Social Service Memorial Honor Fund

PASR’s Social Service Memorial Honor Fund (SSMHF) Committee is organized and prepared to help members in every local PASR chapter across the state, as well as several chapters outside the Commonwealth. The Committee is made up of dedicated and caring volunteers who are ready to assist any PASR member who may find themselves in need of support.

The Unexpected Happens

Retirement is meant to be enjoyable. But for one PASR member, a catastrophic accident changed everything. He is now on a ventilator for life, and his savings have been depleted. Within four years, he reached his insurance’s one‑million‑dollar medical cap and now relies solely on Medicare. PASR assisted him through the Memorial Honor Fund (MHF), which was created to help chapter and state members who need financial or emotional support.  

Who Are the Members in Need?

Retirees who:

  • become ill and are confined to their home, hospital, or nursing facility
  • become victims of a catastrophe
  • are experiencing severe financial stress

What is the Fund Used For?

The Fund exists to help members in need by providing moral support, financial assistance, and gifts or visits to those who are sick or homebound. Contributions to the MHF are used entirely to support members during times of emotional and financial distress. All administrative costs are paid from the PASR General Fund, not from MHF donations.

Since the SSMHF’s inception, the Association has provided more than $100,000 in direct financial aid to members facing serious hardship. Some members receive a monthly stipend to help with ongoing living expenses. For many others, the Fund has helped repair or replace something they could not otherwise afford. Over the years, hundreds of members have received assistance for home repairs after fires or tornadoes, car repairs, the purchase of adaptive equipment, debt reduction, and more — all made possible through the generous contributions of PASR members.

The greatest impact of the Fund comes from the service provided each year by SSMHF volunteers. Nearly $20,000 is distributed annually to local PASR chapters to support members who become ill or are confined to nursing homes. In 2025 alone, volunteers assisted more than 2,000 members statewide.

Often, emotional support is just as important as financial help. Funds provided to local chapters allow volunteers to purchase cards and gifts for members in need. Cards are regularly sent to those who become ill, and gifts or necessities are delivered to members who are sick, shut‑in, or living in nursing homes. Flowers, baskets, and small tokens of care are often paired with a personal visit from a volunteer. This compassionate outreach is one of PASR’s most meaningful functions. Members can take comfort in knowing they will never be alone during their times of greatest need, thanks to the generosity of MHF contributors and the dedication of SSMHF volunteers.    

Contributions Make It Possible

The SSMHF relies entirely on donations to continue assisting members in need. Approximately $50,000 is spent each year to support PASR members. If you are able to contribute and help PASR continue this important work, please download and complete our donation form. Donations made in memory of individuals or in honor of someone’s achievements are welcomed and gratefully acknowledged.