Serving Veterans a Work of Heart

Kristan Dael
50plus Magazine

Kerin Clark has a best-kept secret, and she’s on a mission to share it with as many veterans as possible.

While not really “secret,” the VA pension program Kerin helps veterans and their families with provides support to those who served — even for just one day, in combat or not — during any war. The program helps with meals, medication management, bathing/showering, fall prevention and the like.

Kerin says people who may qualify often hesitate out of either pride or feeling that they may make or have too much money. As an investment advisor working in partnership with an attorney, Kerin says she and her partner are often able to “position someone’s assets so they can qualify.”

To provide an idea of the cases she helps with, Kerin shares about a wife who “had to do everything” for her husband. “If she wasn’t around, he would have been in assisted living years ago. They didn’t know about the program and couldn’t afford help with his needs.”

Another example was a couple who resided in independent living and wished to move to assisted living. To do so would require additional income they didn’t have. “Eligibility is based on income, need and military service. By qualifying for the pension, this couple received the additional funds to make the move they needed,” Kerin says.

Another gentleman she helped shared that he couldn’t remember the last time he’d showered for fear of falling.

“Candidates do not need to be bedridden or in a wheelchair to be considered for this benefit. Simply needing help with everyday tasks can qualify you for eligibility and enrollment,” Kerin says. For example, a person receiving occasional visits from a son, daughter or caregiver helping with everyday tasks may be a candidate for assistance.

For those who qualify, the VA pension is paid directly to the family. “I have helped hundreds of veterans and their families qualify for this benefit,” says Kerin, adding that for her it is indeed a work from the heart.

“It fulfills me in a way no other work has,” she says. “It’s so impactful. I was able to help my own father, so I know how meaningful it was for my family and how impactful it is for others’.”

Getting the word out about the program has been the greatest honor for me, she says.

“These veterans put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom, with no expectation of getting anything in return. Now it’s our turn to serve and protect them. This is my mission.”

To learn more, contact Kerin at 360-695-0221 or kerinclark4@gmail.com.