She has big heart for homeless vets

“I come from a family of veterans, but it’s my brother’s journey that truly lit the fire in my soul. He served eight years in the Army. He was willing to sacrifice everything for what he believed in. But when he got out, he was damaged.

“He saw so much, and he never wanted to talk about it. I would catch him rocking himself to sleep at night. Then one day, he just up and left. I’d get in my car and ride all night looking for him, and I’d always find him under a bridge with homeless veterans he’d met. This went on every day. He’d leave, I’d bring him home, clean him up, feed him, but he’d go right back out there.

“I fought tooth and nail with the VA to get him help, get him benefits. I don’t know, I think they’re just overwhelmed with so many veterans needing assistance. But these people fought for us. They sacrificed so much, including their mental health in a lot of cases. When they come home, they should have something to come home to.

“Lioness Touch is my answer to this urgent need. It’s a nonprofit committed to restoring dignity, and providing housing and hope for homeless and elderly veterans, as well as displaced veterans who lack identification and need a safe place to rebuild their lives. We’re still in the development phase. But we’re working hard to establish transitional homes where veterans can heal and rebuild. We want to launch job-creation and empowerment programs that honor every individual’s gifts. And we want to build a network of community outreach and holistic care that meets people where they are, providing support and care tailored to their needs.

“Our slogan is: You fought for us. Now let us fight for you. Everyone deserves a chance to start again, with love, not judgment. We’re not trying to give a handout. We’re trying to give a hand up.”

— Danquole “Shaun” Robinson

For more information on Lioness Touch, check the website at www.lionesstouch.org.