What Is The Purpose Of 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.

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.

The volunteers who work with these agencies have intimate knowledge of all available benefits for the returning veteran and his family. The agencies they work with often refer to themselves as a one stop shop for military benefits because their people have the skills necessary to assist nearly every person who requests assistance.

These volunteer centers are able to help with pensions and grants for education as well. They can connect people with vocational rehabilitation centers that are funded by the government for returning soldiers. Many soldiers returning with physical injuries cannot return to their chosen professions and need this opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives once they return home.

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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