Supporting Local Veterans

Honoring Veterans Through Everyday Support: The John DeVore Charitable Trust

As we pause to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans this Veterans Day, First Option Bank is proud to spotlight one of our Trusteed Foundations that quietly but powerfully supports veteran families year-round — the John DeVore Charitable Trust.

A Legacy of Compassion in Miami County

The John DeVore Charitable Trust is a private foundation dedicated to helping individuals and families in need across Miami County. Since its inception, the Trust has focused on practical, life-changing assistance — from housing and utilities to medical care, transportation, and education.

For many veteran families, these grants have meant the difference between hardship and hope.

Impact Snapshot (Fiscal Year Ending 4/30/2025)

• Total Granted to Date: $448,525.50
• Veteran Families Helped: 257
• Annual Disbursements: Typically $27,000–$64,000
• Current Year Goal: $30,000

These numbers reflect more than just financial support — they represent real lives uplifted through compassion and community care.

Types of Support Provided

The Trust’s funding is tailored to meet urgent and essential needs, including:

• Housing Support: Rent assistance, mortgage payments, ADA bathroom installations, and home repairs.
• Utilities: Help with electric, gas, and water bills to prevent shutoffs.
• Medical & Dental Care: Surgeries, dentures, crowns, eye care, and emergency medical bills.
• Transportation: Car repairs, tires, and transmission replacements.
• Education: Dual-credit tuition and study-abroad scholarships.
• Special Needs: Mobility equipment, veteran honor flights, and funeral expenses.

A Key Piece of a Bigger Picture

In the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025, First Option Bank Trust & Financial Services helped distribute $1,097,187.61 in charitable grants and scholarships. Of that, the John DeVore Charitable Trust contributed $48,604.24, underscoring its vital role in addressing immediate, tangible needs within our community.

This foundation adds depth to our overall charitable portfolio, ensuring that strategic grants and emergency assistance work hand-in-hand to improve quality of life for those we serve.

Thank You to Our Veterans

To those who served — and to the families who stand beside them — we thank you. Your sacrifices inspire the work we do every day.