In honor of the grand opening of our new branch office at 2 Meeting Place Drive in Exeter, the community was invited to vote for a local nonprofit to receive a special $1,000 donation. Many nonprofits were nominated, but it was Victoria’s Victory Foundation (VVF) that received the most votes in the contest and was selected as the winner.
Victoria’s Victory Foundation is a quality-of-life organization founded to support the needs of people living with mobility disabilities. The organization provides financial assistance and access to resources and services to allow those facing mobility challenges to focus on regaining and maintaining independence. Scholarships are granted by the organization to offset the costs of activity-based training, mobility equipment, caregiver services, and home and vehicle modifications.
“We are incredibly grateful for the contribution from this contest and also for the support of our community and the awareness it brings to our programs,” said Susan Stover, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for VVF. “Oftentimes increased isolation and a lack of information and resources are significant barriers for those faced with mobility challenges. We’re so appreciative of local partners who help us increase awareness and reduce the financial strain of adaptive living.”
“We were overwhelmed by the response we received to this contest and by how many people stopped by and visited online to support their favorite local nonprofits,” said Jim Carrigan, Regional Vice President for MVSB. “It is clear that the Exeter community is truly passionate about the services and programs that brighten and better life here and we look forward to furthering our involvement and support as well. Congratulations, Victoria’s Victory and thank you for the incredible work that you do every day.”
Victoria’s Victory Foundation was founded by Jacqueline Arlen and her daughter Victoria Arlen who, at age eleven, developed two rare conditions, transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. Victoria spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body – aware of her surroundings, but unable to move or communicate. She went on to defy her prognosis and all odds by recovering and becoming an accomplished motivational speaker, television host, philanthropist, writer and swimmer. To support others facing the challenges of mobility disabilities VVF was founded in 2017. Since then, the organization has over provided nearly a million dollars in scholarship funds to those who need it most. Learn more about VVF at www.victoriasvictory.org
