Northampton County Becomes 196th Hidden Heroes Community in U.S.

In anticipation of Veterans Day 2022, AARP Pennsylvania gathered with Northampton County officials and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to celebrate Northampton County becoming the 196th Hidden Heroes County in America. 

Hidden Heroes brings awareness to caregiving for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, promoting the Respite Relief Program, which offers family caregivers of veterans or service members access to free, short-term relief with the help of in-home care professionals.

AARP Pennsylvania's Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy and Veterans, Military and Families Liaison Kellie Von Stein joined County Executive Lamont McClure and Director of Veterans Affairs Alex Carrillo, along with Pennsylvania Dole Fellow Georgette Wenton, for a press conference to celebrate the new designation.

Every November, AARP Pennsylvania pauses to acknowledge National Family Caregivers Month and, on November 11th, recognizes Veterans Day. 

Pennsylvania currently has nearly 800,000 veterans living in its communities. This represents the 4th largest veterans’ population in the country.

We recognize that in addition to honoring and paying respect to those who served our country in uniform, we must also thank their family caregivers – true hidden heroes – who care for their loved ones and often seek information about and access to available resources and supports that can lighten their caregiving responsibilities.

AARP is proud to work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to empower, support and honor our nation’s military caregivers.

AARP Pennsylvania salutes Northampton County for joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s nationwide network committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.

Find AARP resources, such as discounts and a benefits navigator, at aarp.org/veterans.

This post was written by Teresa Osborne, AARP Pennsylvania Director of State Advocacy; and Kellie VonStein, Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy and Veterans, Military and Families Liaison