USA Showers CARES Program
Life is rarely a straight line where people live quiet and happy lives from beginning to end. Obstacles arise that make things more difficult than they have to be and quickly become a source of stress. One area that shouldn’t cause frustration and anxiety is being able to take a shower safely. It’s a piece of everyday life that the average person can take for granted, but it can make all the difference in the world for families dealing with these challenges. The USA Showers CARES Program is here to help families within our community shower safely!
What Is the USA Showers CARES Program?
Shower and bathtub construction in older homes often leaves much to be desired in terms of safety. Narrow spaces, high step-in thresholds, and slippery surfaces can make any bathing experience a nightmare for returning veterans and other families in need. The USA Showers CARES Program aims to improve the lives of two families per year with a new remodeled shower or bath that meets their needs. The installation is free of charge and is a way for us to help the community one shower at a time.
By choosing two families within the community, we want to give back to our local community in practical ways that improve their daily lives. You can nominate deserving families for the CARES program and start Making a Positive Difference by Helping a Family Feel Safe at Home!
Past Recipients
Megan Johnston woke up one morning not knowing that a trip to the hospital for a sore leg and diminished range of motion would change her life forever. After careful examination by her doctors, it was discovered that she had a tumor growing around her spine and would require surgery to remove. Twenty-three back surgeries, six bones removed from her foot, foot reconstruction, and numerous complications led to her making the decision to amputate her foot in 2010 for a better quality of life. A year later, she moved in with her husband, who was serving in the National Guard, and upon entering their new home, it was the last time she would have an ADA-compliant shower.
Due to complications from her surgeries, Megan started using a wheelchair and would require assistance getting into and out of the shower. With two small children at home and her husband serving our country in the National Guard, it was a difficult journey for her and her family. Finding a shower that could accommodate her wheelchair and require less help to get her into and out of the shower would help make their lives easier. However, the bathroom and shower remodel prices would make the prospect more of a pipe dream than a reality. That’s where the USA Showers CARES Program came in.
When we heard Megan’s story, we knew that we had to step in and give her and her family something that they could celebrate and make their lives a little easier. We installed a brand-new walk-in shower, complete with a no-lip edge to wheel her chair in, grab bars, a pull-down shower seat, and a shower door to keep her chair in place and prevent it from slipping. It’s a small token of gratitude that we can offer a veteran family that truly deserves it.
Partnering With Charities Throughout the Region
Giving back to the community goes beyond helping two families every year with a new shower and tub installation. During each quarter, we partner with charities throughout the region to participate in fundraising, collecting donations, and providing help and support however we can. We’re currently partnering with the Arizona Humane Society to collect donations to help the animals in their shelters.
Nominate a Deserving Veteran or Family Today
Countless veterans across the country are struggling without the care and support they need throughout their civilian lives. The USA Showers CARES Program looks to take one less thing off their shoulders and give them the peace and comfort that comes from taking a nice, safe, and comfortable shower. Nominate a deserving veteran family and help a family in need to feel safe at home today!
