Every month thousands of men and women return home from the combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. When they arrive many find that they have a difficult time adjusting to non-combat life in their home towns and cities. Not everyone can understand what they are experiencing or how they are feeling about their new status as civilians. Organizations have begun to appear that help with these problems by using a veterans helping veterans philosophy.
Many soldiers return with PTSD and never receive treatment for the disorder. They end up homeless, in jail or sometimes addicted to drugs or alcohol. The organizations that are becoming available know that trust is a big issue with soldiers with this disorder and that is one of the reasons they use men and women who have been in combat as volunteers to work with the clients. They have prior knowledge of the obstacles that can be encountered when seeking benefits or medical assistance from the military system. They are also familiar with the ways and means to work with and around this system.
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 times the services available to vets can be found in one place and some of the agencies make it a point to have all available information for them on hand at all times. They pride themselves on being the go to resource for vets. They will take the time to find out what an individual is qualified to receive and then assist with obtaining those services.
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.
There are support groups that are facilitated by therapists provided by many centers. They have scheduled meetings that are open to everyone associated with the returning veteran. They also help deal with addiction issues and family issues that may arise for the participants of the programs. One on one support is also available for those in jail or a homeless day center. The people involved in the one on one services are not professionals but rather volunteers who can listen and sometimes offer another approach to the solutions needed.
These services can be found nationwide and are proving very helpful to those returning from combat zones to adjust to civilian lives. Their stated goal is to open doors for the homeless veteran and help them through referral and personal assistance to become productive citizens again.
Many soldiers return with PTSD and never receive treatment for the disorder. They end up homeless, in jail or sometimes addicted to drugs or alcohol. The organizations that are becoming available know that trust is a big issue with soldiers with this disorder and that is one of the reasons they use men and women who have been in combat as volunteers to work with the clients. They have prior knowledge of the obstacles that can be encountered when seeking benefits or medical assistance from the military system. They are also familiar with the ways and means to work with and around this system.
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 times the services available to vets can be found in one place and some of the agencies make it a point to have all available information for them on hand at all times. They pride themselves on being the go to resource for vets. They will take the time to find out what an individual is qualified to receive and then assist with obtaining those services.
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.
There are support groups that are facilitated by therapists provided by many centers. They have scheduled meetings that are open to everyone associated with the returning veteran. They also help deal with addiction issues and family issues that may arise for the participants of the programs. One on one support is also available for those in jail or a homeless day center. The people involved in the one on one services are not professionals but rather volunteers who can listen and sometimes offer another approach to the solutions needed.
These services can be found nationwide and are proving very helpful to those returning from combat zones to adjust to civilian lives. Their stated goal is to open doors for the homeless veteran and help them through referral and personal assistance to become productive citizens again.