Paralyzed Veterans of America is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946. We have developed unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members--honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.

Gateway is one of 33 Chapters of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Our local Chapter was chartered in the State of Missouri in October 1976. We are governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of twelve (12) veteran members of our organization. We pride ourselves on being responsible stewards of the funds we receive, and appreciate your interest in our organization.

We are an accredited charity member of the Better Business Bureau, meeting all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, and have received their designation as an Honor Roll Charity. We are also a Guidestar Platinum Level Participant. Our 2022 fiscal year audit shows that out of every dollar we spent, about $.90 went to programs for members. A program expense ratio of at least 65% is required for BBB approval.

Beginning in 2013 we began offering $10,000 home accessibility grants to members to make accessibility renovations to their homes. In 2015 we started providing $5,500 grants to members who need assistance in purchasing a portable generator or full service home generator. In 2014 we began and continue today, purchasing used accessible vehicles for members, providing $10,000 grants to assist in upgrading or repairing member owned vehicles, providing $17,500 grants to assist in purchasing a non-accessible vehicle that will have hand controls installed, and providing $35,000 grants to assist members in purchasing an accessible vehicle. We have also continued to provide monthly catered luncheons at the Jefferson Barracks Spinal Cord Unit, and funding members to attend events like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic in Colorado.

Check out our programs tab for more information and ways to get involved!