Veteran Services Center received grant from DVNF

Zachary Kinder
Volunteers of America
Denver, CO 80205
720-264-3323

August 25, 2017
Media Release

Denver — The Volunteers of America Colorado Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center is honored to announce it has received a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $10,000, which will help fund the Veterans Treatment Program. The grant will provide financial assistance for veterans participating in Colorado’s 2nd Veterans Treatment Court, and will cover things such as transportation, medical costs, training peer mentors and developing veteran-led peer support groups, as well as general housing stability.

“The grant allows us to assist low-income or homeless veterans struggling with addiction in taking control of their situations,” Veteran Resource Manager Holden Young said. “Eventually, we hope these veterans will be able to peer mentor others through the same problems.”

“Addiction is unfortunately all too common among our veterans, especially our homeless and low-income vets,” said Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. “We are proud to work alongside VOA Colorado, and we hope this grant will help get these veterans back on their feet and out from under the stronghold of addiction.”

The treatment court funnels veterans away from the traditional court room environment into special, problem-solving courts. Alongside the court team and peer mentors, veterans works to address the underlying issues that caused their justice involvement. There are 32 veterans receiving services through the court, with more waiting.

Through the peer support system, veterans are encouraged to continue working to better their future and quality of life. Peer support provides a “battle buddy” to stand alongside through the life-changing process. Relationships are developed based on a common, shared experience of having served their country in the military.

ABOUT THE DISABLED VETERANS NATIONAL FOUNDATION
Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded – physically or psychologically – after defending our safety and our freedom. DVNF achieves this mission by:

  • Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF
  • Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
  • Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
  • Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community, and educating the public accordingly.

ABOUT THE BILL DANIELS VETERAN SERVICE CENTER
The Volunteers of America Colorado Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center seeks to coordinate and expedite high-quality service delivered to service members and veterans experiencing homelessness and associated family of all generations and backgrounds through the strategic co-location and collaboration of veteran-serving organization at the Veteran Service Center. For more information about the Volunteers of America Colorado Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center, visit www.coacolorado.org/veteran-services-center.

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