John is 98 years old. He served in the Navy.

That service made him eligible for Aid and Attendance, a VA benefit that helps veterans cover the cost of care, including senior living. For a lot of families it’s the difference between a community being affordable and being out of reach.

Qualifying is one thing. Getting through the application is another. The paperwork runs long, it asks for records going back decades, and approval takes time. At 98, John looked at what was in front of him and saw a very tough project. Getting professional help with it costs money, which is its own kind of barrier when tight money is the reason you’re applying.

That’s where his SHORE VA Aid and Attendance Benefit Assessment grant went. It paid for the assistance he needed to get the application done. His son-in-law stayed involved throughout, and one of SHORE’s partner organizations carried the paperwork through to the end.

“It made me very happy once my application was complete.”

We asked John what he’d say to the board members and donors who made his grant possible.

“Thanks also to the donors who made it all possible. Many thanks to all that made it happen.”