How the Power of Change Has Helped a Local Nonprofit Empower Vets
Transitioning from the military to civilian life can feel overwhelming. Hats Off for Veterans (HOFV), a local nonprofit founded in 2023, works to make that shift easier by providing support, scholarships, and a community for Texas veterans.
“It’s so rewarding when you see you’ve helped a veteran,” said Lisa Adams, founder and CEO of HOFV. She is the daughter of retired United States Army Master Sgt. Jimmie Quintero and grew up overseas on military bases in East Asia and Europe. “I feel that, even though I didn’t serve in the military, if I can help someone who did, I answered the call of duty in a small way.”
HOFV recently received a $5,000 grant from PEC, which was funded by our participating members who rounded up their bills through the Power of Change Program. The grant funded upgraded cameras, computers, and sound equipment that have allowed the nonprofit to expand its reach. With these enhancements, HOFV has broadened mental health programs like Courage to Connect, their peer-to-peer meetings for veterans, and their 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
“Mental health is a big problem in the United States,” Adams said. “We need to figure out a way to reach these veterans and let them know that other people dealing with similar struggles are willing to listen and help.”
Since supporting veterans with these struggles can be difficult, Adams said they’re also offering Courage to Connect meetings for their spouses and family members.
With the new technology HOFV was able to purchase, Adams said they will now be able to serve veterans across eight regions of Texas.
Helping veterans chase their dreams
In addition to mental health services, HOFV helps veterans transition to civilian life by offering educational scholarships and professional development grants. In 2026, the nonprofit will be offering a grant for high school students entering the service.
For U.S. Army veteran Nolan Berry, pictured right, that support came at the perfect time. After serving four years, Berry enrolled at Texas State University to pursue a degree in construction management. Though the GI Bill covered most of his tuition, the HOFV scholarship helped Berry cover other costs associated with student life.
“I couldn’t believe they thought I was deserving,” Berry said. “But it came at exactly the right time.”
With a dream in mind and support from nonprofits like HOFV, Berry said his transition into civilian life wasn’t as tough for him as some of his peers. He encouraged other veterans to do their research, find organizations wanting to support them, and chase their passions.
“There are resources available for veterans,” he said. “They may not be right in front of your eyes, but you don’t have to look too far to find them.”
Join the Power of Change
This is just one of the ways our members empower their communities by rounding up their energy bills through PEC’s Power of Change Program. In addition to grants, the Power of Change funds financial assistance for members in need and a variety of youth education programs.
You don’t have to do much to do good. On average, members enrolled in the Power of Change donate less than $6 per year, or 50 cents per month.
Enroll today, make a one-time donation, or learn more about the Power of Change at myPEC.com/change.
