The Independence Fund

National nonprofit founded in 2007 in the halls of Walter Reed to empower catastrophically wounded, injured, or ill veterans and their families to overcome the physical, mental, and emotional wounds of service. Best known for its Mobility Program, which has provided nearly 2,000 specialized all-terrain trackchairs — engineered for snow, mud, and rough terrain — to severely wounded veterans, restoring outdoor independence that a standard wheelchair cannot. Its Caregiver and Family Program directly serves the caregivers behind the wounded: small-group respite retreats, peer-to-peer support networks, and community connection that give 24/7 caregivers rest and recognition — a direct-service complement to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's advocacy and network model. Additional programs include Heroes at Home family support, Operation Resiliency (a VA partnership reuniting combat units to combat veteran suicide), casework and VA claims navigation, and a Veterans Justice Initiative advocacy arm. Led by CEO Sarah Verardo, herself the caregiver to a catastrophically wounded veteran. Serves veterans, families, caregivers, and allied combat partners.

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