Services Offered By Veterans Helping Veterans

By Eloise Hewitt


When the troops return from combat zones to their homes many have no idea how to access the services available to them. They return injured and disabled in other ways and their return to civilian life is a long and difficult journey. There are few civilian resources capable of helping these soldiers to reintegrate into society. That is why the concept of veterans helping veterans was created.

These organizations know that most disabled vets are of an opinion that therapists cannot know how to help them if they have not experienced what has happened to them. The people who are affiliated with these agencies are volunteers who have been in combat themselves and therefore have firsthand knowledge of the trauma experienced by the men and women seeking assistance. The disabilities suffered are not restricted to physical injuries. Many soldiers return suffering from PTSD and a long term treatment plan is warranted for this disability. Some never receive treatment for it.

Because so many veterans are homeless many agencies offer places where they can stop in for a hot meal, clean clothing and a bath on a regular basis. They must be sober when they use the facilities. They will also find people very much like themselves in the facilities and they can stay all day if they choose to. They may also be able to get assistance with other things while they are there. Housing and medical attention as well as legal assistance references are available to them.

There are referral agencies available that will direct the client to the appropriate department for help. They may also offer the client help with filling out and filing the proper paperwork in a timely fashion. They sometimes have access to volunteers who will give transportation to offices or even job interviews for clients who have shown they are serious about finding a better life.

Many of these agencies refer to themselves as one stop resource centers. They have volunteers that are well versed in every aspect of available aid for the veteran and his or her family. They will help file disability claims and assist with the follow up paperwork necessary as well as help provide aid and assistive domiciliary care for an individual.

The volunteers in these centers specialize in helping soldiers access pensions and disability benefits. They can also direct them to resources that will pay tuition for college and help them connect with vocational schools for training in a new career. Physical disabilities can make it imperative for those returning home to have access to school and new careers.

Access to support groups has proven very beneficial to disabled soldiers. The groups should be led by a trained psychologist who is versed in the problems related to combat issues. Many groups also deal with addiction issues and family problems. When returning home many individuals do not realize how much the combat experience has changed them. The groups help with these issues along with many others.

The goals of these nationwide services is to help end veteran homelessness and provide a door to a productive life for those who have lost their way since returning from combat areas around the world. Most achieve this by referral and personal contact and assistance to all who need help readjusting.




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