The Office of the New York Attorney General filed a civil suit last week, alleging that Healing for Heroes, a nonprofit launched in 2024, siphoned almost $100,000 from donors to pay for personal shopping trips, restaurant meals, vehicle repairs, and upgrades to the founders’ private property.
The charity promoted a 30‑acre wooded retreat in Bemus Point, Chautauqua County, as a free haven for wounded veterans, yet records show only four retreats in 2024‑25, all attended by board members, relatives, and close friends. Veterans with no ties to the leadership were repeatedly turned away before they could apply.
Investigators also uncovered that board president Thomas Nelsen and board secretary Jennifer Milchanoski‑Nelsen rented the property on Airbnb at least 32 times, pocketing $33,312.16 that donors believed would support veterans. The money was funneled into their personal bank account, while the nonprofit failed to maintain a proper board or record donations, including valuable vehicles and equipment.
Attorney General Letitia James demanded the court dissolve the organization, transfer its assets to a legitimate veterans’ group, and permanently bar Nelsen and Milchanoski‑Nelsen from holding nonprofit office or collecting charitable donations. The suit seeks full repayment of the misappropriated funds and statutory penalties.