefits

COLUMBIA, Mo. “Employees from Veterans United Home Loans recently awarded a $20,000 grant to the University of Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic. The grant will help enable the clinic to continue its important mission of providing free assistance to Veterans and their families with VA claims for benefits, which are typically medically-related. The donation was made by Veterans United Foundation. More than 92 percent of the 1,800 employees Veterans United employs in Columbia, contributes at least a percentage of their paychecks to the foundation.

"Assisting Veterans and their families is at the core of our culture and our company's™ mission," said Greg Steinhoff, executive director of Veterans United Foundation. "We are proud to support the important work provided by the Veterans Clinic. Without these pro-bono services, Veterans and their families may not receive the help they need in securing the benefits they are entitled to."

The Veterans Clinic started in January of 2014. The clinic is taught by one attorney who supervises eight law school students. The foundation has given $80,000 to the Veterans Clinic since 2014.

"The Clinic appreciates the continued support from Veterans United as it serves homeless and financially insecure Veterans in the long and complex VA disability claim process," said Angela Drake, director of the University of Missouri Law School Veterans Clinic. To date, the Clinic has served over 65 Veterans and recovered over $1.5 million in benefits. It is especially rewarding for the clinical students when Veterans are able to secure housing and transportation thanks to the Clinic's work. This year's VU donation will fund student research assistants, who are necessary to make sure services are provided as seamlessly as possible during the academic year.

Earlier this year, Veterans United was recognized as No. 3 on the 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back list by Great Place to Work® and Fortune. In addition to giving money to charitable organizations, the foundation also provides financial assistance to Veterans and their families. Veterans United Foundation has donated nearly $10 million to charities and organizations since the beginning of 2016.