FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
America’s Warrior Partnership and Runway of Dreams Foundation Collaborate to Provide Adaptive Clothing to Organizations Serving Veterans
Diné Naazbaa’, Higher Ground, and Vets’ Community Connections to receive Seven7 adaptive jeans as a part of Wardrobe Grant program
AUGUSTA, Ga. – December 15, 2020 – America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) announced today that three of their partner organizations would receive adaptive clothing as a part of the Runway of Dreams Foundation and Seven7 Jeans donation to communities in need. Diné Naazbaa’, Higher Ground, and Vets’ Community Connections will each receive an allotment of the 5,000 pairs of adaptive jeans being provided to a dozen organizations around the country right before the holidays.
Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, the Runway of Dreams Foundation works to ensure people with physical challenges have access to apparel that meets their physical needs and personal style. They accomplish their mission by raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting innovation to support functional, and the development of adaptive apparel.
Seven7 Jeans was among the first mainstream clothing companies to become inclusive of people with physical challenges beginning in 2019, with solutions such as magnetic and micro Velcro closures replacing buttons and zippers and reinforced side belt loops.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the Runway of Dreams Foundation, Seven7 Jeans, and our partner organizations to provide adaptive apparel to veterans, their families, and caregivers,” stated Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership. “One way to empower a veteran is by connecting them with resources in their community to fulfill basic needs, such as new clothing designed for those who have specific fit and sizing.”
America’s Warrior Partnership coordinated with the Runway of Dreams Foundation to identify organizations serving veterans and their families who would benefit from adaptive apparel. The three groups will receive the clothing beginning this month, and they will then distribute it to those within their communities.
Diné Naazbaa’
The Diné Naazbaa’ Partnership (DNP) is the first community-based program dedicated to empowering the Navajo Nation’s military veterans, their families, and caregivers. The program is currently conducting proactive outreach to the estimated 15,000 veterans living in the Navajo Nation to educate them on available resources and connect them with holistic support services.
The program elevates the work of local veteran-serving professionals by bridging the gaps that exist between community service providers and national resources. Supported by funding from the Schultz Family Foundation, it is the culmination of the Community Integration program.
"We are thrilled to be chosen to participate in the Runway of Dreams adaptive jeans program," stated Inann Johns, Community Program Lead for Diné Naazbaa’ Partnership. "Being able to provide clothing to veterans and their family members shows the strength of our partnership and exemplifies how working together, we can provide the services our military veterans deserve."
Vets’ Community Connections
Vets’ Community Connections (VCC) assists San Diego veterans, military, and their families in successfully integrating into their community by expanding their networks to include local organizations, businesses, and individuals.
“Vets’ Community Connections is thrilled to participate in the Runway of Dreams program and to connect local veterans with much-needed adaptive apparel,” said Amy Richards, Program Manager for Vets’ Community Connections. “Our work at VCC centers around involving the wider community, and this is a terrific example of what can be done when the business community fills gaps to support veterans.”
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is an adaptive sports nonprofit that looks to improve the lives of those with disabilities, including our nation's veterans. Through the power of therapeutic recreation and continued support, Higher Ground bridges the gap between disability and belonging. With locations in Sun Valley, Idaho, Los Angeles, and Buffalo, New York, they bring the healing power of recreation from coast to coast. Empowering people of all abilities to achieve their highest quality of life with a variety of programming from weeklong camps for veterans, competitive adaptive sports, to social clubs for adults with cognitive disabilities, and finding a place for all.
“Higher Ground is proud to be chosen by AWP as an organization to receive adaptive apparel as a part of the Runway of Dreams Wardrobe Grant program, which is a step towards greater inclusion for all, regardless of physical challenges,” stated Kate Dobbie, Executive Director of Higher Ground. “With many of our participants' unique needs, having an adaptive clothing option will make a difference in their everyday life. We thank Seven7 Jeans for the generously donated adaptive jeans and look forward to brightening the days and wardrobes of our participants."
IMAGES | Seven7 Adaptive Jeans / Women | https://seven7jeans.com/shop/adaptive-women
IMAGES | Seven7 Adaptive Jeans / Men | https://seven7jeans.com/shop/adaptive-men
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About America’s Warrior Partnership
America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities to empower veterans. We accomplish this mission by understanding and building relationships with veterans and their families to enhance and improve the quality of their life by connecting with them and collaborating with community organizations. Our ultimate goal is to use a proactive and holistic approach to decrease suicide and non-natural causes of death of former service members.
www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org | @AWPartnership | #awpartnership
About Runway of Dreams Foundation
The Runway of Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works towards a future of inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity in the fashion industry for people with disabilities. Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, the Runway of Dreams Foundation develops, delivers, and supports initiatives to broaden the reach of adaptive clothing and promote people with disabilities in fashion. Through adaptive runway shows, awareness building campaigns, college clubs, wardrobe grants and scholarship programs, the Runway of Dreams Foundation is empowering people with disabilities with opportunity, confidence, independence, and style.
www.runwayofdreams.org | @runwayofdreams | #RethinkTheRunway
About Seven7 Adaptive
Seven7 Jeans, a part of Sunrise Brands, was among the first mainstream clothing lines to become inclusive of people with disabilities. Our first line of adaptive jeans was made available in November 2019, creating solutions to ease of dressing like magnetic and micro velcro closures in place of buttons and zippers, and reinforced side belt loops. Originating in Europe in the 1960s, Seven7 delivers seasonal menswear and womenswear collections in a wide range of sizes and silhouettes. As one of LA's most affordably priced premium denim brands, Seven7 Jeans is widely known for its fantastic fits, superior quality, handcrafted details and unique treatments.
www.seven7jeans.com | @seven7jeans
Media Contacts
Kelli Lusk, America’s Warrior Partnership
Cell / 208.309.3793 | Office / 706.504.5841
klusk@americaswarriorpartnership.org
Anthony Popiel, Dalton Agency
404.876.1309 | apopiel@daltonagency.com
Scott Merritt, Dalton Agency
404.876.1330 | smerritt@daltonagency.com