Saturday, 26 April 2014

What Is Veterans Helping Veterans

By Eloise Hewitt


Unless you have spent time in an active combat zone it is very difficult to understand what our soldiers experience or the effect it can have on them when they return home. Many have trouble readjusting to civilian life because disabilities suffered while in Iraq or Afghanistan and many still suffer from other conflicts that happened during the past century. The needs of our returning troops is being addressed by organizations that use veterans helping veterans as their most productive tool.

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.

Some services offered by these establishments include drop in locations where homeless vets can get a bath, new clothing, meals and camaraderie from others in their situation. They are also able to access assistance to find housing, legal assistance and information on how to apply for benefits available to them. Other benefits may include job assistance or medical assistance.

Some of the agencies supply referrals for clients. The paperwork needed may be accessed at these sites and they are able to assist the client with properly filling it out. If necessary some of the agencies can transport a client to the proper department to ensure the papers get filed.

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.

Nearly all returning troops are eligible for tuition allowing them to attend college and there are vocational programs available to them as well. Volunteers at veteran agencies can help them access these benefits easily. They are also able to help access pensions and disability claims. All of these benefits help returning soldiers continue being productive members of society.

Support groups are a very big part of recovery programs that are offered. Most have a licensed therapist available to facilitate and they are open to everyone. Families and parents of the veteran are encouraged to participate because they are such a large part of the soldiers life. These groups often gather to visit persons who have been incarcerated or those who live in homeless shelters to offer them hope and encouragement.

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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