The Aurora Foundation

In 2008, leaders from SNVC, LC, a small veteran-owned company, established the Aurora Foundation. Our mission focuses on veterans who transition from military service to the civilian workforce, who return to college to attain their degree or certification, and who need an internship. When the new GI Bill was introduced, veterans' success rates were reported to be low, though also difficult to measure. Aurora turned its focus to funding programs that colleges and universities needed to support vets pursuing their academic studies. Our funding has now touched more than 20,000 students from coast to coast, to include more than 30 students with paid internships. Together, we have seen how education and internships have paved the way for a “new day” – a new career – for our Nation's service men and women. This is also where Aurora formed its name “Aurora” meaning “new day.” On June 10, Aurora is holding our 3rd annual fundraiser, A Toast to the Troops, to help focus on the need to remove barriers that are inhibiting veterans as they transition. One such barrier is mental health, which is why we invited General Peter Chiarelli (retired) to keynote our evening. General Chiarelli is CEO of One Mind for Research, an organization that is dedicated to benefiting all affected by brain illness and injury through fostering fundamental changes that will radically accelerate the development and implement of improved diagnostics, treatments, and cures; while eliminated the stigma. It is estimated that 11% - 20% of Iraq and Afghan war veterans suffer from traumatic brain injuries and/or post-traumatic stress. If we can help remove the stigma of these invisible wounds and treat them as the physical injuries they are, we can further enable a generation of men and women to return to school and successfully complete the education they need to once again enter the workforce. Learn more here about how you can attend and be involved! http://aurora4vets.org/toast-to-the-troops/