By Amy Howe
Michelle Lee, the founder and president of the board of directors at OurVeteransFirst, has made it her mission to support local veterans in need. After spending 25 years as a probation and parole officer in Jasper County, Missouri, Michelle repeatedly witnessed veterans, particularly those not connected to the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, fall through the cracks. This realization led her to action. “I saw a need in the veteran community that wasn’t being filled,” Lee shares. In early 2019, OurVeteransFirst was established, and by September of that year, it secured its nonprofit status.
The mission of OurVeteransFirst is to assist at-risk and homeless veterans by providing them with essential resources and financial assistance. “We believe that no one is more deserving of a second chance than our veterans,” she says. While local shelters and agencies offer some support, many veterans remain underserved, particularly those who don’t qualify for VA benefits. Lee’s experience working closely with these individuals fueled her passion for creating a solution. “I have a great deal of respect for veterans, and I wanted to ensure they had access to the help they needed.”
OurVeteransFirst offers a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of local veterans. From financial aid for rent and utilities to essential items like food, clothing and hygiene products, the organization works to prevent homelessness before it starts. One particularly impactful initiative is the Backpack Program. “We provide veterans with backpacks filled with hygiene items, snacks, first aid supplies and seasonal necessities like gloves and emergency blankets,” Lee shares. These small but crucial supplies can make a world of difference to those struggling on the streets.
Another key offering is a short-term, no-interest loan program for eligible veterans. “It’s all about giving them a hand up, not a handout,” she says. This program is designed to help veterans who are on the path to financial stability but need immediate assistance to avoid homelessness.
Looking to the future, OurVeteransFirst has a bold vision for a Veterans Village in the Joplin area. “We want to provide 24 months of housing to eligible veterans,” Lee shares, noting the program will include personalized support plans for each resident. “We’ll address any issues that are preventing them from being self-sustaining, healthy and whole.”
The village will offer not just housing, but access to mental health and substance abuse counseling, as well as practical life skills like personal finance, job training and even gardening and beekeeping. “The goal is to give them the time and resources to heal and rebuild their lives,” Lee adds. By the end of the program, veterans will have a pathway to stable housing and employment, helping them reintegrate into society as empowered individuals.
For many veterans, OurVeteransFirst has provided more than just assistance—it has restored their hope. Veteran Aaron Kukovich shared how the organization supported his family during one of their most challenging times. In 2022, Kukovich and his family were living in a camper at a local campground when they were told they had to move. “OurVeteransFirst paid a local towing company to move our camper to another campground and covered the first month’s rent and electricity. We were ever so grateful,” Kukovich says.
The support didn’t stop there. As the holiday season approached, the organization reached out again. “In November, Michelle messaged me asking about our children’s clothing sizes and interests,” he shares. On a snowy morning near Christmas, Lee and her team showed up at his door, bringing presents, clothes, food and even a $150 grocery gift certificate from the local American Legion. “We were so blessed! OurVeteransFirst will always be near to my heart. We will never forget the kindness and selfless service they provided.”
Despite the significant impact OurVeteransFirst has had on local veterans, Lee acknowledges that awareness of the organization is still limited. “I don’t think the community is aware of our existence and the ways we can assist veterans,” she says. Part of this challenge comes from a small marketing budget. “We want to spend as much money as possible on assisting veterans directly, so getting the word out has been tough.”
However, the organization is taking steps to increase its visibility. In October 2024, OutVeteransFirst moved into a new ADA-compliant office at 204 B E. 15th St. in Joplin. “This new space will allow us to meet veterans face-to-face, giving them a more formal setting to seek help,” Lee shares. The office will also serve as a hub for collaboration with other local organizations and agencies. OurVeteransFirst regularly works with the Veterans Administration, Catholic Charities, local VFW posts and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to ensure veterans receive comprehensive support.
Lee encourages the community to get involved in the organization’s efforts. “We are a community effort,” she says. “We welcome new members, volunteers, donations and sponsorships. If you share our passion for helping veterans, there’s a place for you at OurVeteransFirst.”
Michelle attributes much of the organization’s success to her fantastic board of directors. “We have so many great people on our board and it’s because of their selflessness and dedication to veterans that we are able to do what we do each and every day,” she shares.
As OurVeteransFirst continues to grow, Lee is hopeful more people will become aware of their mission and the critical services they provide.
“Our goal is simple: to make veterans stronger so our community becomes stronger, too,” she explains. Whether through donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to support the organization’s work.
For more information or to find out how you can help, visit their website at ourveteransfirst123.org or call 417.691.7087.