Paralyzed Veterans of America

“The members elect the board of directors on a semi-annual basis.”

“Prior to filing, the form 990 is first presented to the finance staff and the executive director for review and approval. Any changes are then incoporated into the 990 by the independent cpa-preparer, prior to submitting the return to the treasurer and finance committee, who have been delegated responsability for final review by the board of directors. The treasurer, a board officer, signs the 990.”

“Conflict of interest statements are signed annually by the board of directors.”

“The executive director's compensation is approved by the board of directors and is based on comparable compensation supported by information provided by national statistics from the paralyzed veterans of america's national office.”

“The organization's governing documents, form 990, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are made avaliable to the public upon request. The form 990 can also be found on several publically-accessible websites.”

“The mission of the chapter is to strive to improve the quality of life of honorably discharged veterans who have spinal cord injury, dysfunction, or illness including but not limited to multiple sclerosis and als (lou gehrig's disease) through advocacy, medical research, sports and recreation, education, and communication. The chapter has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members - veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. Public affairs - legislation, advocacy, sports, and public education the chapter will use that expertise to be the leading advocate for: -quality health care for our members -research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction -benefits available as a result of our members' military service -civil rights and opportunities which maximize the independence of our members to enable the chapter to continue to honor this commitment, we must recruit and train members who have the experience, energy, dedication, and passion necessary to manage the chapter and ensure adequate resources to sustain the programs essential for the chapter to achieve its mission. During the year ended september 30, 2025, the organization's accomplishments include: -the chapter provided in-person peer support to members and prospective members who are hospitalized with spinal cord injury or disease -the chapter continued to offer emergency assistance to members who may have financial difficulties in addition to making available resource information about other ways of getting help. -the chapter continued to offer its adaptive sports program including the buckeye wheelchair games and a wheelchair billiards tournament -quarterly membership meetings were held at va hospital locations around the state and via zoom which included presentations of interest to members on topics such as adaptive brewing, flag etiquette and the uss cleveland. A thanksgiving meal was provided to members in attendance at the november general membership meeting with simpler meals provided at the other meetings. -the chapter provided financial support for caregivers of members to attend the national veterans wheelchair games and the winter sports clinic. -monthly, the chapter provides a hot dog day at the louis stokes va in which it visits patient rooms in the spinal cord unit to offer hot dogs, chips and a beverage.”

“Volunteers contribute to all aspects of the chapter's activities including adaptive sports, fundraising events, member service and governance.”

“During bpva's 53rd year as a veteran's service organization, we carried out our mission of improving the lives of our members. We did this by awarding an accessible home modification grant and by providing financial support to our members who needed emergency assistance. In the spring, we participated in pva's advocacy week in washington dc, meeting with several of ohio's congresspeople and representatives to discuss the needs of our disabled veterans. We supported adaptive sports, including hosting the 2025 buckeye wheelchair games at spire academy in geneva, ohio in which over 50 wheelchair athletes competed in approximately a dozen different adaptive sports events. We communicated regularly with our members throughout the state by sharing a comprehensive quarterly newsletter, the buckeye banner, and by holding quarterly general membership meetings-- most recently in person at va locations around the state as well as virtual.”