About Veterans Relief Foundation
Restoring Independence. Building a Stronger System of Support.
Veterans Relief Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans regain independence, dignity, and access to daily life. Our work is currently centered on mobility support, especially providing electric wheelchairs and related assistance to veterans who have been denied help elsewhere or cannot access the equipment they need. At the same time, VRF is building toward a broader, more coordinated approach to veterans relief that addresses multiple areas of need through one connected system.
ABOUT Our Mission
Our mission is to help veterans move forward with greater stability, opportunity, and support. At VRF, we recognize that real relief is not one dimensional. Veterans may face overlapping barriers that affect daily life, health, connection, mobility, and access to critical resources.
That is why we are building a coordinated approach to veterans relief that is designed to respond more effectively to the realities veterans face.
Our Story
Veterans Relief Foundation was originally built around helping wounded veterans reconnect with life through adaptive support, accessible community experiences, and specialized equipment that made participation possible. Early efforts included waterfront-based programming designed to create opportunities for confidence, connection, and renewed independence for veterans facing physical challenges.
Through that work, VRF saw something important: mobility was often one of the biggest barriers standing between veterans and fuller participation in daily life, community, and recovery. That understanding led the organization to expand its focus into direct mobility support, including helping veterans access electric wheelchairs and other solutions that could restore independence in a more immediate and practical way.
That next phase of work also revealed a larger truth. Veterans often face overlapping challenges, and meaningful relief cannot always stop at mobility alone. Over time, VRF’s mission has continued to grow from those early community-centered roots into a broader, more coordinated approach to veterans relief.
Today, VRF is building a model designed to support veterans more holistically through Provisions, Mobility, Recreation, and Resources while staying grounded in the same core commitment that shaped the organization from the start: helping veterans move forward with dignity, support, and opportunity.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM PILLARS
Each pillar focuses on a different area of support. Together, they help create a stronger, more complete veterans relief system built to serve real needs with practical solutions.
Provisions
Food assistance, clothing, hygiene supplies, and emergency essentials that help stabilize daily life.
Mobility
Transportation assistance and adaptive mobility solutions that help restore independence.
Recreation
Adaptive recreation and community engagement opportunities that promote wellness, connection, and reduced isolation.
Resources
Guided navigation for housing, healthcare, employment, and veterans benefits.
Our Work Supporting Veterans
A look at the programs, events, and community partnerships that help Veterans Relief Foundation support veterans across our communities.
HELP BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT
VRF is building toward a stronger future for veterans through coordinated support, practical relief, and mission driven growth. With the help of donors, partners, advocates, and community supporters, we can continue expanding the systems and services that help veterans access real support in the moments they need it most.
Leadership & Governance
Director
Bobby Friedman
Former world Champion professional Tandem Surfer with a philanthropic heart, has volunteered for numerous nonprofit organizations. Bobby has a passion for serving those in need, which is the reason he co-founded VRF. He is currently acting as the Director of Veteran's Services.
CO-FOUNDER
Jeff Combs
Entrepreneur, financial professional and co-founder of VRF who's loss of a life long friend that was an Army Ranger fueled a passion for serving those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. His passion for serving our veterans was to pay tribute to his friend and our troops.
Secretary
Mark Braunstein
Tech innovator and community organizer with a lifelong passion for service, Mark has supported charities across Southern California and co-founded VRF to empower veterans. Inspired by his father’s Army service and early memories of hosting Vietnam soldiers at his family home, Mark brings both heart and expertise to every mission.
Veterans Relief Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to financial stewardship and measurable results.