Veterans Care Coordination Honors Army Veteran at Keys to Progress® Event
On November 6, Veterans Care Coordination® had the privilege of honoring Army Reserve Veteran Raena Jones during the annual Keys to Progress® Veteran Vehicle Giveaway event held in St. Louis, Missouri.
Each year, Progressive Insurance hosts the Keys to Progress® program, a nationwide initiative that provides reliable transportation to deserving Veterans and their families. Since the program began in 2013, more than 1,100 vehicles have been donated to help Veterans facing challenges such as unemployment, housing instability, and limited access to transportation. The event brings together individuals and organizations across the country who are committed to honoring and supporting those who have served.
Keys to Progress® in St. Louis, MO, November 6, 2025.
This year’s St. Louis event opened with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by Jackie Smith, retired NFL player. Chad Kies, Event Coordinator for Progressive, welcomed attendees and introduced those who helped make the event possible, extending gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and resources to support this year’s recipient, Raena Jones.
Raena, a former Army Reserve engineer from the Houston area, recently moved to St. Louis. As a single mother, she is balancing her healthcare needs with her son’s homeschooling. Currently, she is on the kidney transplant list and is deeply grateful for the donation of a vehicle. This vehicle will make it easier for her to attend medical appointments and care for her family. Receiving the car has provided her with the independence and freedom she needs to support her family and stay connected with loved ones, including her 93-year-old grandmother, who was the first person she planned to visit with her new car.
Revealing the car to Raena at the Keys to Progress® event.
Jen Smith, a Progressive employee, co-hosted the ceremony alongside Chad. Kim Price, Renal Transplant Coordinator and Physician Assistant at the St. Louis VA Health Care System, also participated in the presentation. A Veteran herself, Kim was Raena’s sponsor for this year’s event. She has come to know Raena through her dialysis treatments, where Raena often brings along her nine-year-old son, Kaden, who she currently homeschools. Kim shared that she loves treating Kaden to a cup of hot chocolate during visits and has been inspired by Raena’s strength and optimism despite the challenges she faces.
In recognition of Raena’s service and perseverance, Veterans Care Coordination donated a $500 gas card to help ease her transition and support her ongoing journey toward independence. The donation was made possible through VCC’s Serving Others Fund, an employee-led program that allows team members to contribute to causes that uplift Veterans and their families.
Michelle Smith, Client Care Manager, and Jamie Gianopulos, Marketing and Communications Specialist, represented Veterans Care Coordination at the event and presented the gas card to Raena.
From left to right, Jamie Gianopulos, Raena Jones, Kaden Jones, and Michelle Smith.
Although CEO Kyle Laramie was unable to attend due to prior commitments, he shared, “At Veterans Care Coordination, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to recognize and support Veterans. This event was a special opportunity to celebrate a deserving individual who has given so much in service to our country. We are honored to play a small part in helping Raena on her journey.”
Heartfelt moments of gratitude, Raena shared hugs with Jen Smith, Michelle Smith, and Jamie Gianopulos after receiving her new vehicle and gift card at the Keys to Progress® event.
The generosity extended far beyond the car itself. Progressive employees nationwide personally donated a combined total of $37,000 to be shared equally among 100 vehicle recipients. Locally, Missouri employees also contributed personal gifts for Raena and Kaden — from car care items to a brand-new skateboard for Kaden, who couldn’t wait to take his first ride. Jen Smith shared, “I think Kaden has hugged me and told me thank you at least 100 times just today. He is such a genuine and sincere boy.”
Reflecting on the day, Chad Kies, Event Coordinator for Progressive in St. Louis, said, “Keys to Progress is one of the most meaningful days of the year for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a company that prioritizes giving back to the community in such a powerful way. While the Keys to Progress vehicle giveaway is supported on a national level, it’s our local teams who have the honor of bringing the event to life. Once a recipient is selected, we get the chance to meet them, learn their story, and understand the challenges they’ve faced. That personal connection transforms the day into something truly unforgettable — filled with emotion, gratitude, and purpose. Being involved in this event reminds me why I’m proud to do what I do, and proud to work for a company that makes a real difference.”
Events like Keys to Progress® serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and dedication of our nation’s Veterans. Veterans Care Coordination is proud to continue finding ways to serve those who have served—through home care assistance, community involvement, and moments of recognition that make a lasting difference.
If you would like to learn more about the Keys to Progress® Vehicle Giveaway Program through Progressive, click here.
